Thomas College president brews up 'Talent on Tap' roadshow
File photo / Jim Neuger
Thomas College President Laurie Lachance
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How do you get the word out to high school educators and administrators across Maine about career pathways for students at a small college in Waterville?
Invite them for afternoon drinks and snacks at breweries nearby.
That's the thinking behind a new "Talent on Tap" series this month to be hosted by Laurie Lachance, president of Thomas College since 2012 and former Maine state economist. The series is being organized in partnership with Jobs for Maine's Graduates and Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development.
Set to be held at breweries from York to Brewer, it aims to enlighten high school administrators, guidance counselors, teaches and other educators about Thomas College in an informal setting.
"We feel like we've the best-kept secret in Maine, and we've been trying to figure out how do you get more brand awareness," Lachance told Mainebiz.
"We found in our research that this group of people called influencers — the guidance counselors and teachers in the high schools that write recommendations, the people that advise students on where to go to go to college — just don't know about us," she says. "And if they do, they don't understand the changes that we've made, and the really unique opportunities that Thomas offers."
Some of the pluses she plans to highlight are Thomas College's guarantee to qualifying students of finding employment within six months of graduating along with accelerated undergraduate and graduate degree programs that get students into the workforce faster. The school puts a priority on getting students career-ready.
"We'll also talk about what employers are looking for from students and graduates, and how to steer students in a direction that is a fit for them in their talents and aspirations," said Lachance, a Mainebiz 2015 Next list honoree who served under three governors as Maine state economist.
The brewery series "is just an opportunity to tell our story in a whole different format, in a way that will hopefully open some eyes," she added.
For the series, Thomas College is partnering with Jobs for Maine's Graduates, an Augusta-based nonprofit that works with public middle and high schools, community colleges and universities to help students in all 16 counties reach their fullest potential, and with Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development. Lachance said that DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson may attend one or two "Talent on Tap" events.
'Pulling in the same direction'
Craig Larrabee, president and CEO of Jobs for Maine's Graduates, told Mainebiz that his organization is pleased to join forces with Thomas College and Lachance for what he deemed an "important initiative to engage public education leaders on the topic of economic development."
"The economic plan put forward by Gov. [Janet] Mills and her administration will need everyone pulling in the same direction if the state is going to maintain and grow a vibrant economy," he added. "Engaging leaders in education around the state to discuss the economic plan, including the workforce crisis, and possible solutions will only help ensure that our state's economic plan is successful.
"Talent on Tap" will kick off at Waterville Brewing Co. on March 11.Then it goes to the Pub at Baxter Brewing Co. in Lewiston on March 12; Mason's Brewery in Brewer on March 16; Rising Tide Brewery in Portland on March 18; and York Beach Beer Co. in York on March 19. All events will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Heather Sanborn, who owns Rising Tide with husband Nathan Sanborn and directs the company's business operations, is as enthusiastic about the upcoming series as Lachance, saying: "Laurie is an inspiring leader, and we look forward to hearing the conversations that this event will foster."
Lachance said she hopes to learn something from the tour herself, like what's most important to students as they consider a college education.
"In this new, knowledge-based, technology-driven economy, it's essential to get an education past high school," she said, "so how do we get students on a path that's going to be right for them?"
She also said that while Thomas College may not be for everyone, its small-campus atmosphere may be a good choice for some.
Further details about the "Talent on Tap" series and registration is available online.
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