MACHIAS – The University of Maine at Machias board of visitors elected Robert Demont as chair and Marilyn Murdock as vice chair for the 2005-06 term.

Demont and Murdock succeed Doug Kell Sr. of Ellsworth and Elizabeth Begin of Portland.

The board of visitors serves as an advocate and fund-raiser for UMM. It advises the university president on community and regional needs, reviews requests for tuition waivers and new academic programs, and drafts a five-year plan for the university. Both Demont and Murdock are serving the final year in their second three-year terms.