BANGOR, Maine – University of Maine System Chancellor James H. Page announced Wednesday that he has named Dr. Susan J. Hunter vice chancellor for academic affairs for all seven universities in the system.
Hunter currently serves as the University of Maine’s executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, a position she has held since May 2008, according to a press release announcing her appointment. Hunter assumes her new post, which carries a salary of $205,000, on Sept. 1.
Hunter previously held administrative positions at UMaine including associate provost and dean for undergraduate education; assistant director in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture; and as a faculty member and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, according to the press release.
“We have a great deal of important work to do developing our academic strengths to meet Maine’s educational challenges and opportunities,” Page said in the release. “Dr. Hunter is without doubt the most qualified individual and best person to serve as Maine’s senior academic officer.”
As vice chancellor, Hunter will lead a system-wide review of all academic programs offered across the state with a goal of eliminating redundancy and coordinating program growth and development. Hunter will also head efforts to prepare for declining numbers of traditional age students, enhance adult baccalaureate degree attainment, maximize course delivery systems, and integrate the academic initiatives identified by UMS Presidents and Trustees, according to the press release.
Hunter is a cell biologist who began her career at the University of Maine in 1986 as a faculty member in the Department of Zoology.
“I am delighted with the opportunity to collaborate with all seven institutions in enhancing academic offerings within the University of Maine System for our present and future students,” Hunter said in the release. “The current landscape of higher education demands that we work together to optimize the contribution of expertise and talent residing within our seven System universities to benefit our students and the state of Maine.”