Cam McDonnell: Outstanding Graduate Student in Instructional Technology
Cam McDonnell is the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student in Instructional Technology in the 91±¬ÁÏ College of Education and Human Development. Originally from Greenfield, Indiana, McDonnell moved to Maine as fast as she could. Previously, she earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Student Development in Higher Education and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Peace and Reconciliation Studies) from 91±¬ÁÏ. She is earning an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Instructional Technology. McDonnell currently works as Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the 91±¬ÁÏ and the 91±¬ÁÏ at Machias.
Why did you choose 91±¬ÁÏ for graduate school?
Maine offered horizons and opportunities I did not find elsewhere.
Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor, or role model who made your time at 91±¬ÁÏ better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91±¬ÁÏ?
Dr. Mia Morrison! Mia has been instrumental to my success in Instructional Technology. I took some time away in the middle of my coursework, and when I was ready to come back, Mia and her team had open arms. Her compassion has been evident throughout my time in the program.
What has 91±¬ÁÏ enabled you to explore beyond academics?
Beyond the beauty the state has to offer, I feel like 91±¬ÁÏ pushed me to be my most authentic self in any professional context — especially when teaching/instructing a class.
What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?
Ask questions of everyone! Not simply on the material; ask someone how their day was and what their story is. Check in even if you haven’t bumped into (or taken a course with) someone in a while. Build your personal support network to rely on throughout your enrollment, and never trick yourself into feeling like a burden.
What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?
As I graduate, I plan on empowering my current professional capacities to build online bridges to meet students where they are in their development of what constitutes healthy, consensual relationships.
Special thank you message:
My sincerest gratitude to Mia Morrison, the Instructional Technology faculty, my peers throughout the world of education (PK-16), and my partner for their support throughout my time in the program.