Eastern Maine Community College Names Julius Edwards as Next President

Eastern Maine Community College will begin a new chapter this spring as Julius Edwards assumes the role of president on April 1, bringing more than 15 years of leadership experience in academic affairs, workforce development, and student support at large, multi-campus community colleges.

Edwards joins EMCC from Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, where he served in a range of senior leadership positions, most recently as vice chancellor of academic affairs. His background spans academic program development, transfer pathways, financial aid administration, and workforce-aligned education. Ivy Tech is one of the nation’s largest community college systems, serving more than 168,000 students annually across 19 campuses.

Edwards’ professional experience closely aligns with EMCC’s focus on access, student success, and meeting regional workforce needs. His leadership portfolio includes oversight of programs in agriculture, advanced automation and robotics, supply chain management, culinary arts, and commercial driving, as well as experience teaching business courses as an adjunct faculty member.

The Maine Community College System Board of Trustees confirmed Edwards’ appointment following a national search.

Edwards holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

He succeeds Elizabeth Russell, who passed away last fall shortly after retiring from EMCC. Janet Sortor, chief academic affairs officer for the Maine Community College System, has served as interim president.