The University of Southern Maine’s 10th president, Selma Botman, joined USM on July 1, 2008.

As one of her first initiatives, she launched a strategic planning process that resulted in the University’s new plan, “Preparing USM for the Future 2009-2014.” The new strategic plan envisions the transformation of USM into a 21st-century public comprehensive university, deeply rooted in service to the aspirations of Maine and dedicated to student success.

Throughout her career as an administrator and professor, President Botman has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring student success, creating academic programs that are innovative and relevant, as well as developing collaborative relationships with community partners.

She most recently served as Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost for the City University of New York (CUNY), the nation's largest urban public university. Prior to serving CUNY, she was Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Massachusetts and a tenured professor at the College of the Holy Cross.

President Botman, who grew up outside of Boston, is a graduate of Brandeis University, Oxford University, and Harvard University. She is a scholar of modern Middle Eastern politics and society who has taught and published extensively.