UMPI Class of 1977 Bachelors in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Update by Paul Stearns, alumnus
“Following graduation in 1977 I was employed by SAD #4 in the Guilford, Maine area teaching a variety of subjects, coaching several sports and performing administrative duties over a period of 19 years. During that span the PCHS Boys Soccer team competed in 6 Eastern Maine Championship contests winning 4 titles, as well as 1 state championship.I received a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Maine in 1992.
In 1996 I was appointed as Principal of Upper Kennebec Valley Jr/Sr High School in Bingham. I served in that role for 3 years, and had the good fortune to be there when their boys basketball team had an unbelievable string of victories and several state championships. Talk about great timing!
In 1999 I assumed the Principalship of SeDoMoCha Middle School in Dover-Foxcroft.
In 2001 I received a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine.
In 2003 I returned to SAD #4 and served as Superintendent of Schools for 10 years before retiring in 2013. I served as President of the Maine School Superintendents Association from 2012-2013.
I am currently serving as a legislator in the Maine House of Representatives serving House District #119.
I have lived in Guilford for 38 years with my wife, Melissa (Moran – class of ’77). We have two adult children Sara and Ben. Sara teaches pre-school in Portland, Maine and Ben is a US Border Patrol Agent in Eagle Pass, Texas.
At a recent legislative breakfast I had the great fortune of sitting with UMPI President Linda Schott. Imagine her surprise when we introduced ourselves and she found out that I am an UMPI Owl! As she told me of the wonderful, cutting edge initiatives currently happening at UMPI, I couldn’t help but reflect back on how important that experience was to me both personally and professionally. The superb individualized instruction and guidance that I received from UMPI faculty was second to none and I am convinced that under Dr. Schott’s capable leadership that remains the case today. UMPI remains high on the map of Maine and high in quality as well. Great people yield great results.”