Deans Appointed

School of Business

James B. Shaffer, former media industry executive

Former media industry executive James B. Shaffer has been named the dean of the USM School of Business. He officially assumed the position on July 1.

Shaffer holds an M.B.A. from Indiana University and an undergraduate engineering degree from Purdue University. He moved to Maine in 1991 to serve as chief executive officer of Guy Gannett Communications, Inc., of Portland, a diversified media holding company with television, newspaper (including the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram), direct marketing and Internet operations in seven states. In 1999, he was asked to oversee the sale of the family-owned company.

As dean, Shaffer's first priority is to build on the internal strategic planning work of Interim Dean John Voyer, who will become associate dean, effective in January of 2007. Voyer, a longtime faculty member, also will continue to teach.

Shaffer is not a newcomer to the School of Business, or to higher education. He joined the USM School of Business in 2004 as its first Leader-in-Residence, a position focused on teaching graduate and undergraduate business students about various styles of leadership. "I found I loved teaching," said Shaffer," and I hope to continue teaching an undergraduate course as dean. There must be some genetic propensity to teach," he joked, noting that many members of his immediate family, including his parents, spent their careers in higher education as faculty and administrators.

College of Nursing and Health Professions

Associate Professor of Nursing Marianne W. Rodgers

Associate Professor of Nursing Marianne W. Rodgers was named interim dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, beginning July 1. She replaces Jane Kirshling, who left USM early this summer to become dean of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.

A graduate of the University of Maine, Orono, she received certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner from USM, a M.S. in parent/child nursing from Boston University, and an Ed.D. in higher educational administration from Vanderbilt University.

Rodgers, who came to USM in 1981, served as chairperson for nursing from 2001- 2006, and was interim dean in 1998-1999.

College of Arts and Sciences

Associate Professor of History Gary Johnson

Associate Professor of History Gary Johnson was appointed associate dean, academic affairs for the College of Art and Sciences, effective July 1. Johnson was selected by a committee chaired by Associate Professor and Chair of American and New England Studies Kent Ryden.

In this position, Johnson will assist CAS Dean Devinder Malhotra in facilitating the work of academic departments in the areas of academic policy, particularly curricular and student affairs.

Professor of Theatre Susan Picinich, currently associate dean, will take over as associate dean, administration, and will assist Malhotra with development, fund raising, external relations, strategic planning and special initiatives, space and facilities, and faculty and staff development.

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