Baldacci nominates 4 for UMS board

BANGOR – Gov. John Baldacci on Thursday submitted the names of four nominees for the University of Maine System board of trustees. Three are from northern and eastern Maine.

Recommended for a first five-year term are Charles O’Leary of Orono, former president of the Maine AFL-CIO; Chad Marquis of Fort Kent, a former Marine and truck driver who attends the University of Maine at Fort Kent; and Marjorie Murray Medd of Norway, who served as chairman of the State Board of Education and the Maine Children’s Alliance.

P. James Dowe Jr. of Bangor, president of Bangor Savings Bank, has been nominated for a second five-year term.

“These capable individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and bring an amazing level of skills, intellect and experience to the board,” Baldacci said in a written statement.

“They will use their talents to promote the University of Maine System and highlight why Maine is a great place for students to learn and to make a career. These appointees will further enhance the critical links between the university and economic development throughout the state.”

UMS Chancellor Joseph Westphal said he is “impressed with the diverse perspectives the nominees will provide” and looks forward to “having them join the other citizen trustees on the university system’s governance board.”

If approved, the nominees would replace Wickham Skinner of Tenants Harbor, Donald McDowell of Portland and Matthew Rodrigue, student representative from the University of Maine.

The nominees must be approved by both the Legislature’s Education Committee and the Senate. Confirmation hearings haven’t been set.

Sen. Elizabeth Mitchell, co-chair of the Education Committee, predicted smooth sailing for the candidates.

“They seem very promising. I think for the board we need some seasoned, accomplished people. We have a lot to accomplish and we need to get past the rough waters,” she said, alluding to the controversy surrounding the UMS Strategic Plan and the recent legislation that prevented the board from changing the names or locations of the state’s seven universities. That addition to the state budget prompted the resignation of trustees Skinner and McDowell.

“We’re all looking forward to moving the debate into another arena, and some fresh leadership will help with that debate,” said Mitchell.

The nominees said Thursday they look forward to helping strengthen the university system.

O’Leary, who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maine, said he is mindful that, if not for the accessibility and affordability of the flagship campus, many students would be unable to continue their education.

UM is important not only to students but to the state as a whole, said O’Leary, who aims to “bring any talents I might have to enhance [UM’s] mission and make it the best institution we can.”

Marquis wants to represent students from throughout the entire system.

“I just want to do the best I can and give whatever input I have and hope the students’ voice is heard,” he said.

Dowe’s reappointment will enable him to continue to “make a contribution,” he said. Noting that “it takes awhile to learn how things work,” Dowe said his experience should be helpful. “I’m looking forward to being a small part of the work that has to be done.”

Medd said she is “committed to helping to provide access to a quality higher education for all Maine citizens.”

UMS trustees also include Chairman Charles J. Johnson III of Hallowell; Judith Andrucki of Lewiston; William Johnson of Saco; Gregory Cyr of Portage; James Mullen of Bangor; Lyndel Wishcamper of South Portland; Jean Flahive of Eastport; Victoria Murphy of Portland; Paul Mitchell of Waterville; Barry McCrum of Mars Hill; Margaret Weston of Yarmouth; and Susan Gendron, commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, an ex-officio member of the board.