Unity Strengthens its Enterprise Ranks with Accomplished Industry Experts
Unity Environmental University announces the appointment of four highly accomplished professionals to key Enterprise-level positions within the organization. These strategic hires represent a significant step forward in enhancing the university’s capacity to drive innovation, excellence, and sustainable impact in the field of environmental studies.
“These talented individuals possess a shared commitment to advancing environmental awareness and solutions, aligning seamlessly with Unity Environmental University’s mission and vision,” said President of the Enterprise, Dr. Erika Latty. “Each brings a wealth of experience. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to breaking down barriers traditionally associated with higher education will enhance student experiences and contribute to shaping future environmentally, and socially competent professionals.”
Ángel Martínez Loredo is a seasoned higher education administrator with a career spanning over three decades. With an unwavering commitment to equitable education, Ángel’s journey has been defined by innovative leadership, advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. He proudly considers himself a Chicano activist in higher education.
As the Dean of Student Success, he is responsible for designing, implementing, and providing on-going support to enhance the student experience and enabling access and inclusion. Advocate for institutional resources to create and maintain high-quality student success programs. Loredo continually assesses and strengthens all aspects of student success to improve processes and efficiencies.
Having navigated various roles, Ángel’s impact is felt across institutions and communities, ensuring that postsecondary education remains a vehicle for positive change. Throughout his journey, Angel has passionately advocated for historically underrepresented students, cultivating inclusive campus climates and pioneering initiatives that celebrate diversity.
From the University of Maine to the University of Houston Clear Lake, Ángel brings his legacy of empowerment, education, and the unwavering pursuit of a more inclusive academic landscape to Unity Environmental University. Ángel holds a Master of Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s University. He is currently expected to complete his PhD in Higher Education Administration with the University of Maine.
Dr. Heidi Wilkes joins Unity as Chief Learning Officer. As CLO, Dr. Wilkes works with colleagues across the Enterprise leading efforts related to academic policy, assessment, and compliance, and overseeing library and digital resources planning and operations. She also works closely with student success and other leaders designing and delivering quality programming that prepares environmentally competent professionals to shape and safeguard sustainable ecosystems and formulate solutions for our most pressing global, ecological, economic, and societal challenges.
Dr. Wilkes is an academic leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and growth in higher education. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing workforce-relevant academic programs and learning solutions that meet the evolving needs of students and the dynamic educational landscape. With a strong blend of academic and business acumen, Dr. Wilkes excels in fostering innovation, strategizing for enrollment and retention, managing partnerships, and achieving growth targets.
With a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University, an M.B.A. in International Business from Bentley University, and a B.A. in International Relations from Boston University, Dr. Wilkes brings an interdisciplinary perspective to her role of Chief Learning Officer. Her ability to lead high-performing teams, manage complex projects, and cultivate positive organizational culture has been shaped throughout her career in higher education in New England, including recent academic leadership roles as the Associate Dean of Academic Operations at the University of New England and the Associate Vice President of Learning Solutions at Southern New Hampshire University.
Elizabeth Barron joins Unity as the Director of Development and Grants. In her position Barron plays an important role in advancing Unity’s mission and goals by helping Leadership strategically cultivate relationships with donors, Alumni, Foundations, businesses, and other collaborators; identify and engage prospective supporters; secure funding through grants; and by overseeing fundraising initiatives.
Throughout Barron’s career, she has navigated the crossroads of financial stewardship and community engagement. As the Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at the Maine Children’s Home (MCH), they spearheaded donor relations, fundraising, and strategic planning.
Barron holds a Master of Business Administration from Thomas College and is pursuing a Michigan State University Social Work Master Track certificate. With roles such as Vice-Chair of the Maine Community Foundation Kennebec County Grant Advisory Committee and leadership positions in organizations like the United Ways of Maine, Barron consistently advocates for positive change and community resilience, making a meaningful impact.
Cayla L. Winn is a dynamic professional celebrated for her exceptional leadership and transformative impact across diverse industries. As Director of Talent Acquisition, Cayla works closely with hiring managers and University leadership to determine hiring needs. In her position, Winn recruits faculty, and staff from all backgrounds and all skill sets while ensuring outreach is equitable and inclusive.
With a BS in Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Cayla’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to operational excellence and community empowerment. During her tenure as Programs & Operations Manager at Hopebound Mental Health, Cayla adeptly managed regulatory compliance and operational intricacies. Her strategic ingenuity fostered community engagement through mental health workshops and outreach initiatives.
Cayla’s resolute commitment to driving innovation and fostering connections underscores her role as a catalyst for positive change at Unity Environmental University.
“Unity offers an exceptional work environment and Maine provides an outstanding quality of life – an ideal combination to contribute to our employee’s professional growth and personal fulfillment. As we grow, so too do our employees. We are earning a reputation as a sought-after destination for employees in higher education, thanks to our hard-working and dedicated team,” said Unity Environmental University President and CEO Dr. Melik Peter Khoury.
The Unity Environmental University Enterprise plays a pivotal role in supporting both our current and future subsidiaries through centralized shared services and quality assurance measures. By consolidating essential functions such as finance, human resources, and IT at our headquarters, we ensure efficiency, standardization, and cost-effectiveness across our entire organization. This centralized approach allows subsidiaries to focus on their core operations while benefiting from streamlined support services.
To learn more about career opportunities at Unity Environmental University, visit our website – unity.edu.
