The three candidates for the position of University of Maine System Chancellor visited the University of Southern Maine this week, discussing with members of the community how they would guide the system if given the job.
The candidates, James Page, Meredith Hay and Rebecca Wyke spoke Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday respectively, answering questions regarding financial issues within the University of Maine System, the system’s relationship with the state government, and more.
Currently CEO of the James W. Sewall company in Old Town, Page has a doctorate in linguistics and philosophy from MIT. He has also taught philosophy at the University of Kansas and the University of Maine. “I have enough experience within the academy to have a pretty good appreciation of its goals and values, and then I have a business background as well, which brings to the table a lot of the techniques of business,” Page said.
Meredith Hay currently serves as the special adviser to the chair of the Arizona Board of Regents for Strategic Initiatives and previously served as vice-president and provost of the University of Arizona.
“I have a passion for public higher education,” Hay said. “It is the future of education in this country.”
Rebecca Wyke, the final candidate to visit the University of Southern Maine, is currently the vice-chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Maine System, position she has held since 2008. Before coming to the University of Maine System, Wyke worked for close to two decades in various positions in Maine state government.
“I care about Maine, Maine is my home,” Wyke said. “We need to make sure that we as an institution adapt to the wold around us and to the needs of our students.”
According to the University of Maine System chancellor search timeline, the next chancellor will be appointed at the March Board of Trustees meeting. The chosen candidate will replace Richard Pattenaude, who last spring announced his intention to step down at the end of this year.
Not much academic-level management experience.