Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (OFFICIAL) – February 4, 2026
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held room TC103AB in the David Hartleb Technology Center located at 100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, Mass. on February 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Ms. Borislow (via Zoom)
Mr. Cousins (Via Zoom)
Mr. Gomez
Ms. Gomez Ruiz
Mr. Hamm
Ms. Hatem-Roy
Dr. Kelley
Mr. Silverio (arrived at 5:07 p.m.)
Ms. Horne
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Ms. Fernandez, Mr. Yepez
ALSO, PRESENT: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the December 3, 2025 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez Ruiz and seconded by Trustee Kelley, the Board unanimously approved the December 3, 2025 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: President Glenn was extremely proud to present Trustee Zoila Gomez Ruiz ’97 with her NECC diploma. Ms. Gomez Ruiz completed her requirements for an associate’s degree after transferring to UMass, Lowell 29 years ago. Her diploma is being presented after her NECC transcripts were recently amended to reflect the coursework competed at UMass, Lowell.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees:
President Glenn introduced and welcomed NECC’s newest employees: Ashley Moore, Director of IT Project Management, and Samantha Bruno, Essex County Sheriff’s Department Education & Career Advisor. The Trustees also welcomed the newest employee. President Glenn provided a brief explanation of the Trustees’ role in Northern Essex Community College’s governance.
Trustee Silverio arrived at 5:07 p.m.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEE:
a) Audit and Finance Committee:
Agenda Item 7a was taken out of order to ensure Auditors were present for the report. Committee Chair Trustee Silverio presented an overview on the FY26 Q2 Budget and GW&K Investment Management Report. The W&K Investment Management Report was distributed as part of the Board Packet prior to the meeting. The Committee is satisfied with the information and overall performance included in the report. Potential adjustments to the portfolio were discussed, and decisions were tabled until the April when the Committee will have a quorum. meeting due to the absence of some voting members
EDUCATIONAL REPORT:
a) Apprenticeships and the Smith Family Foundation Grant by Austin Gilliland
President Glenn introduced Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Austin Gilliland.
Before beginning her Apprenticeships presentation, Vice President Gilliland recognized the outstanding accomplishments of NECC’s theater students and faculty. A group of students traveled to Albany to perform The Vagina Monologues at a regional theater festival. The students received the Old Audience Award for Best Invited Production. Two students earned the first alternate for the Irene Ryan* Acting Scholarship and Professor Brianne Beatrice received the National Alliance Themed Teacher of Excellence Award.
*Irene Ryan is best known from The Beverly Hillbillies and endowed the long-standing acting scholarship program.
Dr. Gilliland then transitioned into the main presentation on apprenticeship degrees. Apprenticeships have deep roots in the skilled trades (e.g., electrical, HVAC, carpentry) and rely heavily on on-the-job training. NECC is expanding the apprenticeship model to fields that require a college credential, such as certificates and associate degrees. Key benefits include programs that are co-designed with employers, blending workplace training with academic coursework and helps students earn wages while progressing toward a degree. The apprenticeship models support employee retention; for example, 91% of registered apprentices remain with their employer upon completion. This model also supports workforce stability and “community vibrancy,” keeping trained talent in the Merrimack Valley.
NECC has secured significant external funding to support the development of apprenticeship pathways including a $750,000, three-year grant from the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation that will fund planning, employer engagement, and program design. Under a new Dean of Apprenticeships the College will begin to roll-out apprenticeship programs with Surgical Technology in Fall 2026, Medical Laboratory Technology in Fall 2027. Potential 2028 programs include Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Assisting. NECC also plans to expand into non health fields such as educator training, accounting, and finance, particularly in areas facing high retirement rates.
Q: Chair Borislow asked to explain the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship? A: An apprenticeship is paid employment, typically full time and requires significant hours of structured on the job training (often 2,000 hours for federally registered programs) spread over a year or longer. It almost always includes guaranteed employment upon completion. Whereas, an internship is short-term (often one semester), typically unpaid (though NECC encourages paid internships) and does not guarantee employment.
Vice President Gilliland acknowledged Vice President Dolan-Wilson and her team for their efforts in securing funding to move forward with apprenticeship programs.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE:
Chair Borislow shared that she had the privilege of attending NECC’s Spring 2026 Convocation: Community Colleges as Engines of Mobility: Transfer, Completion, and Careers. The event focused on discussions around creating seamless transfer pathways for NECC students to bachelor degree programs and developing partnerships with four-year institutions. President Glenn led an inspiring panel discussion with special guests Chancellor Julie Chen from UMass, Lowell and President John Keenan from Salem State University. Chair Borislow also thanked Trustee Cousins and Trustee Horne in advance for their time as they will be join her, President Glenn and other NECC staff at the ACCT National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. next week. She reminded the Trustees that the Board will hold a retreat in July and asked them to share their availability via a poll from Heather Ringwald.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
b) Alumni Advancement Committee: No report.
c) Nominating Committee: Committee Chair Cousins reported that the next meeting is being scheduled.
d) Presidential Evaluation Committee: Committee Chair Gomez reported that the next meeting is in the process of being scheduled.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) MACC FY27 Budget and Legislative Priorities: President Glenn directed board members to the two-page document titled Community College Priorities included in the board materials. Each year, the Association of Community Colleges collaborates with the presidents of the Commonwealth’s 15 community colleges to identify shared legislative and budget priorities. This year’s list has been intentionally streamlined to highlight only the most essential statewide needs. He emphasized that free community college remains the top statewide priority. Since the launch of MassReconnect a few years ago, statewide community college enrollment has increased by nearly 40%, demonstrating its impact on access. Another priority is the SUCCESS initiative (Supporting Urgent Community College Equity Through Student Services), designed to close equity and funding gaps between community colleges and the state university systems. For several years, SUCCESS funding has been frozen at $14M, even as enrollment has declined. President Glenn noted the most recent version of the Governor’s FY27 budget includes $10M million for UMass SUCCESS programs even though the reason SUCCESS was launched in the first place is because community colleges lagged so far behind those other sectors in funding. He further noted that SUCCESS stand for Supporting Urgent Community College Equity Through Student Services. The long-term goal would be ~$80M to serve half of Pell eligible community college students statewide, but for FY27, the community college sector is targeting a more modest increase to $28 M. A community college compensation study remains a priority. Last year’s state budget required the Department of Higher Education to complete a comprehensive study. The DHE held is first meeting last week provoking significant concerns that a study can be completed in time for the FY27 budget cycle. The hope is that the study can still be completed, allowing for possible action through a supplemental budget. The Bright Act priority includes advocating for a more equitable distribution formula. The Governor’s current model allocates capital funds with 50% to UMass, 25% to State Universities, and 25% to Community Colleges despite community colleges enrolling more than half of Massachusetts’ undergraduates. Board members were encouraged to reference and share the two-page document during external conversations to help support the sector’s advocacy efforts.
b) Budget and Legislative Updates: President Glenn provided an update on recent federal activity related to TRIO programs and other student support funding streams. There have been national discussions about potential reductions or eliminations in TRIO funding for certain institutions. NECC was not among the colleges affected, as its TRIO/PACE program eligibility is based on first generation and low-income status, not on race or gender categories. Several Massachusetts colleges did experience reductions, and the U.S. Department of Education had been actively reconsidering its funding decisions as recently as a few days ago. He noted that these issues are still evolving there will be a focus on it at the ACCT National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. next week. In fact, Executive Vice President Mike McCarthy will be presenting at a panel during the Summit. He will address topics related to federal funding threats, TRIO, and other higher education support programs.
c) Campus Updates: President Glenn President Glenn reported on a recent and productive discussion with Merrimack College regarding opportunities to offer residential housing options for NECC students who would benefit from on campus living. The two institutions already have a strong relationship maintain a joint admissions agreement allowing NECC students to transfer seamlessly after completing an associate degree. President Glenn also re-acknowledge President Hopey’s announcement at the joint admissions agreement of an additional $10,000 scholarship for NECC students who complete their degree and transfer.
NECC continues to advance its collaborative work with regional technical high schools as part of its larger career technical education expansion. The ongoing project involving NECC, Whittier Tech, and the Massachusetts School Building Authority remains in progress. While the formal planning process is lengthy, NECC is concurrently exploring ways to host programming on campus to help Whittier Tech expand its number of available student seats. NECC is also in discussions with Greater Lawrence Tech about hosting 200+ students in healthcare programs on NECC’s Lawrence campus. President Glenn acknowledged Associate Vice President Liz Bennett’s efforts as being instrumental in coordinating CTE related initiatives with partner schools.
President Glenn recognized the efforts of Trustee Silverio in orcharding the Lawrence Partnership Network Celebration, held last night at Cafeteria Food Hall on Essex Street near the Lawrence Campus. The event honored George Ramirez for his service as Executive Director of the Lawrence Partnership and welcomed Vice President of Lawrence Campus & Community Relations Naydeen González-De Jesús who will serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Lawrence Partnership. Several board members attended, and the gathering drew a strong representation of community leaders from across the Merrimack Valley. Trustees expressed their appreciation for Dr. González-De Jesús’ energy, leadership, and the positive momentum she brings to this transition.
d) MA Board of Registration in Nursing Action on NECC Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing Programs: President Glenn updated the Board on a recent visit from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN), the state agency responsible for oversight, regulation, and approval of nursing education programs. As a result of the visit, NECC received a preliminary notification indicating that both the Associate Degree in Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing programs were granted continuing approval with warning status. It is important to note it’s been more than a decade since NECC’s last BORN site visit. During that time, state requirements and expectations have evolved substantially, and several MA programs were found not in full compliance with changes made since their previous reviews. President Glenn reported the majority of the cited issues relate to documentation, not deficiencies in instruction, student outcomes, or clinical quality. The warning status does not affect students’ ability to enroll, progress, graduate, or sit for licensure examinations. NECC’s clinical placements, instruction, and pathways to employment remain fully intact. A public facing letter will be released and shared with the Board, campus community, and students. Vice President Gilliland and Dean of Health Professions Kathy Hudson are preparing detailed responses and action plans for each item raised during the visit. A number of concerns have already been resolved and the remining concerns are all in progress. NECC expects a follow-up BORN visit in September 2026.
e) Save-the-Date:
- Junior Achievement of Greater Boston’s Inaugural Lacerthon, Friday, February 6, Haverhill Campus
- ACCT National Legislative Summit, Sunday-Wednesday, February 8-11, Marriott Marquis, DC
- Athletics Hall of Fame, Thursday, March 5, 6:00~7:00 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- Legislative Breakfast, Friday, March 13, 8:00~10:0 a.m., Lawrence Campus
- NECC 64th Commencement Exercises, Saturday, May 16, 11:00 a.m.~2:00 p.m., Quad, Haverhill Campus
f) Communique: The Communique was distributed as part of the Board Packet prior to the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Parking Policy and Fines
Police Chief Hobbs echoed President Glenn’s sentiment that while the college is not eager to issue widespread tickets, a parking policy and fine schedule are necessary to ensure emergency access routes remain clear; electric vehicle charging spaces are reserved for those who need them; fire lanes and hydrant access are maintained; and students, employees, and visitors have safe pedestrian pathways. At present, the college does not have adequate enforcement tools, resulting in unsafe or improper parking, such as vehicles traveling the wrong way or blocking access points. A period of leniency will be provided to allow for communication of policy and for appropriate continuants (E.g., Trustees) to receive a parking pass.
Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the Parking Policy and Fines.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez Ruiz and seconded by Trustee Cousins, the Board unanimously approved the new Parking Policy and Fines as presented.
b) Grants
Chair Borislow noted three grants for approval totaling $1,279,440.00 and asked for a motion to approve the grants collectively. They were:
- Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Early College Funding Allocation | $514,440
- Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: OER Hub | $15,000
- Smith Family Foundation: Apprenticeship Degree Program | $750,00
On a Motion presented by Trustee Hamm and seconded by Trustee Gomez, the Board unanimously approved the grants (ADM-3993-020426, ADM-3994-020426, ADM-3995-020426) totaling $1,279,440.00 as presented.
OTHER BUSINESS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chair Borislow adjourned the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
