UMaine Honors Dean Passes Away

Charles Slavin, dean of the University of Maine Honors College and an associate professor of mathematics, died unexpectedly this morning in his Orono home. He was 58.

Slavin joined the UMaine mathematics faculty Sept. 1, 1984. He was named director of the Honors Program in 1997. Among the many achievements during his tenure as director was the transition of the Honors Program, one of the country’s oldest, into a college in 2002.

“Charlie Slavin was one of our most highly regarded colleagues, campus leaders and dear friends,” said University of Maine President Paul Ferguson. “All of us who knew Charlie were enriched by his love of life, his love of family and, for us in the academy, his love of scholarship. Although we will deeply miss our daily interactions with him, his presence and impact will be felt for decades to come.”

Susan Hunter, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, said Slavin was a beloved figure on campus. “He was absolutely dedicated to the mission of the University of Maine and the Honors College,” she said. “He will be sorely missed by his students and his colleagues.”

Slavin received an A.B. in mathematics from Princeton University in 1976, and a master’s and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin in 1980 and 1984, respectively.

Slavin is survived by his wife Nancy Hall, an associate professor of communication sciences and disorders, and his children.

Slavin’s obituary is online.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, (207) 581-3745