First American Indian appointed UMS trustee

AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate on Tuesday made final two appointments to the University of Maine System board of trustees, including Wayne Newell of Princeton, the first American Indian to serve on the panel.

Newell, a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, has administered the Native Language and Cultural Program for Indian Township School. He received a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. Newell succeeds James Mullen of Bangor.

“Newell brings to the board new experiences and a unique perspective that will benefit the university system,” said Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, who also serves on the Education Committee.

Also by a vote of 34-0 with one absent, the Senate confirmed the reappointment of William Johnson of Saco to the board of trustees.

Johnson, a University of Maine graduate, has served on the board for five years. He is a former city councilor and mayor of Saco.