UNE alum appointed next president of Southern Maine Community College
A 2016 graduate of the University of New England’s graduate and professional programs has been appointed the next president of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC).
Kristen Miller, who holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from UNE Online, was confirmed as president of the state’s largest community college in early January. She was selected from a field of more than 50 candidates following a national search and will assume her new role in February.
Miller most recently served as vice president of academic affairs at White Mountains Community College (WMCC) in New Hampshire, where she has worked since 2014. She previously served as associate vice president of academic affairs at WMCC and worked as an admissions counselor there.
In addition to her degree from UNE, Miller holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Capella University in Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in communications and English from Sonoma State University in California.
A release from SMCC underscored Miller’s leadership experience organizing academic offerings and proactively working with local businesses to ensure job placement and training for students post-graduation.
“Dr. Miller is the right person at the right time to lead SMCC,” remarked David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System (MCCS). “Her proven leadership as an innovative administrator, classroom instructor, and experience in implementing Guided Pathways and workforce training make her an outstanding choice who is well prepared to continue the strong forward momentum at Southern Maine Community College.”
In addition to her administrative leadership, Miller also has experience as an educator. She previously served as an adjunct professor of English at WMMC and as an English teacher at Kennett High School in North Conway, New Hampshire. She has also been a lecturer at Plymouth State University since 2020.
Miller said she has cherished her upbringing in New Hampshire but is excited to return to Maine, where she said she has deep ties: her educational journey began at the University of Southern Maine, her mother is a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington, and her husband, Joey, hails from Auburn.
“For the past 13 years, Joey and I have built our lives together in North Conway, raising our daughter, Elyse, in my hometown. Yet, the opportunity to embrace Maine as our new chapter excites me beyond measure,” Miller said. “To be part of Joey's cherished home state and weave our future together there is an exhilarating prospect. I eagerly anticipate the adventures and growth that await us in this wonderful state.”
Miller is also active in several community advocacy and workforce organizations.
She serves on the board of trustees for Starting Point Services for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence and on the board of directors for New Hampshire’s Jobs for America’s Graduates. She is also a member of the Educational Justice Institute of New England Board of Higher Education and the Mount Washington Valley Career and Technical Center Advisory Board.
“I am very pleased to welcome Kristen Miller as the new president of Southern Maine Community College,” said MCCS Board Chairwoman Joyce Maker. “She embodies the core values and goals that have brought so much success to SMCC, making her an excellent choice to lead SMCC now and into the future.”