The University of Maine at Presque Isle is welcoming 17 new employees in the first part of the 2012-2013 academic year, including new professors and professional staffers.

The University is welcoming five new faculty members to its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Programs, and College of Education.

Dr. Scott Dobrin joins the Biology Program as an Assistant Professor of Biology, focusing on Anatomy and Physiology. He most recently served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University. In addition to several conference and poster presentations, he co-authored a chapter on structural plasticity of the adult honey bee brain for the book Cognitive Ecology II from the University of Chicago Press. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Florida in 2003, his Master’s in Zoology from North Carolina State University in 2006, and his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Wake Forest University in 2011.

Stacey Emery joins the Business Program as an Assistant Professor of Accounting. She most recently served as the financial controller at Naturally Potatoes in Mars Hill. Prior to that, she served as a public accountant at the local CPA firm Chester M. Kearney and as a small business development counselor at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. Emery graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 2006 with her Bachelor’s degree in Business and from Husson University in 2008 with her Master’s degree in Business.

Sohyun Meacham joins the Education Program as an Assistant Professor in Early Childhood and Special Education. She most recently served as a literacy coach for the Early Reading First Program at the Delaware Center for Teacher Education at the University of Delaware. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Literacy Education at the University of Delaware. Meacham earned two Bachelor’s degrees – in Early Childhood Education and Christian Studies – from Ewha Womans University in South Korea in 1999 and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Webster University in Missouri in 2003.

Dr. Judith Roe continues her service to the University in the Biology Program as an Assistant Professor of Biology, focusing on Molecular Biology. She has served in several educational capacities in Aroostook County in the last four years, including as an adjunct faculty member at UMPI. Prior to that, she was a research associate and an Assistant Professor of Biology at Kansas State University. She has several professional publications and two patents to her name. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Vassar College in 1979, her Master’s in Genetics from George Washington University in 1982, and her Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University in 1990.

Bryan Thompson joins the Business Program as an Assistant Professor of Business, focusing on Project Management and Information Systems. He most recently served as Branch Chief of Accounts Payable for Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Limestone. Prior to that, between 2002 and 2010, he served as Chief of Transportation Working Capital Fund and an Accountant at DFAS. Thompson is currently serving a term on the Caribou City Council. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from UMPI in 2003, and his Master’s in Business from Husson in 2011.

The University also is welcoming 12 new employees to its professional staff.

Amanda Baker rejoins the University as a Recreation Program coordinator working in Gentile Hall. Baker previously served as Assistant Director of Gentile Hall and Manager of OAPI. She earned her Associate’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Services in 2001 and her Bachelor’s in Educational Studies in 2003. She has worked at the Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset as an Environmental Education, Wilderness Trip Leader and Assistant Program Director of Environmental Education.

Brenda Ellis joins the University as a Buildings and Grounds maintenance worker. She comes to the University with experience in custodial, janitorial and grounds positions.

Sheila Blair continues her service to the University as a Student Success Specialist working for UMPI’s Advising Center. She has been on campus since 2011, serving as an Administrative Assistant for Student Records and Computer Services. Blair earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science – Sociology from the University.

Amanda Johnston joins the University as an Administrative Assistant II for Computer Services. Her work experience includes serving as a court clerk, a special education technician/brailler, a museum aide, and transcriptionist. A 2001 Presque Isle High School graduate, she earned two Bachelor’s degrees from UMPI in 2007 – in Secondary Education-Social Studies and International Studies, History.

Keli Marston joins the University as a Fitness and Wellness Coordinator working in Gentile Hall. She most recently served as an Exercise Specialist, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor at the High Intensity Training Center of Jacksonville in Florida. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from UMPI in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Marshall University in West Virginia in 2003.

Heather Ouellette joins the University as a Student Success Specialist working for UMPI’s Advising Center. She most recently served as an intern with the Carleton Project in Presque Isle, and as a research assistant here and previously in South Carolina. Ouellette earned two Bachelor’s degrees from UMPI in 2008 – in Criminal Justice and Sociology – and her Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina in 2011.

Travis Parent joins the University as its Assistant Athletic Trainer. He most recently served as Assistant Athletic Trainer at SUNY Oneonta State. He previously served in several athletic trainer positions for soccer camps in New York, and as the Head Athletic Trainer at Lee Academy in Maine. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from UMPI in 2007 and his Master’s in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania in 2011.

Robyn Raymond joins the University as an Administrative Clerk for the Residence Life Office. Raymond also serves as a Resident Director for Northern Maine Community College. She has served in several residential life capacities at NMCC and the University of Southern Maine. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from USM in 2011 and currently is pursuing her Master’s degree in Student Affairs.

Gayla Shaw rejoins the University as an Administrative Assistant with the Community and Media Relations Office. She previously served as an Administrative Assistant with the University of Maine System Office in Bangor working in external affairs and later strategic procurement, and, before that, as a Records Technician for UMPI working in the Registrar’s Office. She is a 1976 Presque Isle High School graduate.

Levi Soucier joins the University as a Buildings and Grounds maintenance worker. He most recently served in maintenance capacities at Columbia Forest Products and, prior to that, at Portland Glass. He has experience as a glass technician.

Fred Thomas joins the University as its Coordinator of Safety and Security. He has about 33 years of experience working for the Maine State Police in Law and Liquor Enforcement. He also served as a D.A.R.E. officer (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) for several years. He is a graduate of the Maine State Police Training Academy and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Leslie Williams joins the University as an Administrative Assistant with Student Affairs and Student Support. She most recently served as a Physical Therapist Aide at Northern Physical Therapy in Presque Isle. She also has experience as a legal secretary. She earned her Associate’s degree in Information Technology from NMCC in 2003 and her Bachelor’s in History from UMPI in 2011.

In addition to these new hires, the University is welcoming two familiar faces to lead its student affairs operations and athletics program on an interim basis.

Jim Stepp is serving as UMPI’s Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Stepp has served as UMPI’s Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life for many years. He previously served as Coordinator of Residence Education at Frostburg State University in Maryland. He has several publications and is a member of the American College Personnel Association, the National Coalition Building Institute, and the national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. Stepp earned his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Mathematics/Physics in 1984 and his Master’s in Student Personnel Services in 1990, both from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Paul Stone is serving as UMPI’s Interim Director of Athletics from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. He has served as UMPI’s Head Nordic Ski Coach since 2010. Stone came to the University from the University of Vermont, where he had over four years of experience and was named the NCAA Eastern Coach of the Year in 2009. Stone has also served as the Nordic Coach at Colby College, Williams College, and Southern Maine-based Coastal Nordic Ski Team. He has also been a New England Junior Olympic Coach. Stone earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from Dartmouth College in 1999. He is a 1994 graduate of West Anchorage High School in Alaska.