Thomas College hires former USM provost as next president
Photo / Courtesy, Thomas College
Jeannine Diddle Uzzi will succeed Laurie Lachance as president of Thomas College.
Jeannine Diddle Uzzi will succeed Laurie Lachance as the next president of Thomas College, taking the helm as the Waterville school's sixth leader on Nov. 1.
Uzzi joins Thomas College from Adler University, a private institution in Chicago, where she worked as vice president of academic affairs for more than two years.
Before that, Uzzi was at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, serving as provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs. She also chaired the school’s department of modern and classical languages and literature as well as the faculty senate.
"We all know this is a tough time for higher education, and my top priority is making Thomas College sustainable by building on its core mission of access to education,” Uzzi said in Thursday’s announcement.
”I see opportunities to make Thomas a more inclusive community that serves students from all backgrounds — whether they are from Maine or beyond — who are seeking a place where they truly belong,” she added.
'Innovative go-getter'
Lachance, who was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2022, announced her retirement in May after more than a decade as president.
At that time, she expressed the hope that whoever succeeds her would “lead from the heart.”
Uzzi's appointment, Lachance said in Thursday's announcement, fills her "with a profound sense of optimism for the future of Thomas College under her leadership."
Kim Lindhof, president and CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, called Uzzi an "innovative go-getter."
Distinguished background
Uzzi, who grew up in rural Sherrill, N.Y., earned her bachelor’s degree in classical languages from Hamilton College and a Ph.D. in classical studies from Duke University, where she was honored as the William H. Willis Instructor of Classical Studies.
She is also an alumna of the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome and has completed advanced leadership training through the American Council on Education’s Institute for New Chief Academic Officers and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Millennium Leadership Institute.
Outside of work, Uzzi recently led reading groups on classical literature for combat veterans in collaboration with the Maine Humanities Council and the Portland Veterans’ Center. She was awarded a certificate of achievement from the Maine Military and Community Network.
Uzzi also serves as the official pronouncer for the Maine State Spelling Bee and chairs the board of the Gym Dandies Children’s Circus.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments