Dr. James “Jim” Pete

James “Jim” Pete, Ed.D. joined the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias leadership team as Chief of Staff in August 2026. He brings more than 28 years of leadership experience spanning the military and higher education, with extensive expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, personnel management, and the execution of complex operations across the United States and abroad.

Prior to joining UMaine, Jim served as a Military Professor at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, focusing on instructing strategic planning in the Department of Joint Military Operations and leadership development in the College of Leadership and Ethics. Through this role he helped prepare senior U.S. and international military leaders and senior U.S. government officials for positions of significant policy, staff, and command responsibility. 

A U.S. Army veteran, Jim served in a variety of command and senior leadership assignments throughout his military career. His experience includes service with U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, U.S. Army Cyber Command, U.S. Army Europe, and U.S. Army Central Command. His career also included multiple operational and combat deployments. Jim’s military service has been recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Badge.

Throughout his career, Jim has focused on building high-performing teams, strengthening collaboration across organizations, and helping leaders navigate change and make effective decisions. His combination of strategic leadership, organizational development, human resources expertise, and higher education experience informs his work supporting the president and the university’s leadership team in advancing the shared priorities of the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias.

Jim earned a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska; a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island; and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Outside of his professional life, Jim is a newly minted grandfather and is enjoying the newest leadership role in his family.