Dr. Suzanne Estler
Associate Professor of Education
Education & Human Development
Dr. Suzanne Estler began her career in the College of Education and Human Development as a faculty member in the Educational Leadership area 25 years ago. She has established a reputation as an experienced academic who is knowledgeable, very student centered, and highly skilled.
Sue took a hiatus from the College for ten years to become the University’s Director of Equal Opportunity. Her background in organizational theory and higher education was invaluable to the University during this time. Sue was particularly adept at skillful resolution of many situations often at the informal level.
In 1998 she returned to the educational leadership faculty and immediately began an effort to develop the higher education doctoral program. She successfully guided this endeavor through the faculty approval process to recruiting the first cohort of higher education doctoral students. Dr. Estler has provided extraordinary leadership in all aspects of graduate education. For a number of years she has served on the Graduate Board. As chair and member of the Graduate Affairs Committee for the College, she has provided exceptional leadership to the faculty in such areas as reviewing doctoral core courses, developing an appropriate sequence of research courses, and initiating dialog about possible Ed.D./Ph.D. programs.
Dr. Estler has been very active in the service area. For example, she has served as a reviewer for proposals for the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the American Educational Research Association. Most recently she has been instrumental in developing cross-cultural experiences for our students and students at Universidad de las Amèricas in Mexico.
It is difficult to summarize the many contributions Sue has made over her years at the University of Maine in a few paragraphs, but the actions of her students speak volumes and echo for the respect her colleagues also have for her. Sue was awarded the first Graduate Mentor Award for the College. This reflects her total dedication to students and her colleague’s utmost regard for her. Swan’s Island may call to her in retirement, but hopefully the College can keep her on speed dial for her counsel!
Sue, we are grateful for your 25 years of dedicated service to the University and wish you the best in retirement!