Dear members of the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias communities,
I am delighted to share the news that I have appointed Dr. Giovanna Guidoboni as Vice President for Research (VPR) through June 30, 2027. Dr. Guidoboni has served with distinction since stepping in as interim VPR in November 2025. In a mere ten months, she has successfully helped the university navigate a rapidly changing and complex research funding landscape and realize new opportunities that advance our learner-centered R1 mission. A bold leader with fresh ideas, she has been a valued partner to me, my leadership team, center and institute staff, deans, and faculty, as well as key external research partners in Maine and across the nation.
While serving as VPR in AY26-27, Dr. Guidoboni will temporarily step down as dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC), though she will continue to serve as the lead for the University of Maine System (UMS) TRANSFORMS project initiative for advancing engineering and computing statewide. Provost Paquette has appointed a leader to serve as interim dean of MCEC in AY26-27, an announcement will be made later today.
At the beginning of the spring 2027 semester, I will launch an internal search within the System for a permanent VPR, who would have an expected start date of July 1, 2027. The prospectus for this position will draw directly from spring and early summer campus-wide discussions on the future of the Office of the Vice President for Research. In advance of launching the search, I look forward to engaging with the Faculty Senate, research center staff, and VPR staff, and will invite their participation in the search process. Further details on the search process and timeline will be forthcoming.
Please know we will also invite faculty, staff, and student involvement in the national searches launched this semester for deans of the colleges of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences and Education and Human Development.
Our entire scholar and research community will benefit from the momentum VPR Guidoboni built during her interim tenure and will carry forward in the coming months. Please join me in thanking her for her willingness to assume this fixed-length appointment.
Sincerely,
Joan Ferrini-Mundy,听President
University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias
