Champion of UMaine Award

Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.)

Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.), has been selected to receive the Champion of UMaine Award, which recognizes individuals who are not alumni of the University of Maine but whose exceptional, effective, and sustained advocacy has advanced the University’s mission and quality. Through decades of leadership, mentorship, and service, Captain Settele has made a lasting impact on UMaine and the broader Maine community.

Captain Settele joined the University of Maine after a distinguished 27-year career in the United States Navy, where he served in senior leadership roles, including military assistant to the Secretary of Defense and Director of Policy and Strategy for U.S. Naval Forces Europe. He came to UMaine as Professor of Naval Science and went on to play a central role in shaping the School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA), serving in leadership positions ranging from assistant director to executive director.

Visit the UMaine Alumni Association’s Champion of UMaine Award webpage to learn more about Captain Settele’s influential work and achievements at UMaine and beyond.