Knisley was hired in February to to be the college's new Vice President of Academic Affairs. Currently the chair of the humanities department at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H., Knisley's first day at Unity College is scheduled for Aug. 1.
"We're excited about the opportunities that area of Maine offers for organic farming," Knisley said.
Knisley and her husband, Ed Bowser, who have been married less than two years and have a seven-month old daughter, opened a small organic vegetable operation in New Hampshire last year.
Her focus as the lead of academic affairs will include supporting Unity College's faculty, economic and curriculum development and academics.
"It's a broad, encompassing vice presidential position," Knisley said.
Knisley holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She has been at Colby-Sawyer, where she also was an associate professor of philosophy, for 10 years.
"I think Unity is ready to leap in and serve the greater good there in a way other colleges aren't," Knisley said.