Ronald G. Cantor, associate vice president and dean at

Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, N.Y., has been appointed president of Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, the college announced in a press release.

The Maine Community College System Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed the nomination of Cantor at its meeting Wednesday in Augusta. He will assume his new post on Aug. 29. Cantor will replace Dr. James O. Ortiz, who has served as SMCC president for the past 10 years and will retire this summer.

“Ron brings a set of essential attributes to this important job: highly relevant professional experiences, strong leadership skills, a vision for the college, and genuine kindness and warmth,” said Maine Community College System President John Fitzsimmons in announcing the Board’s vote. “I am confident that SMCC will thrive under his leadership and that students, employees, and community members will be proud to have him at the head of this great institution.”

Cantor brings nearly three decades of experience in higher education administration to his new post. In his current position, he oversees the administration, academics, and student affairs of a comprehensive branch campus. Previously, he served as an associate dean at Jefferson Community College in Watertown, N.Y., and as vice president of the Great Lakes Colleges Association.

Cantor holds a Ph.D. from Syracuse University, a master’s in higher education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire.

“My family and I are delighted to join the SMCC community,” said Cantor of his appointment. “From South Portland to Brunswick and Bath, the College and region are filled with superb opportunities. My career has been focused on education and workforce development to fuel economic and cultural growth. No place is better than Maine for accomplishing meaningful, practical goals in these areas, and Southern Maine Community

College is helping to brighten the region’s future.”

Ronald G. Cantor