Champion of UMaine Award
Captain James Settele, USN (Ret.), has been selected to receive the Champion of UMaine Award, which recognizes individuals who are not alumni of the University of Maine but whose exceptional, effective, and sustained advocacy has advanced the University’s mission and quality. Through decades of leadership, mentorship, and service, Captain Settele has made a lasting impact on UMaine and the broader Maine community.
Captain Settele joined the University of Maine after a distinguished 27-year career in the United States Navy, where he served in senior leadership roles, including military assistant to the Secretary of Defense and Director of Policy and Strategy for U.S. Naval Forces Europe. He came to UMaine as Professor of Naval Science and went on to play a central role in shaping the School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA), serving in leadership positions ranging from assistant director to executive director.
His dedication to SPIA’s graduate students has been transformational. Captain Settele is widely known for recognizing students’ potential, mentoring them with care and candor, and creating a culture that balances high expectations with strong personal support. The connections he fostered among SPIA students and alumni continue well beyond graduation, resulting in a highly engaged alumni community and meaningful professional networks.
Beyond SPIA, Captain Settele was twice called upon to serve the University in pivotal leadership roles, first as Chief of Staff to President Susan Hunter and later as Interim Athletic Director. In each role, he provided steady guidance, institutional insight, and a deep commitment to the University’s values. His leadership helped navigate periods of transition while reinforcing UMaine’s mission across academic and athletic domains.
Captain Settele’s influence extends beyond campus through service on major Maine boards, including Bangor Savings Bank and Northern Light Health, where he has served as a respected ambassador for the University. His lifelong commitment to public service, education, and leadership has strengthened UMaine’s reach and impact, making him a most deserving recipient of the Champion of UMaine Award.