John R. O’Connor

John Robert O’Connor was born and raised in Maine and graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences in Boston in 2008 with a degree in health psychology. John began using his academic training in health psychology to develop wellness programs for his residents as an undergraduate resident advisor. While working full-time in student affairs, John earned his graduate degree in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University in 2012 and a second graduate degree in applied positive psychology in 2014.

John is actively engaged in developing future leaders through his work on college campuses. Prior to joining the University of Southern Maine, John held positions at Emmanuel College, Simmons College, MCPHS, Thomas College, Wells College and St. Lawrence University in a variety of student affairs roles including Residential Life, Orientation, Student Activities, Diversity & Inclusion, and Title IX.

John began his role at University of Southern Maine in January 2022 and has enjoyed getting to know new Huskies through various orientation programs. He currently spends his free time training for running events, learning new recipes, running several petstagram accounts and exploring Maine!