ROCKLAND — Eleni Margaronis will join the UMA Rockland Center as Center Director beginning July 28 bringing with her a wealth of knowledge in higher education and distance learning, according to a news release. 

Margaronis most recently was a Senior Learning Experience Designer at Northeastern University and served as Grant Program Manager of GEAR UP Maine, a program that “identifies and assists students and families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds starting in grade seven to aspire to, prepare for, enroll in, and successfully complete a post-secondary education”.

She received her MS in Educational Leadership and Masters Certification in Educational Technology from University of Maine at Farmington and her BA in Sociology from University of Southern Maine.

“UMA is a well known leader in post-secondary distance education in Maine and I am very excited to join the vibrant UMA Rockland Center as part of this UMA community,” stated Margaronis. “My recent experiences with GEAR UP Maine and Northeastern University will be beneficial in supporting our students in the mid-coast region.”

Margaronis succeeds Deborah Meehan, who served in the position since 2006. Meehan was instrumental in growing the UMA Rockland Center enrollments and launching the Prison Education Partnership Program with the Maine Department of Corrections.

The UMA Rockland Center, also known as URock, is one of eight UMA Centers around Maine offering courses, academic programs, and support for individuals seeking to earn a university degree close to home. Courses are taught by faculty on-site, online, or via videoconferencing, allowing students to pursue their studies while meeting family and work obligations.