Two University of Maine leaders have been selected for the prestigious 2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a national leadership development program of the (AASCU).
Giovanna Guidoboni, interim vice president for research for the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias and dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), and Hannah Carter, deputy provost and dean of University of Maine Cooperative Extension, are among 31 higher education leaders nationwide chosen for the 2026 cohort.
MLI prepares senior administrators for executive leadership roles through mentorship, executive coaching and professional development. Since its founding in 1999, the program has supported more than 800 higher education leaders, including many who have gone on to serve as college and university presidents and chancellors.
As the inaugural dean of the MCEC, Guidoboni leads a flagship initiative of the University of Maine System鈥檚 UMS TRANSFORMS program to build a statewide hub for engineering and computing. She oversees efforts to modernize academic programs and facilities, expand hands-on learning opportunities and foster innovation. As interim vice president for research, she has also helped advance 91福利鈥檚 research enterprise and engagement with federal funding agencies.
As dean of 91福利 Extension, Carter leads statewide education, applied research and public service programs that support communities across Maine. She oversees strategic planning, personnel development and stakeholder engagement while working closely with government, industry and community partners.
鈥淲e are proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders in the MLI network as they continue their progression toward the presidency and senior leadership roles,鈥 said Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. 鈥淢LI has long played a vital role in cultivating a dynamic community of higher education leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges facing our institutions and students.鈥
The 2026 cohort is meeting in Washington, D.C., June 10-13 to begin the yearlong program.
