University of Maine System Chancellor James H. Page announced today that he is recommending Dr. Linda K. Schott as the next president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

“Dr. Schott’s combination of experience in leading change and community engagement make her an excellent choice to lead the University of Maine at Presque Isle,” Page explained. “She fully understands the University’s mission and will be a valued member of the System’s change team as we move forward in shaping the future of the University of Maine System.”

Chancellor Page’s recommendation goes forward to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees, which is expected to act on the appointment by the end of the month. If Page’s recommendation is approved by Trustees, Schott will begin work at UMPI on July 1 and will receive an annual salary of $160,000.

“I am honored and thrilled to have been selected as the next president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle,” Schott remarked. “My husband and I felt an immediate connection with the people on the campus and in the community, and we look forward to nurturing that connection into excellent working relationships and enduring friendships.”

Schott has served as the dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, since 2008. Prior to that she was at Eastern Michigan University from 2003 to 2008 where she served in several capacities including associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, and interim department head of the Department of History and Philosophy. She also was the founding director of the Center for Study of Women and Gender (1993-2001) and director of the American Studies Program (1989-1993) at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and German from Baylor University, as well as a master’s degree in history and doctorate in history and humanities—both from Stanford University.

“As a first generation college graduate, Dr. Schott clearly understands the challenges facing many of the students attending the University of Maine at Presque Isle,” said Samuel W. Collins of Caribou, vice chair of the UMS Board of Trustees and chair of the UMPI president search committee. “Dr. Schott’s ability to connect to the students, the faculty and the community will serve UMPI well especially during difficult economic times. As one of seven campus Presidents, I look forward to Dr. Schott’s contributions to the system’s goal of delivering an affordable quality education for all Mainers.”

Dr. Schott, age 54, and her husband Thomas Fuhrmark currently reside in Durango, Colorado. She added that, “Moving three teenagers, a dog, and three cats will be a logistical challenge, but we look forward to the cross-country trip and getting our new home established so that I can be ready to work by July 1.”

Dr. Schott will succeed Donald Zillman, who has served as UMPI’s president since 2006. Last year, Zillman announced that he would step down as president and return to his position as a tenured professor of law at the University of Maine School of Law in Portland.

Located in the heart of northern Maine, the University of Maine at Presque Isle was established in 1903 as a state teacher’s school. The University now offers a wide range of liberal arts and professional programs and a balanced curriculum that promotes a strong foundation in the arts and sciences. As one of seven autonomous campuses within the University of Maine System, UMPI serves about 1,500 students in bachelor, associate, certificate and online degree programs. The University is committed to close student, faculty and staff interaction in support of intellectual growth and personal development; diversities of culture, age and nationality among both students and staff; and public service that promotes the well-being of the people of Maine. For more information, visit www.umpi.edu.

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System is the state’s largest educational enterprise. It has an annual enrollment of nearly 41,000 students and serves over 500,000 individuals annually through educational and cultural offerings. Two-thirds of its alumni—approximately 120,000 people—live in Maine. The University of Maine System features seven universities—some with multiple campuses—located across the state, as well as nine University College outreach centers, a law school, and an additional 75 interactive distance learning sites. For more information, visit www.maine.edu.