UNE’s Audrey Bartholomew named one of Maine’s ‘20 Outstanding Women’

Audrey Bartholomew, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Education at the University of New England, has been recognized as one of Maine’s “20 Outstanding Women” for 2025. The annual list, presented by Hannaford Supermarkets, Maine Community Bank, and Coast 93.1 radio, honors women who go above and beyond to make their communities a better place to live.

A dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, Bartholomew works at the local, state, and national levels to advance accessibility, education, and resources for people with disabilities. In addition to training UNE’s future educators, she remains active in the field, regularly substituting in local classrooms to stay connected to the evolving challenges facing special education students and teachers.

Her advocacy extends beyond academia; she has traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators and champion policies that enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In Maine, she collaborates with schools to develop more inclusive learning environments and supports families navigating special education services. Recently, her efforts contributed to the advancement of a Maine bill aimed at expanding support for people with disabilities.

Bartholomew’s impact is also seen in her volunteer work. She serves as an educational surrogate for the state of Maine and sits on the executive boards of the Maine Parent Federation, Maine Trykers, and the Maine Council for Exceptional Children. Through Maine Trykers, she helps provide adaptive bicycles to children of all abilities, ensuring more kids experience the joy of riding.

Most recently, Bartholomew delivered specialized training sessions on supporting neurodiverse schoolchildren to two Maine-based organizations, furthering her commitment to improving educational practices for students with disabilities.

“Being included with this group of amazing Maine women is an honor,” Bartholomew remarked. “I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by so many people who support my work, including my husband and co-workers at UNE. Advocacy work can be a labor of love at times — it’s nice to be recognized for all the hard work I do on behalf of individuals and families with disabilities.”

For more on her recognition and to listen to an interview with Bartholomew, visit Coast 93.1’s "20 Outstanding Women" page.