Update on the EVPAA and Provost Search — April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025 Provost Search

Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities,

I am pleased to share an update on the search for our next executive vice president for academic affairs and provost (EVPAA). The process has been both thorough and encouraging. The applicant pool reflected a remarkable breadth of experience, with candidates bringing rich perspectives from a wide range of academic, professional, and institutional backgrounds. This depth and variety underscore the strong reputation of our institution and the significance of this leadership opportunity.

After thoroughly reviewing a pool of more than 50 highly qualified candidates, the search committee conducted in-depth interviews with 12 semifinalists. Based on these discussions and careful evaluation, the committee has provided me with their recommendations for the finalists and I have made my initial selection.

At this time, three candidates have been invited to campus for in-person interviews that will also include several meetings with small groups and a visit to the Machias campus. Additionally, each finalist will participate in an open forum, providing an opportunity for members of our community to engage with the candidates, ask questions, and share feedback. They have been asked to respond to the following prompt:

As EVPAA and provost, you would have a significant role in shaping the university and its future. Please share your vision and potential practical strategies for leading transformational change through challenges and opportunities at the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias to honor and extend our tripartite mission in research, teaching and learning, and community engagement/extension. 

We will announce via email each candidate 48 hours in advance of their scheduled visit and will also update the provost search website. The email will include information for the hybrid open forum and the candidates’ CV. For your planning purposes, the schedule is as follows:

  • Candidate #1: Arrival on 4/27, campus sessions on 4/29 (open forum 2:00 – 3:00pm), and Machias on 4/30
  • Candidate #2: Arrival on 4/29, campus sessions on 4/30 (open forum 1:00 – 2:00pm), and Machias on 5/1
  • Candidate #3: Arrival on 5/12, campus sessions on 5/13 (open forum 1:00 – 2:00pm), and Machias on 5/14

I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the members of the search committee for their time, commitment, and thoughtful contributions throughout this process.

I look forward to your participation in the upcoming forums and to the subsequent steps in selecting the next EVPAA who will help shape the future of our institution.

Sincerely,

Joan Ferrini-Mundy
President