AUBURN — Central Maine Community College President Scott Knapp has announced the appointment of Denis Fortier as the veterans to college coordinator.

Fortier, a resident of Lewiston, served in Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force and retired from the Maine Air National Guard as a command chief master sergeant after 32 years of total military service.

A graduate of Bates College, he earned a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York. Fortier worked for the Maine Department of Labor in the Bureau of Employment Services for 30 years. Prior to assuming his current position, Fortier worked as the institutional research coordinator at the college.

As the veterans to college coordinator, Fortier is working to develop a convenient and comprehensive advising, evaluation and referral service for veterans, reservists, National Guard or active-duty personnel who wish to pursue higher education in Maine. He will provide counseling about college and program options in Maine, an analysis of how their military training can apply toward credits, and how their GI or other benefits can be applied.

The funding for this position is being provided by a congressionally-directed grant through the U.S. Department of Education. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to contact Fortier at 755-5348, or email [email protected].