ORONO – The University of Maine’s School of Performing Arts has a new associate provost and dean for undergraduate education.

UM President Robert Kennedy announced this week that he has selected Stuart Marrs, UM music professor and division chair, to fill the position pending approval next month from the board of trustees.

Marrs is a renowned percussionist who has been a UM faculty member since 1985, according to Monday’s press release from the university. His extensive academic background includes teaching, research and outreach throughout Maine, in several other states, in Latin America and in Europe.

“Stuart has great experience and a wealth of knowledge about the University of Maine,” Susan Hunter, UM’s vice president for academic affairs and provost. “He is a student-centered professor who is highly regarded in our community and I am delighted that he will take on this important new role.”

Marrs will be responsible for a wide range of duties related to undergraduate education and oversees several offices within the enrollment management area.

“I am pleased and honored to be serving UMaine in this new capacity,” Marrs said in the release. “Undergraduate education is more important than ever and in this position I will strive to ensure we provide our students with the best educational opportunity.”

Hunter preceded Marrs in the associate provost role. She was promoted to vice president and provost in May, when Edna Szymanski left UMaine to take a university presidency in Minnesota.