AUBURN — Central Maine Community College President Scott Knapp has announced the appointment of Sheila Lawlor as the CMCC coordinator for the newly-launched Accelerate ME initiative of the Maine Community College System.

Accelerate ME, funded through a grant from the Kresge Foundation, is designed to help Maine residents who have earned at least 30 college credits complete their associate degree in 12 months. The program will cover the costs of tuition, fees, and books for participating students. It will also provide academic support and guidance.

Lawlor served previously at CMCC as the retention adviser for the TRiO program. A graduate of the University of Maine, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and women’s studies, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in leadership studies at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

Lawlor lives in Gray with her husband and son.

Starting this the fall, Accelerate ME will be piloted at CMCC and also at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland and York County Community College in Wells. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to contact Lawlor at 755-5448 or [email protected]. More information is also available online at http://www.mccs.me.edu/accelerateme.html.