UNITY, Maine — Unity College has tapped one of its administrators to serve as its president on a temporary basis starting in 2016.
Melik Peter Khoury will lead the small private college known for its focus on environmental issues for a 30-month appointment, according to a Thursday news release. Khoury joined the school in 2013, first as senior vice president of external affairs, then as executive vice president and chief financial officer.
“People outside of Unity College think I’m joking when I say our goal is simply to change the world,” Khoury said in a statement Thursday. “But we’re doing just that. One student at a time.”
Unity’s focus on environmental sciences led it to become the first higher education institution in the United States to divest from fossil fuel investments. The school celebrates its 50th year this year.
Unity’s board of trustees voted unanimously Aug. 14 to appoint Khoury as president for 30 months starting in January 2016. He will replace Dr. Stephen Mulkey, who announced his retirement in June but will remain in the position until the end of the year.
“His passion and enthusiasm has been an essential driver of positive change and has played a critical role in crafting and implementing the Unity College strategic plan,” board Chairman Bruce Nickerson said in the release.
Before taking his position at Unity, Khoury worked at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, where he was senior vice president for strategic positioning. He also has worked at colleges in Missouri and New York, as well as the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where he directed admissions.
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