William A. Mitchell Named Massasoit Community College Interim President

Massasoit Community College’s Vice President for Administration/Chief Financial Officer, William A. Mitchell, has been named Interim President, effective Friday, September 1, 2017. He was selected by the College’s Board of Trustees at their regular board meeting on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 and later approved by Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education, Carlos Santiago. Mr. Mitchell brings more than 30 years of experience working within Massachusetts Public Higher Education.

“Bill’s interim appointment will provide continuity and will also provide the Board with adequate time to begin a national search for a new president,” said Dr. Charles Wall, President of Massasoit Community College. “His appointment gives Massasoit a unique opportunity to experience a known campus leader who will continue to guide the College forward in the coming months,” Wall added.

Mr. Mitchell has served as Massasoit’s Vice President for Administration/Chief Financial Officer since 2012. Prior to re-joining Massasoit Community College, he was the Associate Vice Chancellor for Financial Services at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth from 1994-2012. From 1985-1994, Mr. Mitchell was with Massasoit in a number of capacities including Assistant Comptroller (1992-1994); Budget Analyst (1989-1992); Assistant Director of Student Activities (1987-1989); Adjunct Faculty (1989-1996); and Head Baseball Coach (1985-1989).

“Vice President Mitchell has a strong record of service in public higher education in the Commonwealth.  He is truly committed to our students and dedicated to their success. The students, staff, and faculty of Massasoit can count on his leadership to see us through this period of transition and face any challenges that come before us,” said Pamerson Ifill, Chair, Massasoit Community College Board of Trustees.

Mr. Mitchell received a Bachelor of Science in Management from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Framingham State University. He is a member of several professional affiliations, and is currently the Chair of the Massachusetts State Universities and Community Colleges Chief Financial Officers Annual Meeting. Outside of Massasoit, Mr. Mitchell is actively involved in various business and civic organizations, including the Board of Directors for the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce where he chairs the organization’s finance committee.

Mr. Mitchell’s appointment will become effective on Friday, September 1, 2017 in order to ensure a smooth transition to President Charles Wall’s departure which is also slated for September 1, 2017. Mr. Mitchell will serve in the role until a permanent replacement is named; a search is currently underway.

President Wall, who has been President of Massasoit Community College since 2001, announced his plans to retire on January 26, 2017.

Crystal Camp Sworn In as Student Trustee

(l-r) Thomas Carroll, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Crystal Camp, and Dr. Wall 

Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College, is pleased to announce that Abington resident Crystal Camp has been elected student representative to the Massasoit Community College Board of Trustees. Crystal was sworn in on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 in a small ceremony in the President’s Office on the Brockton campus.

A Business Administration Transfer student, Crystal maintains a 3.93 GPA, has twice been named to the Dean’s list, and is a Student Senator.

“Like so many of our students, Crystal came to Massasoit after already progressing within her chosen career field, and returned to school to advance in that field,” said Dr. Wall. “She’s an active participant on campus, and I am sure she will be an able reprentative for her fellow students. We’re pleased to welcome her to the Board of Trustees.”

Originally from Abington, Crystal graduated from high school in Montanta. After time spent living in Colorado and California, she returned home to be close to family. Her educational interests include international marketing and economics.

As Student Trustee, Crystal will represent the students of Massasoit as a full voting member of the Board of Trustees for one year.

 

Veteran and Servicemember Club Presents Retiring President Wall with American Flag

(l-r) David Doyle, Veteran Services Coordinator Brian Smith, Dr. Wall, Chris Blunt, Caleb Maclagan

On Monday, July 10, the Massasoit Community College Veterans and Servicemember Club presented retiring president Dr.  Charles Wall with a shadow box American Flag in an informal ceremony in the president’s office. The shadow box is traditionally presented in the military when someone leaves the service or retires. Along with the flag, the servicemembers presented Dr. Wall with custom military challenge coins to recognize him for his contributions and achievements. The coins commemorate service, and represent the significance of his work and affiliation to the Veterans organization.

“This was our [club’s] way of honoring Dr. Wall for his service to Massasoit,”  said Chris Blunt, class of 2017 and outgoing student trustee. “His commitment to the Veterans and Servicemember club has been significant, and we wanted to show our appreciation.”

In addition, the servicemembers demonstrated the ceremonial folding of a United States flag, preserving a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building, presented to Dr. Wall from Congressman Joe Kennedy III.

 

 

Akillian Gallery Welcomes Painter Jo Ann Rothschild

The Akillian Gallery at Massasoit’s Canton campus is showing work by Boston artist Jo Ann Rothschild in an exhibition titled “Visual Conversations.” The exhibit runs through August 8.

A former student of Leo Garel, Jo Ann earned her BA in Art from Bennington College, and an MFA from Tufts University and Boston Museum School. As teacher, guest lecturer, and visiting artist that includes time spent in Havana, Cuba, her education based venues extended from 1978 to 2013. Jo Ann has also curated numerous projects in Boston and New York, received several prestigious awards, and is a published writer.

Accolades for Jo Ann’s work in oils, mixed media, and ink have appeared in major publications in Boston, Cuba, and Germany.

Please join us for the artist’s reception on July 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m, Akillian Gallery, Massasoit Community College, 900 Randolph St., Canton MA. Normal gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or by appointment. Call 508-588-1900, x2124.

http://www.massasoit.edu/akilliangallery

Gateway to College Graduates 31

On Thursday, June 29, the Gateway to College program at Massasoit Community College graduated 31 students from 10 different school districts. Students graduated with both their high school diploma and, on average, 28 college credits each.

The following students graduated:

Katie Alix
Jacob Boehner
Garnet Dawbin
Alex Donovan-Ortiz
Calvin Duncan III
David Fasolino, IV
Marco Feeney
Eric Fernandes
Josue Fernandes
Kyrell Fulks
Tayla Giannini
Erica Goncalves
Zachary Honrado
Tristan Hraibe
Benjamin Julius
Gabriel Koubek
Michaela Lee
Joseph Lussier
Kyle MacLennan
Amanda MacNevin
Kaley MacNevin
Collin Matson

Gateway to College is a comprehensive early college high school program that enables qualified, motivated students to earn a high school diploma while accruing college credits. Although all activities take place on the college campus, students are dually enrolled in both the school district and the college, receiving a high school diploma from the district in which they live.

Gateway to College students are a diverse group of young people between the ages of 16 and 21 ready and willing to work hard to be successful in the program. Some of our students believe that a traditional high school setting is not the right fit, left high school before graduating, were on the verge of leaving, or were behind in credits to graduate with their designated class; others are academic achievers getting a head start on a college education.

Massasoit Athletics Announces 2017 Hall of Fame Class

The Massasoit Athletics Department recently announced its 2017 Hall of Fame Class featuring the 1987 Men’s Soccer team, current head baseball coach Tom Frizzell, and former student-athletes Steve Byrne (men’s soccer), Joneiha Veiga (women’s basketball/softball), JP Songin (baseball) and Pam Gear (women’s basketball/volleyball).

Tom Frizzell, Baseball Head Coach (1991-Present)
The NJCAA Hall of Famer has had plenty of success during his tenure in Brockton and cracked the 700-win club during the 2016 campaign leading the Warriors. Over his 26-year coaching career he has amassed an overall record of 707-347.

Under Frizzell’s watch, Massasoit has captured eight Region 21 Championships, five Northeast District Championships and advanced to the NJCAA World Series five times featuring a NJCAA Division II National Championship in 1993.

In his coaching career at Massasoit, the five-time NJCAA District Coach of the Year has led the Warriors to an average of more than 27 victories a season with a 67.1 winning percentage. In addition, Frizzell has coached 30 All-Americans and over 100 All-New England award winners.

Frizzell was elected to the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2011.

1987 Men’s Soccer Team
One of the hardest things to do in sports is repeat as champions, but the 1987 Massasoit men’s soccer team did just that, earning the second half of back-to-back NJCAA National Championships.

The Warriors started the ’87 season at 3-2-2 and then rung off 20 consecutive victories capped by topping Miami-Dade CC in thrilling fashion, 1-0, in the title match. The team’s final record of 23-2-2, marked the second most victories in program history.

The Warriors were coached by Nick Palantzas, who garnered National Coach of the Year honors as six players earned All-Region 21 accolades, including Tony Reis, who was also an NJCAA All-American honorable mention selection.

To this date, Massasoit is one of only six Division I programs to win consecutive NJCAA National Championships.

The 1987 roster consisted of: Tony Arruda, Gus Andrade, Enzo Ballarano, Rick Witt, Robert Arrighi, Nathan Emery, Ricky Martinez, Stephen McMenamin, Paul Sousa, Inacio Silva, Paul Gillis, Carlos Silva, Walter Santos, Al Peters, Chris Valante, Dennis Maduagwana, Mark Holyoke, Matt Bearce, Stephen Francette, Tony Reis, Jeff Antonio, Flemming Petersen, Assistant Coach Kevin Crawford, and Head Coach Nick Palantzas.

Steve Byrne, Men’s Soccer (1985 & 1986)
Steve Byrne was a force on the defensive end for the Warriors during his two seasons donning the Green and White back in the mid-1980s.

The Irishman played for the Warriors for the 1985 and 1986 seasons, helping the team post an impressive 46-4-3 record during that stretch, including winning the first of two NJCAA National Championships in 1986.

Byrne was a part of two Region 21 Championships and was twice selected to the National All-Tournament Team. In 1986, Byrne was named an NJCAA All-American and selected the National Tournament Defensive MVP as the Warriors went undefeated, posting a record of 25-0-2.

After Massasoit, Byrne went on to play at Fitchburg State for two seasons.

Joneiha Veiga, Women’s Basketball (2007-09), Softball (2008 & 2009)
A versatile two-sport student-athlete at Massasoit, Joneiha Veiga played on the hardwood and softball field for the Warriors during her time in Brockton.

Veiga was a combo-guard for two seasons (2007-09) garnering All-Region 21 First Team accolades both seasons. During her freshman year, Veiga poured in 460 points averaging a double-double and leading the team to a 17-9 record and a MCCAC Tournament Championship. In addition, she was selected as a NJCAA National Player of the Week on two occasions.

In the spring, Veiga played shortstop and hit in the middle of the Warrior lineup. She twice earned postseason accolades from Region 21, and later went on to play both sports at Curry College after her two years with the Warriors.

JP Songin, Baseball (1997 & 1998)
A slugging, middle of the order outfielder, J.P. Songin was a force in the Warriors lineup during the 1997 and 1998 seasons for head coach Tom Frizzell.

Songin was Massasoit’s first-ever two-time NJCAA All-American selection, earning second team honors as a freshman and third team accolades as a sophomore. He was also a two-time All-Region 21 First Team selection and Region 21 All-Tournament Team pick along with being a Northeast District All-Tournament Team honoree in 1997. Massasoit went 62-20 during his two seasons, claiming a pair of Region 21 Championships and advancing to the National Tournament in 1997.

Over his two-year career, Songin posted a .419 batting average (116-for-277) with 32 doubles (school record), seven triples and 12 homers. The lefty hitter scored 89 runs, knocked in 84 and slugged an impressive .715. He also showcased great plate discipline drawing 35 walks in two years, while only striking out 14 times.

Songin transferred on to Division II program Georgia College, where he played for two seasons.

Pam Gear, Volleyball (1984), Women’s Basketball (1983-1985)
Rockland native Pam Gear called the Asiaf Field House her home during her two years at Massasoit, suiting up for the volleyball and women’s basketball teams in the mid-1980s.

On the basketball team, Gear really shined, being selected First Team All-Region 21 both seasons. During her sophomore campaign, she cracked the top-10 single season scoring list with 427 points. Gear averaged a double-double, recording 19 points and 13.8 rebounds per game during the 1984-85 season and was also named to the Region 21 All-Tournament Team.

Gear was also a vital member of the volleyball team at Massasoit that captured the school’s lone Region 21 Volleyball Championship in 1984. The Warriors went 17-2 during the season and advanced to NJCAA National Tournament.
Gear went on to play basketball at the UMass-Dartmouth after her time with the Warriors.

The Hall of Fame event will held on Friday, August 11 at the Massasoit Conference Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. The event will start at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour and dinner preceding the awards ceremony. Those interested in attending the event can contact the Athletics Department at 508-588-9100, x1431.

Massasoit Awarded $649,999 Grant from the National Science Foundation

Massasoit Community College has been awarded a $649,999 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S-STEM) program. Massasoit’s project, STEM Scholars Associates, will provide scholarship assistance and academic support to low-income, academically talented students enrolled in the College’s Liberal Arts Transfer–Science (LATS) and Computer Technology and Information Management (CTIM) associate degree programs. The LATS program is by far our largest, most popular program of study, and has averaged about 1450-1500 students over the past several years.

The project will help advance educational research into success in STEM fields by examining the effectiveness of student participation in the high-touch, high-intensity activities that are central to its design. Of particular note is the project’s emphasis on addressing the lack of belonging that many underrepresented students cite as reasons they leave STEM majors or do not persist in these fields. Early research suggests that strengthening linkages between students, faculty, and industry professionals leads to increased connection and mutual understanding. “Of the current pool of students in the targeted degree and certificate programs, 40% are low-income students. Additionally, 63% are female, 50% are racial/ethnic minorities, and 17% are non-native English speakers; while well-represented at Massasoit, many of these students are underrepresented in STEM fields,” said Hollyce States, associate dean of grants and sustainability.

The STEM industries are vital sectors of the Massachusetts and US economies, and workforce demand in these fields is anticipated to grow over the next decade. Massasoit’s STEM Scholars Associates project is designed to increase the number and diversity of STEM professionals by addressing the common barriers to STEM success faced by low-income and underrepresented students. “This grant acknowledges the strength of Massasoit Community College’s STEM programs and will help us to build and strengthen our ability to send dedicated, prepared, and qualified STEM students into either a 4-year program or the workforce,” said Dr. Charles Wall, president.

Students will be eligible from four academic pathways: Liberal Arts Transfer–Science, Liberal Arts Transfer–Computer Science, Computer Information Systems–Programming, and Computer Information Systems–User Support. The program will provide financial assistance to enable students to attend full-time and will engage them in activities intended to improve academic performance and confidence, build professional aptitude and reasoning abilities, and establish a community of peers and professionals. Faculty mentors will help ensure that students stay on track toward achieving their academic and career goals. Industry partnerships will provide professionals for a career speaker series, host student interns, and serve as ambassadors for their industries. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in on-campus, undergraduate research, hands-on educational experiences that build critical thinking, problem solving, and workplace skills.

The grant begins on June 15, 2017 and the College will begin offering scholarship assistance to students beginning in spring semester 2018. “The scholarship is not aimed at new, incoming students, but at those who have taken, or are in the process of taking, at least 6 credits at Massasoit; students who begin in the fall will be eligible to apply in late fall for the spring scholarships,” said Associate Dean States.

At the conclusion of Massasoit’s five-year project, approximately 60 students will have earned or be in the process of obtaining a credential for entry-level positions and/or for transfer into a four-year institution in a STEM field.

Eshita Chakrabarti Named to Massasoit Board of Trustees

Massasoit Community College is pleased to announce that Governor Charlie Baker appointed Eshita Chakrabarti of Canton to the College’s Board of Trustees on March 30, 2017 in front of the Grand Staircase of the Massachusetts State House. Ms. Chakrabarti’s appointment fills the vacancy of Trustee Dr. Mary Brophy, who recently concluded an esteemed 11 years of service to the Board. 

Eshita Chakrabarti is the host, producer, and director of Faces of South Asia, a television program on All-Access Television with a focus on social issues such as human trafficking, child marriage, domestic violence, opioid abuse, gender equality, LGBTQ and LGBTQ senior issues, mental health, and topics related to abuse, rape, and recovery. Ms. Chakrabarti emigrated from India in her early twenties and is a global advocate for the civil rights of women and children. Ms. Chakrabarti represents women of diverse cultures and supports promoting education about and adjudication of social issues centered on mainstream America.

Using her own diverse experiences, Ms. Chakrabarti has dedicated her time to assisting vocationally inexperienced women with assimilating into modern American culture. She is an advocate for DOVE, an organization devoted to ending domestic violence, and Saheli, an organization dedicated to the empowerment of South Asian women and their families. She also serves on the board of the Massachusetts Political Women’s Caucus and is a host and producer for Comcast Cable. She is a graduate of Jamshedpur Women’s College and has a Bachelor’s degree in economics. Ms. Chakrabarti resides in Canton, Massachusetts with her husband Dr. Aniket Chakrabarti and is the mother of two daughters.

“Eshita is a community-minded leader whose wealth of insight, commitment to advocacy around cultural and social issues, and dedication to service will enrich the Board’s efforts in supporting our students,” said Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit Community College.

Former Trustee Dr. Brophy is a Brockton resident who works for the Veteran’s Administration Healthcare System and serves on the Board of Trustees at Cardinal Spellman High School. She was the Chair of the Massasoit Board of Trustees for just under two years.

“Dr. Brophy was a remarkable leader whose efforts have guided the Board and the College through many significant accomplishments,” said Dr. Charles Wall, president of Massasoit. “We are truly grateful for both her service and her passionate commitment to the betterment of the Massasoit community,” added Dr. Wall.

Radio/TV Classics Live Salutes Veterans and First Responders

On Sunday, June 11, Massasoit Community College hosted its final production of Radio/TV Classics Live, a live comedy and music performance of classic radio and television shows. The evening featured many of Boston’s leading radio, television, and theater personalities as well as special guest John Astin of The Addams Family. The show included a special presentation of “Command Performance,” a salute to veterans and first responders.

Established in 1990, Radio/TV Classics Live has raised more than $100,000 in scholarship money for Massasoit graduates going on to four-year colleges. The production has provided Massasoit students the rare opportunity to meet and learn from radio and television professionals – actors, writers, directors and sound effects editors – from the Golden Age of Radio who were on the cutting edge of what was then the nation’s primary communication and entertainment medium as well as current radio personalities and television broadcasters.

In addition to John Astin, who has more than 150 television and movie credits across his 60 year career, special guests included Hank Phillippi Ryan (WHDH-TV and best-selling author); Barry Nolan (NPR’s Says You!); Jordan Rich; Scott Wahle; Laurie Kirby; and the Massasoit Radio Players, comprised of current and former faculty, staff, students, and friends of the College. The Tinkertown Big Band performed throughout the show.

Paul Sullivan and Sullivan Tire and Auto Service were the generous sponsor of the show; Mr. Sullivan joined retiring president Dr. Charles Wall on stage for a skit in the first act.

Produced entirely by volunteers, every dollar raised above the actual expenses of the program goes into a scholarship fund administered by the Massasoit Community College Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation of the College.

Special thanks to Professor Bob Bowers, chair of the Communicative Arts department, and his committee for their hard work and dedication in executing this performance.

Spring 2017 Dean’s List Announced

Massasoit is proud to announce its 2017 Spring Dean’s List. For a full list of students who earned Dean’s List distinction, please follow this link.

Students earning a 3.40 GPA or higher for the semester earn Dean’s List distinction.

Congratulations to our students!