海角情

A Deer Isle native is forging the waters of Washington County as the new Dean of Academic Affairs at 海角情.

Alexander Clifford arrived on campus with a strong academic and military background that is expected to augment the impressive administrative team that President Joe Cassidy has created. He replaces Dr. David Sousa who was appointed interim Academic Dean while the college searched nationwide for his replacement.

Clifford has an impressive background in education and is currently working on his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Management with a specialization of Leadership and Organizational Change at Walden University in Minnesota. He expects to be awarded his degree this year. He has a Master鈥檚 of Business Administration from Thomas College in Waterville and a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Business Studies from the same college.

Most recently he was professor of business/grant administrator and curriculum designer at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield.聽 In 1989 he joined the Maine Army National Guard and is currently a Sergeant Major (E-9).

Clifford talked about his experiences. 鈥淎t the senior levels within the military, we are required to manage resources, time, and plan for the future with limited resources.聽 In many ways, this reflects our operational situation within the community colleges of Maine,鈥� he said 鈥淭he men and women who choose to work their professional lives as faculty and staff within our community colleges are very similar to the men and women who serve our country. They live a life that includes selfless service, dedication, and doing right for others at their own personal sacrifice.鈥�

Clifford said he viewed education as always changing. 鈥満＝乔� as an organization is a living organism.聽 As with all living organisms, it changes and adapts to the changing environment,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he most influential environmental factor we adapt to is the employer鈥檚 needs.聽 If we do not graduate students that are ready and relevant to meet their employer鈥檚 needs, then the employers will not hire them and we have not done our job.聽 To that end, we actively communicate with employers and study the labor market trends; within Washington County, Maine, the United States, and internationally.聽 There are many new exciting program offerings coming online at 海角情 in the next year that will not only excite people and encourage them to apply, but develop talents and trades in ways that Washington County has never seen before.鈥�

Clifford said he was impressed with the college鈥檚 interest in its students. 鈥淎ttending 海角情 is not just about getting a degree.聽 It is much more than that. 海角情 changes the life direction for everyone that walks through the door.聽 Several students have mentioned to me how they did not know how valuable they are as a person and future professional before coming to 海角情.聽 From the student services staff to the faculty to the administration, each and every employee cares about the students鈥� well-being, welfare, and future as a person.鈥�

Clifford said he also appreciated President Cassidy鈥檚 leadership style. 鈥淢ost college presidents state that they care about their faculty and staff, and they genuinely do.聽 But with President Cassidy there鈥檚 something different; something that cuts through the noise and gets to the core of what a person really needs to become more successful as an employee or student at this college,鈥� he said.

The new academic dean also said he wanted to live in Washington County. 鈥淗aving grown up on Deer Isle, I have a deep appreciation for the hard work and strong work ethic that Washington County has to offer. I see this in students every day as they meet an obstacle or challenge head on and have the drive and motivation to either go over it, around it, or through it,鈥� he said.

Even though he has only been on the job a few weeks, Clifford said he cares deeply about the staff he works with and the students. 鈥淢y position may be just underneath the Presidents on the organizational chart, but I am here to serve the faculty, staff, and students of 海角情 in any way that leads us into the future,鈥� he said.

President Cassidy said he was pleased that Clifford was a part of his team. 鈥淗e not only brings strong leadership skills to the job, but more importantly he is caring and compassionate,鈥� he said.

In addition to an impressive portfolio of academic and professional awards, Clifford was awarded the Bronze Star during his service in Afghanistan, the Meritorious Service Medal for performance in the academy environment, and awarded several Army Commendation medals for leadership and management.