UNIVERSITY OF MAINE at PRESQUE ISLE PRESIDENT

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1 UNIVERSITY OF MAINE at PRESQUE ISLE PRESIDENT The Presidential Search Committee, established by the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System, invites nominations and applications for the position of President of the University of Maine at Presque Isle. About the University The University of Maine at Presque Isle provides its 1400 traditional and nontraditional students with life-changing opportunities in a caring, small-university environment. One of seven autonomous campuses within the University of Maine System, UMPI combines liberal arts and selected professional programs and serves as a cultural and educational resource for the entire community. The University has adopted a learning focus that permeates the curriculum, student life, even the classrooms themselves. It is adventurous learning--intellectual, cultural, and outdoor adventure in an extraordinary natural and cultural environment. This adventurous learning provides opportunities for personal discovery and individual adventure so that students develop the skills and selfconfidence to succeed in life. The campus sits on 150 acres surrounded by the rolling hills and potato fields of northern Maine. The City of Presque Isle, population 10,500, offers opportunities for both summer and winter outdoor sports and is the primary commercial center of the region. Combining clean air, clear skies, and safe small-town life next door to the Northern Maine Woods, it also boasts blue-ribbon schools, a regional airport, and easy access to nearby Canada. Accreditation The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., which is one of six nationally recognized regional accrediting associations and is the official accrediting agency for schools and colleges in the six New England states. Institutional membership in the Association indicates that the University of Maine at Presque Isle has been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators. In addition, several academic programs within the University are accredited by specific agencies: via, all Teacher Education programs by the Maine Department of Education, the Medical Laboratory Technology-Associate Degree program by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association, the BS program in Athletic Training Education by the Commission on Accreditation of the Allied Health Education Programs, and the Social Work program by the Council of Social Work Education.

2 Presque Isle, Maine The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and our member communities boast some of the best opportunities for economic development in the State of Maine, and certainly north of Bangor. We are the economic hub of Aroostook with one of the largest Industrial parks in the area, second only to the Loring Commerce Centre. Tourism is a major industry in the Presque Isle area and the Chamber of Commerce has committed to developing better facilities and programs for our visitors with an aggressive Tourism Campaign. We now have the only 24 hour Visitor s Center in Northern Maine. At the Visitors Center we have brochures from our member businesses and member communities as well as our Membership Guide and snowmobile trail maps for your convenience. When in the area you may want to find an activity or event to partake of with the family and ours is the only Chamber with that option available to you 24 hours a day. The Presque Isle Industrial Park comprises 450 acres on which you will find rail lines, fabricated metal products manufacturing, food manufacturing, lumber and wood products manufacturing, transportation and public utilities, food products wholesaling, paper and allied products manufacturing and much more. Also available in the immediate area are Ashland 62 acres mining, lumber, wood products manufacturing and biomass electricity generation. Easton 127 acres rail wood products, food products, manufacturing and others Some of the area activities include snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and much more. If you are into the ecological vacation option, our member communities, along with the Chamber of Commerce, sponsor many cultural events in the County like our very own Pioneer Days, the Ashland Round-up and Easton s Homecoming Days. We also have some of the best lodging in the area from large motel / hotel establishments to quaint out of the way Bed & Breakfasts. Our member communities also have many options for lodging and dining giving you an opportunity to enjoy all you can fit into one vacation and then some. Mars Hill 29 acres food products

3 Mission Statement The University of Maine at Presque Isle, a publicly supported, baccalaureate institution located in northern Maine, provides broad educational opportunities for a diverse student body, with particular reference to the people of its region and state. The University emphasizes professional programs and a balanced curriculum that promotes a strong foundation in the arts and sciences. Undergraduate study includes a variety of majors leading to baccalaureate degrees in teacher education, career and professional fields, health and human services, arts and sciences, and the natural environment. Other opportunities include associate degrees, articulated transfer arrangements with campuses of the University of Maine System, non-degree certificates, and continuing education for practicing professionals. The University affirms, as central to its mission, commitment to the following ideals: close student, faculty, and staff interaction in support of intellectual growth and personal development diversities of culture, age, and nationality among both students & staff public service which promotes the well-being of the State's citizenry a global consciousness Presidential Leadership Community is a word one hears often at UMPI. The University s fundamental sense of itself is as an intellectual and social community of faculty, students, and staff linked with the City of Presque Isle, Aroostook County, the State of Maine and the surrounding region. Much of the President s work entails building and supporting these communities. The UMPI culture is one of participation, inclusiveness and consensus building. Effective communication is a key to leadership in this culture. Interviewing among committee members and campus community suggests these leadership priorities for the next president of UMPI. Support the Strategic Plan While any new president is expected to lead in establishing clear vision, identity, and priorities for an institution, every place and time will present unique needs and imperatives. Much work has been done System wide in developing a strategic plan that addresses the needs and outlines a direction for the University of Maine System. UMPI must interpret how the strategic plan impacts its campus and community and articulate what all share and believe about the direction and future of the institution. One of the President s most important roles will be to lead the University in articulating a compelling vision and in planning how that vision will be realized.

4 Engage alumni and the extended community UMPI s investment in its alumni development and public relations programs will need increasing attention and resource support in the immediate future. A comprehensive effort to communicate with, engage, and motivate its alumni will yield positive benefits for the University and its graduates. Efforts to build alumni support and participation must begin with first year students and continue through a lifetime of positive interactions with the University. Embrace the three campus consortium: In an effort to improve efficiency, share resources, and address broader needs of the northern and downeastern regions of Maine, the University of Maine System has established a tri-university consortium for planning and program development. In partnership with the University of Maine at Fort Kent and the University of Maine at Machias, UMPI will be a key player in establishing the effectiveness of this new concept. In representing the interests of UMPI at all times, the new President will join the presidents of Fort Kent and Machias in building upon communication, planning and program development currently underway. Provide Consistent and Trusted Leadership UMPI has many loyal and hard working faculty and staff who look to the President for leadership, collaboration and empowerment. The President must engage the entire community in reflecting, visioning and planning for the future of the University. S/he must embrace diversity in thought and action and model a life of intellectual achievement, acceptance and inclusion. Additionally, s/he must maintain a working knowledge of trends and national priorities for higher education as well as public and social policy in America. In doing so, the President must engage the community in discussions of the academic mission and program; encourage the setting and achievement of high standards; and serve as an external interpreter and an enthusiastic spokesperson for the University, its academic mission, and its programs. Foster Collegial and Other Relationships It is important that the President forge the best of personal and professional relationships with key constituencies. UMPI is a caring community of faculty, students and staff, living and working together in an atmosphere of respect and common purpose. It is expected that the new President will provide a style of leadership that recognizes the central importance of continuing to build campus community, while attending as well to the University s relationship with the surrounding region. Strengthen Resource Acquisition, Allocation and Management Although the University maintains a balanced budget, and anticipates continued fiscal responsibility, as with most small state universities, the financial picture must remain a top priority. Fundraising should be a principal focus of the President s attention. The University s endowment is very low and must increase to provide stronger support for UMPI s annual operating budget and the financial needs of its student body. While the overall campus is in good physical shape, and many capital needs annually addressed,

5 much work remains to bring classroom and other campus facilities to an expected standard. Increase University Enrollment and Retention The new President must prioritize efforts to determine and advocate optimal enrollment goals that are acceptable to the academic programs, faculty and Board of Trustees. Enrollment constraints obviously affect state allocations and budgetary options, as well as opportunities to build stronger academic programs and market its virtues for higher enrollment. Retention, as well, remains a top concern and is the focus of a grant recently submitted for consideration. UMPI first to second year student retention is among the lowest in the System and must be a top priority of this, and future, administrations. Presidential Attributes To provide the leadership required to enhance the University s academic programs and build upon its community partnerships, it will be important that the next President have the following attributes: An informed commitment to the ideals of liberal education and professional programs; The ability to articulate those ideals persuasively; A key leader and contributor to the overall community; A keen understanding of UMPI s role in promoting sustainable economic development; A principled view of the world and the confidence to make decisions, in part, founded upon those principles; A deep understanding of what goes into excellent teaching, learning and scholarship; An appreciation of UMPI s distinctive culture and values, and its special niche in higher education; Significant and successful teaching, administrative or executive experience; An aptitude and passion for asking others to support the institution financially; A keen business sense; the ability to optimize assets and prioritize deferred maintenance issues; A collaborative leadership style that builds upon relationships and a sense of community and teamwork; A sincere commitment to embrace diversity in thought and action; An excellent mind with a broad vision, varied interests, a fresh perspective, balanced judgment and creativity; Excellent communication skills, with a comfortable public presence; The ability to excel as a leader in a consultative environment, and skill in negotiating with all groups; Energy, stamina, enthusiasm and a sense of humor;

6 NOMINATIONS AND INQUIRIES The Presidential Search Committee will begin a review of candidate applications immediately and continue until an appointment is made. It is expected that the new president will begin duties during the summer of Nominations and expressions of interest, which will include a letter of application, resume and contact information for three or more professional references by to umsjobs@maine.edu or mail to Barry McCrum, Chair of the Search Committee and Member of the Board of Trustees, University of Maine System, 107 Maine Avenue, Bangor, Maine The University of Maine at Presque Isle is assisted in this search by Dr. James Ferrare of Academic Search Consultation Service. Dr. Ferrare may be reached at or jpf@academic-search.org. The University of Maine System is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and strongly encourages applications from and nominations of women and minority candidates. Upon request, the System provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.