Nichols Named to Equal Opportunity/Diversity Post
Contact: Joe Carr at 581-3571
ORONO — University of Maine Interim President Robert A. Kennedy has announced a change in the staffing of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
Harry Payne, Executive Director since August 2003 has resigned and left UMaine to return to New Jersey. President Kennedy is recommending the fixed-term appointment of Susan Nichols, currently Investigations Coordinator for the University of Maine System Office of Human Resources, to assume the position of Executive Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at UMaine, beginning September 1.
Nichols has been responsible for investigating complaints alleging discrimination and harassment on all seven campuses since 2003. She has previously served in several capacities for the U.S. Postal Service: EAP Coordinator, Mediator, Equal Employment Opportunity Manager, Diversity Development Specialist, Manager of EEO Investigations, and Director of Human Resources. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire and has done graduate work in organizational development, public administration and counseling. Upon approval from the Chancellor’s Office, Nichols’ appointment will run through June 2006. A national search is planned during the 2005-2006 academic year to fill the position on an ongoing basis.
“I am very pleased that the Chancellor’s Office has agreed to allow Susan Nichols to take a leave of absence from her current responsibilities and assume this very important position on our campus. Harry Payne made significant contributions to furthering our efforts in these important areas and I believe it is essential to replace him immediately with a seasoned administrator who is knowledgeable and experienced in this work,” Kennedy says.
Nichols, who will serve as the University’s ADA and Title IX Coordinator, will report to President Kennedy through Evelyn Silver, senior advisor to the President. Bonita Grindle will continue as Assistant Director and Susan Scott as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.