Susan Mingo Awarded Honorary Doctorate by University of Maine at Machias

MACHIAS, ME – Washington County Community College proudly recognizes President Susan Mingo for being awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the 2026 commencement ceremony at University of Maine at Machias.

Mingo received the honorary degree in recognition of her longstanding commitment to higher education, student success, and community impact across Washington County and the State of Maine. She also delivered the commencement address during the ceremony.

Mingo has served as president of Washington County Community College since 2018 after previously serving for seven years as the college’s Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services. Over her more than twenty year career at WCCC, she has focused on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening student support systems, reducing barriers to student success, and improving retention and persistence outcomes for students across the region. Under her leadership, WCCC has continued to strengthen workforce development initiatives, expand student support services, and grow partnerships designed to meet the educational and economic needs of Downeast Maine. The college has advanced initiatives focused on workforce training, student engagement, and increasing access to higher education opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students.

During the honorary degree presentation, University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy recognized Mingo’s decades of leadership and service. “For more than two decades, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to higher education, strengthening student support systems and improving outcomes for students across Washington County and the state of Maine,” Ferrini-Mundy said. “Her work reflects a steadfast belief in education as a pathway to economic mobility and a better future for Maine.”

A graduate of UMaine Machias herself, Mingo reflected during her commencement address on her own educational journey and the transformative power of higher education. “Serving within my current role, I stand as living proof that where you start does not determine where you can go,” Mingo said. “Setbacks are not endings. They are beginnings in disguise. Your path does not need to be perfect to be powerful. It only needs to be yours, shaped by resilience, courage, and the belief that you can rise beyond any obstacle.”

Mingo also spoke candidly about initially leaving college after her first semester before later returning to complete her education while raising a young family. Mingo shared with graduates “The point in telling you this aspect of my personal journey is that this one part of my journey did not define me or my future.”

Throughout her remarks, Mingo emphasized compassion, perseverance, and the importance of creating opportunities for others. “Through my work, I always strive to narrow achievement gaps, remove systemic barriers, and cultivate inclusive environments that expand opportunity and help level the playing field for all who aspire to earn a college degree,” Mingo said.

She concluded her address by encouraging graduates to lead with empathy and resist making assumptions about others. “One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is to resist the urge to make assumptions about the people that we encounter,” Mingo said. “When we choose curiosity over judgment and empathy over assumption, we create space for understanding, connection, and mutual respect.”

The honorary degree recognized not only Mingo’s professional accomplishments, but also her continued dedication to serving students and strengthening communities throughout Downeast Maine. “This is a true privilege to contribute each day to the transformative efforts that advance opportunity and enrich the lives of people throughout Maine,” Mingo said.