PARIS – The University of Maine System named Nikki Abbott on Monday as director for the Western Maine University and Community College Center in Paris.

Abbott, who has been in the Oxford Hills region for 35 years, lives in Buckfield with her husband, Cedric. She has three grown children and four grandchildren.

She comes to the new position with 15 years of experience within the University of Maine System working with college students in student service areas such as advising, career counseling, helping with application process and financial aid.

She received her bachelor’s degree from UMaine, Fort Kent, and a master’s degree in Adult Education and Human Resource Development from the University of Southern Maine.

Most recently, she was the western Maine regional manager for the Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community, which began in 1978. It’s a non-university affiliated program on some UMaine campuses and at many off-campus centers.

Abbott said she looks forward to the new center facility being completed soon and to working with people, businesses and organizations in the Oxford Hills area as they pursue post-secondary education and training.

She will be able to help prospective college students move through the admissions process and be available to counsel currently enrolled students as they continue their education.

A spokesperson for the UMaine system said Abbott will be taking over duties immediately, even though the building is under construction.

The Western Maine center is expected to have its grand opening in April.

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