Paul Dexter PhD

Primary Learning Commons contact for:

• Strategic planning with institutional leadership
• Faculty and department partnerships
• Learning support program development and assessment

Students, faculty, and staff can conveniently schedule an appointment with Paul at pauldexter.youcanbook.me. (If you experience any technical or accessibility issues with this electronic calendar, please contact Paul at 207-780-5577 for assistance.)

Paul Dexter is originally from Beverly, Massachusetts. He began working for the University of Southern Maine in 1998. Paul received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Michael’s College in 1992, and in 1995 earned his Master of Social Work degree from Salem State College. Paul was awarded his Ph.D. in Public Policy from USM’s Muskie School of Public Service in 2015, with his dissertation research on the relationship between student engagement and success among online undergraduates. 

Paul currently serves as Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs. During his years at USM, Paul has served as Director of Academic Retention Initiatives, the Coordinator of Learning Support, Coordinator of the Student Success Center, the Director of Early Student Success, and as a clinician in University Counseling Services. Paul has taught at USM since 2004. He developed and teaches the Using Technology in Adult Learning course for the Master’s in Adult and Higher Education program. He is also an instructor in USM’s Leadership and Organizational Studies program, teaching Leading Through Conflict. In the Master’s in Adult and Higher Education program, he has taught Introduction to Student Affairs, and both developed and instructed Using Technology In Adult Learning. Other USM courses have included Choices, Changes & Careers, Academic Self-Management, and College & Career Success. 

Paul has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Maine, and certified as a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Practitioner. He earned a certificate in online teaching from the Online Learning Consortium. Paul has been a lead instructor for AdCare Educational Institute of Maine and a Contract Trainer for the Prevention Research Institute in Lexington, Kentucky. He served as the Advisory Board Chair for the Prince Memorial Library in Cumberland, Maine, and the President of USM’s local chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.