UMFK Student Spotlight — Kasey Jordan, from pageant stages to behavioral science excellence

1 month ago

FORT KENT, Maine — Kasey Jordan, a junior studying behavioral science at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, was recently featured in an issue of Art & Beauty magazine. The article highlighted Jordan’s deep commitment to volunteerism and her passion for helping others — qualities that will undoubtedly contribute to her success in a future career dedicated to service.

Currently serving as the 2025 Miss Northern New England Ambassador for Crossroads through the Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant, Jordan is an active volunteer, dedicating time each month to supporting her community. Her involvement with Crown CARES (Creating a Respectful Environment in Society), MASP’s platform, has further shaped her dedication to social responsibility, character education, and bullying prevention. 

Jordan’s foundation of service began early, shaped by her 12 years as a Girl Scout, during which she earned the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Pinnacle Awards — honors that showcase her leadership, dedication, and impact. Among her many accomplishments, Jordan founded Tiny Steps Building New Lives, a project through which she led the construction of a 24- by 24-foot tiny home for an unhoused female veteran. 

Jordan’s pageant journey has helped her develop critical life skills. “Pageants can help prepare women going into the workforce with the tools to write a resume, how to dress for an interview, and how to answer questions in a professional manner,” she said. 

Jordan also credits pageantry with helping her transition smoothly into the collegiate environment at UMFK. “Pageants have helped me walk into a new environment like college and feel confident,” she explained.

Jordan’s role as an ambassador complements her academic and extracurricular involvement at UMFK, where she is a visible presence at community events. Volunteering with the UMFK Behavioral Science Club, she has participated in meaningful gatherings like the Recovery Celebration, which unites individuals overcoming substance misuse to share stories of hope and resilience. She has also assisted with events like the Halloween Spooktacular and participated in ceremonies such as the Veterans Day observance. These activities have provided her with practical experience and enriched her understanding of human behavior — key elements of the behavioral science program.

Balancing her title responsibilities with her academic pursuits, Jordan has her eye set on assisting in the rehabilitation of individuals within the criminal justice system when she graduates. 

In July Jordan will compete in a national pageant in Florida, with the opportunity to continue in a national role or vie for the Miss Maine 2026 title. Regardless of the outcome, Jordan’s unwavering commitment to service, education, and social responsibility ensures a bright future. As she inspires others through her journey, Jordan exemplifies how diverse experiences, from pageantry to advocacy, can foster skills that make a meaningful difference in the world.

UMFK’s behavioral science program recently experienced a name change to psychology. The psychology program offers the same, exemplary hands-on learning experiences, job shadowing and service-learning projects of the previous behavioral science program. In addition to preparing students for advanced studies in clinical counseling and psychology, graduates are prepared for jobs such as substance abuse counselors, adult and child case managers, and social work.

To learn more about the psychology program at UMFK, visit umfk.edu/academics/programs/psychology/.