In Memoriam: Sandra Featherman, PhD, former president of University of New England

Sandra Featherman, PhD, passed away on April 26, 2018. Dr. Featherman was a recognized leader in the field of osteopathic medicine. She served as the president of the University of New England (UNE) from 1995 to 2006. In this role, she is credited as being the chief architect behind the school’s merger with Westbrook College in 1996 to create its Portland, Maine, campus, according to a feature obituary in the Portland Press Herald.

Dr. Featherman was a mentor to many DO leaders in the osteopathic profession, and was known for being a strong supporter of osteopathic medicine and an advocate for higher education, quality and equity.

She served as chair of the Assembly of Presidents of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). In 2005, she received AACOM’s Dale Dodson Award in recognition of her leadership and service to osteopathic medicine. She also received the AOA’s highest honor, a Presidential Citation, in July 2017. Dr. Featherman additionally was a three-term member of the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

Prior to serving at UNE, Dr. Featherman worked for the University of Minnesota Duluth and Temple University for over two decades.

Dr. Featherman was buried on April 29 following a service. Her family requested that any memorial donations be made to organizations supporting higher education.