New leaders emerge at NMCC

AROOSTOOK COUNTY — Three employees at Northern Maine Community College take on additional responsibilities as they start new positions this academic year in the roles of director of financial aid, Academic Success Center coordinator, and department chair for nursing, simulation, and allied health. With the previous incumbents retiring, these positions each called for new leadership and the internal transitions promise continued excellence and exciting change.

Harold (JR) Kierstead has been named the Academic Success Center coordinator; Kierstead previously held the position of instructional designer. An alum on NM, Kierstead went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in biology from UMPI and is currently pursuing his master’s degree from University of St. Joseph. In his new role Kierstead will work closely with students to achieve goals by providing tutors, online resources, and access to technology. Overseeing the recently relocated Academic Success Center, Kierstead will collaborate with administration and faculty to ensure the space meets student needs. Kierstead is already implementing new strategies to improve students’ experience.

Brian Hall is the new director of financial aid at NMCC. After serving as assistant director of financial aid for three years, Hall is experienced in helping students receive the assistance necessary to thrive in college. With 87% of NM students receiving financial aid, Hall knows the challenges applicants face and how to accommodate unique student needs. An alumni of NM’s accounting program, Hall went on to achieve his bachelor’s from UMPI and master’s degrees in business from Husson in Presque Isle. In his new role Hall is focused on improving communications with students to raise awareness and confidence as they enter college.

Angela Buck, RN, MSN, FNP-C, has been named the new department chair of nursing, simulation, and allied health. Since January 2017 Buck has worked as a nursing instructor at NM, and prior to that she owned and operated Village Health Care, providing family nurse practitioner services to the community. An alum of NM’s nursing program, Buck went on to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UM Orono. With significant experience in the field and the consistent esteem of students and faculty, Buck is poised to further elevate one of NM’s most in-demand departments.

“Each of these positions directly impacts our students and I’m confident in the candidates stepping up to fill the roles. [Kierstead, Hall, and Buck] are experienced at guiding students toward success and helping create positive impacts across campus. I’m excited for their continued leadership here at NM,” stated President Tim Crowley.

NMCC offers over 30 programs of study and works closely with business and industry to meet the challenges facing today’s workforce. To learn more visit nmcc.edu.

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