Dr. Wesley Mills comes from a family with deep Maine roots. According to Mills, “They have a history in seafaring, lighthouse-keeping, writing, preaching, and teaching.” Like many of his forebears, Mills has devoted his life to teaching. He is also a pastor and an organizer in social projects such as the Wayside Soup Kitchen which fights hunger and food waste, and Root Cellar ministries which builds community involvement in impoverished neighborhoods.
His newly revised book, “Vision and Voice: A synoptic Narrative of U.S. Civil Rights History and the Societal Struggle For Justice and Equality,” is used as a text in the classes he teaches at York County Community College, where he has taught for 22 years. He said, “My book provides an overview of civil rights over the course of 400 years of political, philosophical and religious history.”
Mills currently teaches courses in composition, ethics, history, and religion and is also the author of two previous books: “The Children’s Menu” (a guide for children’s sermons) and “Pieces of Passion in Search of Peace” (a collection of poetry).
Photo courtesy Dr. Wesley MillsEducation
Mills earned a Bachelor’s degree at Gordon College 1976; a Master’s at Fuller Theological Seminary 1979; and his Doctorate at Andover Newton Theological School 1989.
Employment
Mills said, “I found my niche in teaching and love being part of York Community College, working with people of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations. It’s both challenging and rewarding, and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
He added, “Some years ago I had the honor of writing a chapter for a book about teaching published by the Gorham campus of USM, and since then I’ve written three books of my own. I have a meaningful vocation and work with great people— what could be better?”
Gorham Memories
Mills recalled, “Growing up in Gorham entailed a diverse experience for a small town, including managing a paper route, working at a greenhouse, and participating in Little League championship teams.” He remembers the overcrowding that necessitated double sessions at GHS, “The crammed quarters back then were a challenge, but it was great to be part of the Western Maine championship basketball team.” He added, “What stands out are the neighborhood friends in the early days and high school pals and church friends later on. I suppose that’s a bit of nostalgia as the pace of life then was more relaxed—in contrast to the faster pace now. And Gorham is no longer just a small town.”
Personal
Mills enjoys exploring the shorelines and islands of coastal Maine while spending time at his camp on the coast in Owl’s Head. He can be reached at wmills@uccc.edu.