On Feb 26, USM President Selma Botman announced on her blog “The 21st Century USM” that she will recommend two candidates for deans positions at Lewiston-Auburn College (LAC) and the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP). This announcement contrasts with her previous decision to leave the positions unfilled.
Last December Botman cited the unpredictability of the economic crisis when she decided to halt the search for new deans until a “clearer path” was decided upon.
However, as a result of listening to people’s concerns about the issue, on July 1st two new deans will likely become part of the USM community pending the approval of the UMaine System board of trustees.
Botman has advocated Joyce Taylor Gibson, associate professor of education at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, to a dean’s position at LAC. Botman describes Gibson as “a strong community leader”, who is known for “backing under-represented student populations.”
Judith A. Spross, a professor of nursing at USM, is being recommended as dean of CNHP. With previous experience as a clinical specialist in oncology and pain management nursing, Botman cites Spross’s knowledge and background as making her an excellent candidate for the position.
To read President Botman’s blog, visit http://usm.maine.edu/pres/
-?Abigail Cuffey