Dear members of the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities,
I am pleased to announce that Dr. James “Jim” Pete will join the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias as chief of staff, effective August 1.
In this role, Dr. Pete will work closely with me, our executive leadership team, and colleagues across our campuses to strengthen collaboration, communication, and organizational effectiveness as we advance our shared priorities.
Dr. Pete brings more than 28 years of leadership experience in the military and higher education. Throughout his career, he has led organizations through periods of change, built strong relationships across diverse constituencies, and helped leaders navigate complex challenges. He is known for listening thoughtfully, fostering collaboration, and supporting effective decision-making while keeping people at the center of the work.
Most recently, Dr. Pete served as a professor at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he taught senior military leaders and government officials while contributing to curriculum development. His experience translating strategy into action and bringing people together around shared goals will be invaluable as we continue advancing our mission as Maine’s learner-centered R1 flagship university, and land, sea, and space grant institution.
Dr. Pete holds a doctorate in education from Creighton University, a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College, a master’s degree in human resource management from Webster University, and a bachelor’s degree in English communications from Lebanon Valley College.
We are fortunate to welcome a leader whose experience, commitment to service, and collaborative approach will strengthen our university community and help advance our strategic priorities.
I also want to thank William Biberstein for his dedicated service as interim chief of staff and for his steady leadership and support during this transition.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. James “Jim” Pete.
Sincerely,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy,ĚýPresident
University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias
