Meet the Team

Jeff Marlett currently serves as Dean of Academic Affairs for In-Person Education at Unity Environmental University. Since the mid-1990s he has served as a faculty member and administrator in Arkansas, New York, and now Maine. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wabash College, a Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, and his PhD from Saint Louis University. His 2002 book Saving the Heartland earned an honorable mention from the State Historical Society of Iowa for illuminating the role of rural and environmental images in American Catholic life. He enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Lucas Levesque serves as Dean of In-Person Education at Unity Environmental University’s Pineland campus. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, athletics, enrollment management, and nonprofit operations.

Prior to joining Unity Environmental University, Lucas spent 14 years at University of Maine at Fort Kent, where he held roles in both Athletics and Admissions. He later served for eight years as Director of Coaching and Senior Director of Operations for the YMCA of Rome and Floyd County in Georgia.

As head coach at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, Lucas became the program’s all-time wins leader in both women’s soccer and women’s basketball. In recognition of his contributions to athletics and student development, he was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2018.

Lucas earned a bachelor’s degree from Thomas College and a master’s degree in Leadership and Organization Studies from University of Southern Maine.

Elizabeth Benz serves as a Career Coach at Unity Environmental University at Pineland, where she is dedicated to supporting student success from enrollment through graduation and beyond. She partners with students throughout their academic journey, helping them plan their academic path, develop the skills, confidence, and career readiness needed to achieve their professional goals.

Before joining Unity, Elizabeth led student support initiatives in higher education in Maine, Georgia, and London and she has worked in public school communications in Georgia. Her diverse professional background reflects a commitment to education, leadership, and empowering others to succeed.

Elizabeth earned a Master of Arts in Communication and Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University. Beyond Unity at Pineland, she enjoys music, exploring, and spending time with her family and two beloved dogs.

Dr. Gretchen Grebe (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Aquaculture and Marine Sustainability at Unity Environmental University. She holds a Ph.D. in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources from the University of Maine. Gretchen also received a M.S. from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UCSB where she specialized in Water Resources Management and Eco-Entrepreneurship, and a B.A. in Latin American and Environmental Studies from Bates College.

Gretchen’s current research and teaching interests include phycology (the scientific study of algae), sustainable ecological aquaculture, food sovereignty, eco-entrepreneurship, water resources management, co-management of natural resources, and climate change resiliency. A Colorado native, Gretchen spends much of her free time playing and exploring outside.