The University of Maine at Presque Isle is welcoming 15 new staff members this Fall 2023 semester.
Catherine Brewer is UMPI’s new TRIO Upward Bound College Access Academic Advisor. Achieving her Maine Teacher Certification through UMPI in K-8 and High School English, she most recently served as an English teacher and dual enrollment instructor at Wisdom Middle/High School. Brewer is a Maine Wabanaki REACH advocate in Aroostook County and at the University of Maine. Primarily serving the schools in the Fort Kent and Madawaska region, she is excited to help grow the college-going community in County high schools.
Megan Corriveau joins UMPI as a Senior Lecturer of Medical Laboratory Technology. Corriveau has over 18 years of laboratory medicine experience, including microbiology and laboratory management. She has worked at Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent as well as Northern Light AR Gould Hospital. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UMPI and is both MLT and MLS certified.
Kimberly Dorsey is UMPI’s new JMG (Jobs for Maine’s Graduates) College Success Specialist. A 2001 UMPI alumna, she has returned to campus bringing almost a decade of prior UMPI experience in Athletic Training and Recreation. She earned her Master’s degree in Exercise Science from UMaine (2009) while employed at UMPI. Most recently, she was hired by JMG as the Fort Fairfield High School Specialist in 2018, helping students achieve success in school and the workforce. She earned the recognition of 2022/23 MSAD 20 Teacher of the Year. She resides in Fort Fairfield with her husband, Matt (UMPI Class of ‘98), and their two daughters, Dallas and Charlie.
Udaya Jayasundara is UMPI’s new Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Jayasundara completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Nevada at Reno. Most recently, he served as a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry in the Post Graduate Institute of Science at the University of Peradeniya and the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Sri Lanka. He is a member of several chemistry institutes across the globe and has taught chemistry classes and supervised many students on various projects with an emphasis on environmental, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and chemical education research.
John Kennedy joins the Physical Plant Operations as a Facilities Maintenance worker. He joins UMPI with experience in cleaning as well as carpentry experience. He is also a “Dasher” working for DoorDash delivery services. He is excited to put his skills to use.
Keely LeBlanc is UMPI’s new Confidential Resource Advisor. She is a graduate from UMA’s Mental Health and Human Services Bachelor’s degree program, where she also earned minors in both Trauma and Geriatrics. Preceding this position with UMS, LeBlanc was a domestic violence advocate with Hope and Justice Project. She continues to serve as a member of the Maine Commission on Domestic and Sexual Abuse.
Anthony Levesque joins the Physical Plant Operations as a Facilities Maintenance Worker. Levesque is familiar with inventory control, sanitation, and has a customer service and laborer background. He brings a friendly customer-centered approach and is excited to join the Facilities team allowing him to expand his skills.
Shawn McPherson is UMPI’s new Digital Content Specialist. McPherson is an experienced digital marketer and project manager with an expansive skillset. For 10 years, he has been self-employed as a photographer, web designer, and co-owner of Mouse Island Creatives.
Susan Michaud joins UMPI’s YourPace team as an Enrollment and Academic Success Coach. Michaud transferred from the Fogler Library at the University of Maine campus, where she worked as a Library Specialist. A native of Aroostook County, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Dynamics from Immaculata University in Immaculata, PA, and enjoys working outside the box to problem solve.
Colby Phillips joins the Athletics Program as Head Women’s Soccer Coach. Phillips has 12 years of coaching experience at the high school level in soccer, cross country, and track and field. Phillips’ most recent success was during the 2021 season, when he helped lead Mars Hill Bible School’s girls’ varsity team to their first Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) Final Four appearance in 12 years. This, just a year after helping to lead the Monroe County High School boys’ soccer team to a district championship in the 2020 season, their first ever. Phillips also added an AHSAA State Runner-Up in 2012 and a AHSAA Final Four appearance in 2013 while with Athens High School’s girls’ team. In his spare time, he is an avid cross country runner.
Daniel Prigge is UMPI’s new Head Baseball Coach. A baseball “lifer”, Prigge joins UMPI from Greensboro College in North Carolina. He is both an experienced player, coach, and recruiter. In his most recent role as an assistant coach, he helped lead a team to more wins than the previous season and make the USA South Conference Tournament. Prigge received a scholarship to play at one of the top NAIA schools in the country as a catcher at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. He has an MBA in Management and Finance from Saint Peter’s University.
Kevin Senal joins the Physical Plant Operations as a Facilities Maintenance Worker. He joins UMPI from the Fort Fairfield Recreation Department where he assisted in many duties, from program and event planning to developing and implementing policies to pool maintenance. His quick adaptability and excellent communication skills make him a great fit for the Facilities team.
Steven Stubbs is UMPI’s new Director of Safety and Security. Stubbs was previously a dedicated Maine State Trooper with more than 25 years in law enforcement. Before working for the State Police, he served at the Sanford and Kennebunkport Police departments, respectively. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science at UMPI. He brings strong conflict de-escalation and active listening skills to the role.
Kaitlin Thibodeau-Corey joins the Athletics Program as Head Softball Coach and Retention Coordinator. She also serves as UMPI’s Senior Women’s Administrator. Before coming to UMPI, Thibodeau-Corey was a Graduate Assistant Softball Coach at Keystone College in La Plume, PA, where she also received her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. She played third base for Mitchell College and was New England Collegiate Conference-1st team in 2018. Throughout her experience and education, she has received several awards and honors, including Top Female Student Athlete at Mitchell College and Academic All-Conference team three years in a row.
Shawna Traugh is UMPI’s new Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of Education. Traugh has a strong educational foundation, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, a Post-Baccalaureate of Science in Mental Health and Human Services, a Master of Social Work degree with a focus on Individual, Family, and Groups, and a Post-Master’s Certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis. She received her Doctorate in Social Work through Tulane University. Most recently a Family and Youth Services Coordinator at AMHC, Traugh has been practicing Licensed Clinical Social Work since 2006 and is excited to bring her energy and passion to UMPI.
The following part-time faculty also have joined campus since Spring 2023: Brittany Morrison, Diane Reid, Leslie Folsom, Rebecca Martin, and April Belyea. In addition to these new faculty and staff, several familiar faces have taken on new titles or accepted new positions: Kenneth Ervin, TRIO ETS Coordinator; Jason Johnston, Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences; Wendi Malenfant, Director of Education; Alana Margeson, Dean of Academic Affairs; Heather Nunez-Olmstead, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and Assistant Professor of Fine Art and Art Education; Matt Papsadora, Chair of the College of Professional Programs; and Shannon Sleeper, Assistant Professor of Education.