Nicole Vinal

Nicole Vinal is the Chief Operating & Business Officer at the University of Maine School of Law. In this capacity, she specializes in higher education administration and strategic management, overseeing the financial and operational aspects of the law school.

Since joining Maine Law in 2005, Nicole has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s financial and administrative foundation. Her work spans institutional budget management, strategic planning, enrollment and tuition revenue modeling, and the oversight of development and fundraising initiatives — including endowed fund stewardship and donor relations. She has been a central figure in guiding the law school through evolving fiscal landscapes while keeping its academic mission firmly in view.

Nicole’s leadership extends well beyond day-to-day operations. She has worked closely with faculty, staff, and university system leadership to advance institutional effectiveness, support the professional success of students and staff, and strengthen Maine Law’s position within the University of Maine System. Her collaborative approach and commitment to data-informed decision-making have made her a trusted voice in both internal governance and long-range planning.

Recognized for her advocacy for innovation and her dedication to legal education in Maine, Nicole brings more than two decades of institutional knowledge to her role — making her an integral part of the law school’s past, present, and future.