Dear University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities,
Welcome back, I hope you had time to rest and reset during spring break.
As we come back together for the final stretch of the semester and the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, I want to take a moment to reconnect as a community and also provide you with several important updates.
Last week we received the tragic news that the Orono Police Department recovered the body of Chance Lauer, a former UMaine student who had been missing since January. We extend deep sympathy to Chance’s family, friends, and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.
Even while many of you were away, important work continued across our campuses and facilities to advance UMaine excellence and our mission as a learner-centered R1 institution.
Last week, the University of Maine System Board of Trustees granted tenure to 17 outstanding UMaine faculty members, effective July 1 for those with fiscal-year appointments and September 1 for those with academic-year appointments. On behalf of our entire university, congratulations on this incredible and very well-deserved milestone to Jonathan Barron, Noah Charney, Melissa Cuba, Katherine Weatherford Darling, Philip Fanning, Kathleen Gillon, Lisa Kerr, Jonathan Malacarne, Gilbert Moss, Neel Patel, Franziska Peterson, Daniel Puhlman, Jane Puhlman, Nimesha Ranasinghe, Jessica Salley Riccardi, Johanna Bard Richlin, and Jane Wang.
Also last week, I was pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gabriel Paquette as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, effective April 1. Dr. Paquette has provided steady, thoughtful leadership in this role on an interim basis since July 1, 2025. Many of you have experienced his collaborative approach and commitment to supporting the success of our faculty, staff, and students. I look forward to continuing this work together.
I have recently moved ahead with searches to permanently fill two other key Cabinet roles. The Dean of Students and the Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Business Officer positions are now posted internally to the System, with applications due April 3. I look forward to announcing appointments before the end of the academic year.
In addition, the University of Maine Foundation, which is a separate organization, has begun the search for its next president and CEO following the announcement of Dr. Jeffery Mills’ long-planned retirement, which will be effective September 1. An external search firm has interviewed several UMaine representatives for input into the position prospectus.
Inclusive work continues on our ongoing Strategic Re-Envisioning, with this progress tracker recently launched, and on our budget planning for FY27 and beyond. I encourage you to attend today’s Budget Town Hall in person at Wells Conference Center, or via livestream, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. A follow-up session specific to UMaine Machias, led by Dean Megan Walsh, will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in Torrey Hall, Room 232. The Town Hall offers an opportunity to learn about the budget and to ask questions. UMaine will present its balanced budget to the Trustees’ Finance, Facilities, and Technology Committee for their first review on Wednesday. More information and other opportunities to engage in our budget process can be found here.
Looking ahead, Commencement will be here soon, and it is always a meaningful time for our community to gather and celebrate our incredible graduates and all those who support their success. Ceremonies will be held May 8 and 9 at Alfond Arena, followed by the Machias ceremony on May 10. Additional details will be shared in the coming days and weeks.
Thank you for all you do to support the success of our students and university. Spring is a time of growth and I am grateful for the progress we are making together.
Sincerely,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy, President
University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias
