PRESQUE ISLE — The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present author and educator Dr. Andrew Dolloff as the first speaker in its 2024-25 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center. During his talk “Leading with Trust”, Dr. Dolloff will share insights and observations from his latest book “The Trust Imperative: Practical Approaches to Effective School Leadership”. This talk is being presented in partnership with the Central Aroostook Council on Education. The public is encouraged to attend this free event, which will also be offered virtually through Zoom, as well as enjoy a reception after the talk.
During his talk, Dr. Dolloff will engage audience members in timely and timeless lessons that put trust at the center of leadership practices. Participants will reflect on their own performance while learning about the successes and missteps observed by one of the state’s most experienced school leaders over the past four decades. Now speaking on the national circuit, Dr. Dolloff strives to engage all attendees in meaningful dialogue so that each person leaves the room with specific strategies they may employ to strengthen their own practice and improve opportunities for students.
A 37-year veteran of Maine’s public schools, Dr. Dolloff began his career as a high school chemistry teacher and served in a range of leadership positions, from faculty chairperson and athletic director to high school principal and, for the past 15 years, as superintendent of schools. He has led three National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and, at various points in his career, has been recognized as Maine Principal of the Year and Maine Superintendent of the Year. In 2020, he received the Outstanding Superintendent award from the New England League of Middle Schools.
He has served on the International Advisory Board for the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Principals’ Center, and as the Board Chair for the New England School Development Council and the University of Southern Maine’s Educational Leadership Advisory Board, where he is an associate professor.
His book “The Trust Imperative” was released in 2022 and is being used in leadership preparatory programs and professional development settings as a resource for aspiring and veteran school leaders.
Dr. Dolloff lives in Gorham with his wife Brenda, who is also an educator of more than 35 years. They have four grown children, each of whom was educated in Maine’s public schools before completing successful undergraduate and graduate programs throughout New England; event participants will hear more about their entertaining experiences throughout Dr. Dolloff’s presentation.
The University’s Libra Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 1999. Each year, the LDLS Committee sponsors four to six speakers who come from Maine and beyond, representing a range of disciplines and viewpoints. While the emphasis tends to be on featuring visiting academics, it is not exclusively so. The speakers typically spend two days at the University meeting with classes and presenting a community lecture.
UMPI welcomes the campus and community to hear Dr. Dolloff speak on Sept. 19. For more information, about “The Trust Imperative”, and to access a chapter-by-chapter discussion guide, visit www.trustimperative.org. For more information about this event, contact Angelita Hernandez at 207-768- 9593 or email angelita.hernandez@maine.edu.
