Announcing New Interim Dean and Campus Director of the University of Maine at Machias
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to inform you that Dr. William “Dee” Nichols will serve as Interim Dean and Campus Director of the University of Maine at Machias effective October 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
Dr. Nichols is an experienced academic leader and Professor of Literacy Education with a distinguished career in higher education administration, faculty governance, and student-centered curriculum development. He has served in key institutional leadership positions at the University of Maine, including Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (2012-15), Faculty Senate President (2020-21, 2021-22), and, most recently, Director of the School of Learning and Teaching, and Program Coordinator for Literacy, Language, and Culture. In Spring 2026, the Faculty Senate selected Dr. Nichols for its Award for Exceptional Service to the Faculty Senate and the University of Maine.
Additionally, Dr. Nichols’ academic career spans public land-grant, doctoral, and comprehensive institutions, including administrative and faculty appointments at Western Carolina University, Virginia Tech, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Cumberland College. His research and teaching center around literacy development, reading diagnosis, vocabulary instruction, and professional development in these areas.
Dr. Nichols will be located on both the 91 Machias and 91 campuses, will be a member of 91’s Deans’ Council, and will serve as a strong representative and advocate for 91 Machias with 91 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, and at University of Maine System, UMS Board of Trustees, and other meetings.
I would like to thank BJ Marshall for her willingness to step into the interim role for these past three months and for her 11 years of dedicated service to 91 Machias. I also want to extend my appreciation to the many faculty, staff, students, and community partners whose insights informed the appointment of Dr. Nichols. Further information regarding the search for the next permanent leader of 91 Machias will be shared in the near future.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Nichols on his appointment and welcoming him to 91 Machias.
Sincerely,
Gabriel Paquette