AUGUSTA – A member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, educator Wayne Newell, was nominated Monday by Gov. John Baldacci to the board of trustees for the University of Maine System.

If confirmed by the state Senate, Newell would succeed James Mullen of Bangor and become the first Indian to serve on the board, Baldacci’s office said.

Newell works as director of bilingual education for the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s Indian Township School. He has previously worked as tribal planner with the Indian Township tribal government and had developed a tribal health delivery system for the tribe.

“Wayne brings a unique perspective, level of skills and experience to the board,” Baldacci said in a statement. “He will use his talents to promote the University of Maine System and continue its ability to meet the needs of Maine students and the work force in this global economy. The university system is one of the most crucial links to the economic development of Maine now and in generations to come.”

According to material distributed by the governor’s office, Newell received a master’s degree in education at Harvard University.

The governor’s office also announced Monday that Baldacci was seeking the reappointment of William Johnson of Saco to the university system board.

Johnson, who has served on the board for five years, is a retiree of Mobil Oil, according to the governor’s office. A University of Maine graduate, Johnson is a former city councilor and mayor of Saco.

The university system board of trustees has 16 members.

Earlier this month, trustees voted unanimously for University of Southern Maine President Richard Pattenaude to become the new chancellor of the university system.

Pattenaude, who has served 16 years at USM, is expected to begin his new duties July 1, succeeding Terrence MacTaggart, who returned to the job he once held on a one-year assignment after the resignation of Joseph Westphal.