Joseph McDonnell
Interim President
tel 207-778-7256
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jmcdonnell@maine.edu
Joseph McDonnell was appointed Interim President of the University of Maine at Farmington for a two-year term that began July 1, 2022.
Interim President Joseph McDonnell was most recently a Professor of Policy, Planning and Management in the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine, where he previously served as Dean of the College of Management and Human Services, and later as USM Provost.
Before his service at USM, McDonnell was interim dean of the School of Business and was Research Professor at Stony Brook University in New York. He has also held senior leadership positions in the private sector.
McDonnell brings to Farmington higher education executive leadership experience and a track record of creating innovative academic programming through partnership that meets student and employer needs, including in areas aligned with UMF’s strengths. At USM, for example, McDonnell initiated a doctoral degree in Education Leadership as a joint venture between the Muskie and Education schools, as well as a growing program in Tourism and Hospitality.
Christine Wilson
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
tel 207-778-7087
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christine.wilson@maine.edu
Dr. Christine Wilson came to UMF from the University of Connecticut, where she was assistant vice president for student affairs, director of student activities, and an instructor in the university’s graduate program in higher education and student affairs.
Wilson has more than 25 years of strategic leadership experience in student affairs, including administration of Title IX programming and student activities. Her other roles in student affairs include serving as assistant director for student leadership at the University of Rhode Island and an instructor in the school’s master’s in college student personnel program, director of student activities at the University of Baltimore, assistant director of residential life at SUNY–New Paltz, and coordinator of residential life at The Pennsylvania State University.
She received a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel and Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Indiana State University.
Laurie Gardner
Chief Business Officer
tel 207-778-7272
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lgardner@maine.edu
Laurie Gardner started at UMF in 1989 and has held various roles over the years leading up to her current position as Chief Business Officer. She is proud to work at an institution that encourages personal growth and values every student.
In addition to her work at UMF, she also sits on the Board of Directors for Franklin County Network (fcNet) whose mission is to provide a pathway to the future, promoting higher educational opportunities to the residents of Franklin County and is the Treasurer for Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) whose mission, in part, is to provide services to alleviate the conditions of economic uncertainty and advocating for changes to eliminate the cause of poverty.
When she’s not working on behalf of the above-mentioned organizations, Laurie enjoys quilting, knitting, antiquing and spending time with her family.
Office of the President
University of Maine at Farmington
Merrill Hall
224 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938
tel 207-778-7256
fax 207-778-8189
TYY (via Maine Relay Service) dial 711