Thomas College names its 6th president

Thomas College in Waterville has named its sixth president.

Jeannine Diddle Uzzi was named to the post Thursday and will serve as president-elect until Nov. 1, when outgoing President Laurie Lachance steps down, according to Thomas College.

Lachance announced in March that she was leaving Thomas College, where she has served as president since 2012.

Uzzi comes to Thomas College from Adler University in Chicago, where she has served as vice president of academic affairs.

Uzzi isn’t a stranger to higher education in Maine. Before arriving at Adler University, Uzzi served as provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. Thomas College said she played a “pivotal role” in guiding the university toward a steadier financial footing. Under her leadership, USM saw “significant gains” in student enrollment, retention and graduation rates.

At USM, Uzzi also chaired the department of modern and classical languages, as well as the Faculty Senate. Thomas College said that Uzzi was recognized at USM for her “steadfast commitment” to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We all know this is a tough time for higher education, and my top priority is making Thomas College sustainable by building on its core mission of access to education. By leveraging my experiences, I see opportunities to make Thomas a more inclusive community that serves students from all backgrounds — whether they are from Maine or beyond — who are seeking a place where they truly belong,” Uzzi said in a Thursday statement.

Uzzi earned her bachelor’s degree in classical languages at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and her Ph.D. at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

She also completed advanced leadership training through the American Council on Education’s Institute for New Chief Academic Officers and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Millennium Leadership Institute, according to Thomas College.

Lachance praised Uzzi’s selection as her successor, saying Uzzi brings a “wealth of experience” in higher education to Thomas College, as well as a “deep understanding” of the school’s role in producing Maine’s next generation workforce.

“Dr. Uzzi’s appointment fills me with great excitement and a profound sense of optimism for the future of Thomas College under her leadership,” Lachance said.