AUGUSTA — University of Maine System Chancellor James H. Page announced recently as part of his final campus visit to the University of Maine at Augusta that UMA President Rebecca Wyke will continue to lead the institution.
The system board of trustees authorized a presidential search waiver and a direct appointment for Wyke, acting on a recommendation from the chancellor that was formed by strong expressions of support for Wyke’s leadership from campus and community stakeholders.
Wyke was appointed to a fixed, three-year term to replace President James Conneely. This is only the second time during Page’s tenure that the board has been asked to waive a search and authorize a direct appointment for a campus president.
Page shared the decision and thanked the university community for its engagement in the appointment decision at an open campus forum held recently in the Fireside Lounge on the Augusta campus.
“The staff and faculty at the University of Maine at Augusta understand that the success of public higher education must be measured by the success of Maine people,” said Page. “Under President Wyke’s leadership, UMA is opening up more opportunities for the students and communities we serve. “On behalf of the Board, I want to congratulate Becky and thank the students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders who participated in our discussions on UMA’s future,” he continued. “There was resounding commitment for strengthening UMA’s mission and well-deserved support for Becky’s leadership.”
