UMaine Graduate School of Business Honors Unity President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury as its Inaugural Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Khoury’s transformative leadership to be honored June 10 at The Maine Center
The Maine Graduate and Professional Center has selected Dr. Melik Peter Khoury (’01 MBA), President and CEO of Unity Environmental University, as the inaugural recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award for the University of Maine Graduate School of Business.
Since taking the helm in 2016, Dr. Khoury, has transformed Unity Environmental University into Maine’s fastest‑growing university, now serving nearly 10,000 learners nationwide through a technology‑driven Enterprise Model that offers career‑aligned pathways in environmental science and sustainability. A first‑generation college graduate born in West Africa, Dr. Khoury pairs a global outlook with an MBA from the University of Maine and a doctorate in business administration to champion access, affordability, and student success.
Announcing the honor, Andrew D. King, Director of the MaineMBA at Maine Business School & Graduate School of Business called Dr. Khoury “a true Maine success story,” noting that “this award isn’t just about personal success; it honors an alum who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, service to community, and built cross‑disciplinary bridges leading to systemic change.” King added that Dr. Khoury’s record “exemplifies our values of excellence and social impact, inspiring current and future students as well as thousands of alumni peers.”
His leadership has guided Unity’s reclassification to a Master’s College & University and its strategic relocation to Pineland Farms. An accomplished speaker on AI, education reform, institutional transformation, and sustainable leadership, Dr. Khoury’s work exemplifies the cross‑disciplinary impact and community service celebrated by the Maine Center’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Unity Environmental University’s Board of Trustees Chair Sharon Reishus said the recognition is fitting for a leader who has “transformed Unity Environmental University into a national model for affordable, sustainability‑focused education. Dr. Khoury’s visionary stewardship shows the power of mission‑driven innovation in higher education, and we are delighted to see his impact celebrated by his alma mater.”
Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Khoury credited his UMaine experience for shaping his ethos of access and resilience. “My time at the University of Maine showed me that bold ideas and people‑focused leadership can transform systems for the better,” he said. “I accept this award on behalf of the entire Unity ecosystem, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni, who prove every day that higher education can be both transformative and sustainable.”
Dr. Khoury will receive the award during the Maine Center Awards on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at The Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland. To learn more about Dr. Khoury visit the President’s Page, by clicking this link.
