This year’s recipient of the Distinguished Classified
Staff award is James F. Bradley, an administrative assistant
for USM’s CLASS/PDS program on the Lewiston-Auburn
campus.
Bradley began working at the University in 1998 for the
Institute for Real Estate Research and Education. In 2002
he transferred to the Lewiston-Auburn campus where he serves
as the contact person for all students in the Collaborative
Learning and School Success (CLASS) program. In this role,
Bradley helps students navigate the requirements needed in
the rigorous, site-based teacher preparation program that
leads to state certification.
His nominators note that Bradley creates a supportive and
reassuring presence for all with whom he works. “He
continues to go above and beyond what is required of him
because he believes every person can make a difference”.
Students say, “Thank heaven for Jim,” while faculty
and staff describe him as thoughtful, hard working, and as
someone who makes people feel welcome immediately. Bradley
is also known for his willingness to lend a hand whether
it is to others in his administrative office or rallying
others to come to the aide of a co-worker struggling with
a life threatening illness.
Bradley served on the Classified Staff Senate for several
years and served two terms as chair. As chair, Bradley served
as a representative to the USM Board of Visitors, and also
served on numerous University committees, including the University
Review and Improvement Committee and the USM/L-A Wellness
Committee.
At the University, he also is a member of the Associated
COLT Staff of the Universities of Maine (ACSUM) union, serving
as state treasurer and as a grievance representative for
the Lewiston Auburn campus. This past spring he was elected
president of ACSUM’s State Executive Board.
Bradley received recognition for his award during this year’s
125th commencement and officially received the Distinguished
Classified Staff Award during this year’s Classified
Staff recognition breakfast in Gorham.
