13 Nov 2020

USM graduate Dolloff named 2021 Maine Superintendent of the Year

posted in: Campus updates, Educational Leadership & Adult and Higher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, School of Education and Human Development |
Andrea Dolloff, PhD

The Maine School Superintendents Association has selected a 33-year veteran of Maine Public Schools and the 2004 Maine High School Principal of the Year for its annual Maine Superintendent of the Year honor.

Yarmouth Superintendent of Schools Andrew Dolloff M.S.’95, Ph.D.’15 received the award at the Maine School Superintendents Association annual meeting, held virtually in late October.

“I have had the privilege of knowing and collaborating with Andrew Dolloff for many years, and am thrilled that he is being recognized by his peers for his leadership and dedication to Maine schools,” said Commissioner of Education Pender Makin. “He has been a trusted advocate, adviser, and leader for many during his career, and he leads with professionalism and grace.”

In nominating Dolloff, a member of the Yarmouth school committee praised his strength, courage, and exceptional communication skills that have earned him the respect of the community, faculty, and school committee. The nomination also cited Dolloff for ensuring equity of access and opportunity for all students, as well as empowering and working to meet the needs of every student.

In addition to receiving the state’s top principal and superintendent honors, Dolloff received Maine’s School Superintendents Association Outstanding Leadership Award in 2017 and the New England League of Middle Schools Outstanding Superintendent Award in 2020.

Dolloff earned his B.S. in Secondary Education at the University of Maine at Farmington and an M.S. in Educational Administration and a Ph.D. in Public Policy with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Southern Maine. Prior to serving as superintendent of schools in Yarmouth, Dolloff was superintendent of schools in Kennebunk, principal of Scarborough High School, and assistant superintendent of Scarborough Public Schools.

Dolloff’s community involvement includes volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, serving as the Education Division Representative for the United Way of Greater Portland, and chairing USM’s Leadership Advisory Board.

In service to the profession and to help position aspiring school leaders for success, Dolloff also teaches courses in USM’s Educational Leadership program.

“Throughout his career as an educational leader, Andrew has demonstrated the capacity to encourage, assist, and enable colleagues, staff members, and students to excel. He has established a positive working and learning climate wherever he has led students and educators.”
–Dr. Jody Capelluti, Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership