The University of Maine at Presque Isle is welcoming 17 new employees in the first part of the 2014-2015 academic year, including new professors and professional staffers.

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

Dr. Lea Allen joins the College of Arts and Sciences as a one-year English instructor. She has served as an adjunct instructor for UMPI’s English Program for several years. In addition to several conference presentations, Allen has a number of publications, including a chapter in the book English Long Distance Trade, 1550-1700: Discourses and Practices and serving as co-editor of the book Rethinking the Informal City: Critical Perspectives from Latin America. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from UMPI in 2000, and her Master’s degree in 2002 and Ph.D. in 2008, both in English, from Brown University.

Dr. Larry Feinstein joins the College of Arts and Sciences as an Assistant Professor of Biology. He comes to the University with a wealth of teacher and training experience, having served as course instructor, laboratory coordinator, and adjunct faculty member. He has several publications and maintains affiliations with the American Society for Microbiology, the Ecological Society of America, the International Association of Landscape Ecology and the Soil Science Society of America. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Wright State University in 1999 and his Ph.D. in Ecology from Kent State University in 2012.

Aaron Marston joins the College of Professional Programs as a one-year Athletic Training instructor. He previously has served as the Executive Director of the High Intensity Training Center in Jacksonville, Fla., and Director of the Health and Wellness Center at County Physical Therapy in Presque Isle. A member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from UMPI in 1997 and his Master’s degree in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology from Marshall University in 2003.

Ann Osgood joins the College of Professional Programs as a one-year Business instructor. She most recently served as a Business Education teacher at Northern Maine Community College. A member of the Maine Education Association, the National Education Association and the National Business Education Association, she earned her Associate’s degree in Applied Science from Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in 1972, her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education with a minor in Social Science from the University of Maine at Machias in 1976, and her Master’s degree in Business from Husson College in 1993.

The University also is welcoming 13 new employees to its professional staff.

Lucas Bartlett joins the University as Assistant Athletic Trainer. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from UMPI in 2014. He served as President of the UMPI Athletic Training Club and is a recipient of the 2014 Athletic Training Student of the Year academic award.

Kevin Blood joins the University as a Media Services Technician. He most recently served as a Media Services Tech I for the University. He previously worked at WAGM-TV as a news videographer and as a technical support specialist for ATX in Caribou.

John Harding joins the University as Facilities Maintenance Supervisor. He most recently served as lead market researcher for HMD Quest in Mapleton. He previously worked as a quality assurance auditor and shift leader at Teleflex Fluid Systems in Suffield, Conn. and a facilities maintenance supervisor and warehouse supervisor for American Olean Tile Company in Lansdale, Penn.

Mike Holmes joins the University as Assistant Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach. He most recently served as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa, for six seasons. During his time there, he twice had teams nationally ranked in the NJCAA top 20. He previously worked for two decades coaching high school basketball, twice winning regional statewide coach of the year honors. Holmes earned his Bachelor’s degree in communication from Simpson College in Iowa in 1989 and his Master’s degree in sport management from Iowa State University in 2000.

Rick Johnson joins the University as the Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach. He most recently served as a volunteer assistant women’s coach at Angelo State University, an NCAA Division II institution in San Angelo, Texas. Previously, he was an assistant basketball coach at Robert Morris University-Springfield and a student manager with South Dakota State University. He was a site director for Big Shots AAU Tournaments in Washington, D.C. and has worked at St. Anthony’s Basketball with Hall of Famer Bob Hurley.

Dennis Koch joins the University as Director of Residence Life. Koch has a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Interpretive Arts from Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, Vt., and a Master’s of Educational Administration from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. His experience includes working as the Director of Residential Living and Learning, Director of Student Activities, Assistant Director Retention/Orientation/Leadership, Student Development Specialist II, and Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University. Other work experience includes working as the Student Activities Coordinator at Tarleton State University and as the Director of Student Activities at Lyndon State College. He is a member of the National Association for Campus Activities and the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities.

Bethany Lord joins the University as an Admissions Counselor. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UMPI in 2014. She most recently served as a behavioral health professional at Central Aroostook ARC and as a student ambassador for UMPI.

Josh MacKinnon joins the University as an Admissions Counselor. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from UMPI in 2014. He served as the UMPI Senior Class president for the Class of 2014 and as a student ambassador for UMPI.

Jon Ouellette joins the University as an Admissions Counselor. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism from the University of Maine. He is the recipient of UMaine’s 2014 Brooks Hamilton Spirit of Excellence and Top Senior Journalism Student awards. He most recently served as a sports intern and freelance journalist for the Bangor Daily News. He also completed a three-month internship with U.S. Senator Susan Collins’ office in Washington, D.C. in 2013.

Deborah Parks joins the University as a TRiO College Access Services, Educational Talent Search Advisor. She most recently worked for SAU 16 in New Hampshire as a substitute teacher and has previous experience as a one-on-one teacher at Circle of Learning and as a freelance writer. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from UMPI in 2006 and her Master’s in English Language Learners in 2013 from Ashford University.

Danielle Pelkey joins the University as Assistant Director of Financial Aid. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UMPI in 2012 and is the recipient of the Outstanding Elementary Education Major Award for 2012. She most recently worked as a long-term substitute for MSAD #1 at Pine Street Elementary School and as a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Washburn District Elementary School. She also worked for four years as a student employee-administrative aide in UMPI’s Financial Aid Office while working to attain her UMPI degree.

Nancy Pierce joins the University as Financial Analyst. She most recently served as accountant at MMC Physician-Hospital Organization in Portland, Maine. She previously worked as a bookkeeper and office manager in southern Maine. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Southern Maine in 1989.

Tracy Rockwell joins the University as Interim Director of the Houlton Higher Education Center. She brings to the position her experiences serving as the Career Pathways coordinator for Houlton/Hodgdon Adult Education at the Center and as a part-time instructor for UMPI and Northern Maine Community College. She currently serves as President of SDR General Services, providing and administering support services to small businesses. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Southern Maine in 1993. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Public Administration in 1995 and her Master’s in Human Resources Management in 1999, both from Troy State University.

In addition to these new hires, several familiar faces have taken on new titles or accepted new positions.

Chris Bell is now the Director of Student Financial Services. His former title was the Director of Financial Aid.

Greg Doak has been named the Coordinator of Campus Center Services. He was formerly the Campus Store Manager.

Lynelle Lavway has been named the Assistant Bursar in the Student Financial Services Office. She was formerly an Administrative Assistant in the Business Office.

Vanessa Pearson has been named the Director for Student Success and the Learning Commons. She was formerly the Coordinator of Student Activities and Leadership.

Dr. Kimberly Sebold, Associate Professor of History, is also serving as the acting Director of Library Services.

Fred Thomas is now the Manager of Safety, Security and Regulatory Compliance. His former title was Coordinator of Safety and Security.

Jessica Winslow has been named a professional advisor for the College of Professional Programs. She previously served as Assistant Director of Admissions.