Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (OFFICIAL) – April 1, 2026
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held room LC301 in the Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Allied Health & Technology Center located at 414 Common Street, Lawrence, Mass. on April 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Ms. Borislow
Mr. Cousins (Via Zoom)
Ms. Fernandez
Ms. Gomez Ruiz
Mr. Hamm
Ms. Hatem-Roy (arrived at 5:07 p.m.)
Dr. Kelley
Mr. Silverio
Mr. Yepez
Ms. Horne
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Mr. Gomez
ALSO, PRESENT: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the March 4, 2026 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Silverio and seconded by Trustee Gomez Ruiz, the Board unanimously approved the March 4, 2026 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: There was none.
Trustee Hatem-Roy arrived at 5:07 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees:
President Glenn introduced and welcomed NECC’s newest employees: Megan Darrigo-Ambrose, Assistant Registrar, and Michelle Mullings Spurr, Registrar Systems Coordinator. The Trustees also welcomed the newest employees. President Glenn provided a brief explanation of the Trustees’ role in Northern Essex Community College’s governance.
EDUCATIONAL REPORT:
a) Transfers Services Update by Thomas Cole and Matthew Clark
President Glenn introduced Vice President of Academic Affairs Austin Gilliland, who introduced Associate Dean of Academic Success & Advising Thomas Cole and Coordinator of Transfer & Articulation Matthew Clark.
Associate Dean for Academic Success & Advising Cole and Coordinator of Transfer & Articulation Clark presented an update on transfer initiatives and their alignment with NECC’s strategic goals. The presenters reported that current efforts expand access, support student completion and success, promote socioeconomic mobility, and align with the Community Vibrancy Framework. Progress includes stronger coordination of transfer outreach, targeted communications, and increased engagement compared to prior years.
The presenters also reported the completion of a comprehensive inventory of articulation agreements, transfer pathways, and joint admissions programs, with plans to make these materials available on a centralized public website. Expanded in-class outreach by transfer advisors was highlighted as a strategy to increase transfer awareness, along with early successes such as a fully subscribed UMass Lowell Advising Day, demonstrating increased student interest and the effectiveness of institution-specific and transfer-specific advising.
Q: Trustee Horne asked about how many in-class visits are happening. A: Mr. Clark noted this semester focused on visiting with the ENGL101 and continue to expand in future semesters with a focus on first-year students.
Q: Trustee Fernandez asked about the relation to Community Vibrancy Framework? A: Dr. Cole explained that the framework comes for the College’s work with Achieving the Dream. Simplified: We want them to stay here and complete. We want them thinking about where are they going for a job whether straight out of NECC or going to a joint admissions school, finishing, and then going to a job. We want to get students not just in the door into graduation, but to the place where they’re earning enough that they are helping their communities grow.
President Glenn added that Geography strongly shapes economic realities, particularly wages and cost of living. In high‑cost areas like Essex County, Massachusetts, the MIT Living Wage Calculator shows that a family of four needs roughly $104,000 with one earner and $153,000 with two earners to meet basic needs. While skills‑based hiring is an important goal, most living‑wage, in‑demand jobs in the region still require postsecondary credentials, according to workforce data. There are exceptions, especially in the trades and entrepreneurship, which is why career and technical education matters. Ultimately, the focus is not just on access or completion, but on ensuring people earn enough to support their families and strengthen their communities.
Trustee Gomez Ruiz emphasized the importance of helping students understand the transfer process, because many don’t realize how completing an associate degree affects their progress when they transfer to a four-year institution. A completed degree can allow students to transfer into a program with additional credits, saving time and money, but only if they understand the pathway and make the right course choices early on.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE:
Chair Borislow highlighted a number of NECC accomplishments during her report.
The men’s basketball team lead NECC to its first-ever athletic national title. Chair Borislow and Trustees congratulated the team and Coach Statton recognizing the incredible accomplishment and the special place they will hold in the College’s history. She also recognized Athletic Director Dan Blair, who was named Athletic Director of the Year. Chair Borislow offered congratulations to SGA President Dorothy Reynolds on her receipt of a highly selective Granite Edvance scholarship and highlighted it as an example of how NECC’s strong focus on student engagement fosters meaningful student success. She also acknowledged the work of NECC in the community and congratulated Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs Joanne Landers and Associate Professor of Communications & Theater Brianne Beatrice, who will present at this year’s GHCC WOW conference later this month.
Chair Borislow announced that the Summer BOT Retreat will be Friday, July 24. It will be a half-day retreat held in the morning through lunch, with a tight schedule to accommodate the summer timeframe.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit & Finance Committee: Committee Chair Silverio reported that the Q3 budget updates shows the college remains on track. Furthermore, the auditor presented a clean audit report. He thanks Executive Vice President McCarthy and Associate Vice President of Accounting & Finance DeGregorio and their teams for all of their efforts year-round. He also reviewed the proposed increases to the Institutional Support Fees.
7.a.2) Committee Chair Silverio called for a motion to approve the FY27 Institutional Support Fee – Regular.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Kelley and seconded by Trustee Hatem-Roy, the Board unanimously approved the FY2027 College Institutional Support Fee – Regular, which is assessed on all credit courses that are non-Health, to be $250 per credit as presented.
7.a.3) Committee Chair Silverio called for a motion to approve the FY2027 Institutional Support Fee – Allied Health Courses.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez Ruiz and seconded by Trustee Hatem-Roy, the Board unanimously approved the FY2027 College Institutional Support Fee – Allied Health Courses, which is assessed on all credit courses that are Health, to be $337 per credit as presented.
7.a.4) Committee Chair Silverio called for a motion to approve the FY2027 Institutional Support Fee – Early College.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Yepez and seconded by Trustee Hatem-Roy, the Board unanimously approved the FY2027 Early College Institution Support Fee per credit, which is assessed on all Early College courses to be $155 per credit as presented.
b) Alumni Advancement Committee: Committee Chair Fernandez announced Giving Day will be held on Thursday, April 9, and the goal is full participation from all board members, not in terms of gift amounts, but through engagement, personal outreach, and sharing their own stories to encourage alumni and community members to give. She noted that the Advancement Office has made all materials easily accessible online, including downloadable and shareable content for social media. Trustees were encouraged to help spread the message across their personal and professional networks. She thanked Trustee Horne for her message to students encouraging them to give. Trustee Fernandez also highlighted the Impact Awards as an additional opportunity to support fundraising through sponsorships and introductions to potential corporate partners, noting that the event is both a celebration of the college community and an important contributor to growing NECC’s corporate and foundation support.
c) Nominating Committee: No report.
d) Presidential Evaluation Committee: Chair Borislow acknowledge Trustee Hatem-Roy as the new Committee Chair. Committee Chair Hatem-Roy reported that the committee met and finalized a list of community leaders to interview. The interviews with those stakeholders will happen later this month.
Chair Borislow explained that the presidential evaluation is a formal process conducted annually in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Higher Education protocols. While labor‑intensive, the evaluation involves extensive preparation and feedback gathering and is considered more rigorous than most performance reviews. Participation from a wide range of stakeholders is essential, and the chair expressed appreciation for their engagement. She described serving on the Presidential Evaluation Committee as a rewarding experience, as members meet independently with constituents to collect meaningful input. She extended a special thanks Trustee Hatem-Roy for stepping in and for her leadership.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) Recap of NECC Legislative Breakfast: President Glenn provided an overview of the annual legislative breakfast held for newer trustees, where local state senators and representatives were invited to campus. The agenda was intentionally focused, highlighting statewide community college priorities such as adequate base operating funding, free college initiatives, and the Success Program. Legislators were also briefed on NECC’s vision for expanding career and technical education, including a potential shared campus with Whittier Tech, a planned collaboration with Greater Lawrence Technical School to bring healthcare programs to campus, and broader efforts to expand advanced manufacturing, clean lab, robotics, and cybersecurity programs through a mix of state and federal grants and private philanthropy. In addition, early exploration of potential student housing options was shared. While the legislative delegation remains supportive, it was noted that the coming fiscal year is expected to be challenging due to anticipated federal budget impacts on state funding. State-level priorities remain centered on maintaining base operating budgets, sustaining free college initiatives while planning for their eventual sunset, and continuing investment in the Success Program, which has demonstrated strong results, including a 12 percent improvement in fall-to-fall retention across student populations. He thanked Trustee Hatem-Roy for her attendance.
b) NECHE CBE Visit (April 1-2): President Glenn reported that the College is hosting a visit from its accrediting agency, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), focused on evaluating the effectiveness of NECC’s competency‑based education (CBE) programs. As the first public college in Massachusetts to offer competency‑based courses, NECC allows students to progress based on demonstrated mastery rather than seat time, helping them move more quickly or flexibly through their studies. This model requires distinct approaches to instruction, financial aid, and accreditation approval for each new program, including early childhood education, business, and healthcare technician pathways. Following this visit, the college is hopeful it will receive broader approval to launch new competency‑based programs as needed. Several years ago, NECC’s approach drew national attention as the first college in the country to offer a competency‑based program for early childhood educators, ensuring access to efficient, affordable education in a field with traditionally low wages. Appreciation was expressed to academic leadership and faculty who have led and sustained this work over the last several years.
c) Early College Day at the State House: President Glenn reported on his participation in Early College Day at the State House, which highlighted the importance of expanding early college programs as a top priority for both state education agencies and local institutions. NECC currently holds three state‑designated early college partnerships with Haverhill High School, Lawrence High School, and Whittier Tech, and is pursuing additional designations with three more high schools while continuing to work with all area high schools in various ways. Early college programs, like competency‑based education, allow students to earn college credits while in high school, saving time and money and accelerating completion of postsecondary credentials. This strategy was emphasized as critical to addressing the projected shortfall of college‑educated workers in Massachusetts by 2030, particularly by expanding access for first‑generation college students and students in Gateway Cities and helping them navigate higher education pathways earlier and more effectively.
Trustee Horne shared her reflection in support of early college programs, noting that one of her children has already graduated from early college and another is currently enrolled. She discusses the program with her son following a recent SGA meeting, and he expressed confidence in both his knowledge and progress, highlighting how well the program is working for him. Trustee Horne affirms that early college is clearly delivering positive outcomes for students like her son.
d) NECC Professional Day: President Glenn reported the college held its annual Professional Day on March 27, bringing together most faculty and staff across the campuses at the Technology Center on the Haverhill campus. The theme, “Facing the Storm,” drew on the metaphor of buffalo that instinctively face an approaching storm rather than run from it, allowing it to pass them more quickly. This was presented as a reflection on resilience and adaptation amid ongoing and anticipated challenges in higher education. The keynote speaker was Ann Christensen of the Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and a member of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, who spoke about inclusive economic development and the importance of innovative, creative thinking. The day also featured numerous breakout sessions led by faculty and staff, highlighting strong engagement and collaboration. President Glenn expressed appreciation for staff in the Center for Professional Development, Dean Yeager, and the many presenters who contributed to a successful and energizing day.
f) Campus Updates: President Glenn reported that NECC was recently recognized by EDU Ledger as one of just 27 community colleges nationwide named a “Promising Place to Work,” reflecting the College’s intentional efforts to foster a positive and engaging workplace culture. This recognition is the result of sustained work, including the use of annual employee engagement surveys and the development of action plans to address areas for improvement, rather than simply collecting feedback without follow‑through.
President Glenn also noted Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll will attend a legislative breakfast hosted on the Haverhill campus in partnership with The Arc of Massachusetts. There will be an opportunity for her to tour the new, planned technology lab spaces with President Glenn and learning more about the College’s expanding vision for career and technical education.
e) Save-the-Date:
- Athletics Police Academy Graduation, Friday, April 3, 10:00-12:00 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- Guest Performance: Fabulous Fibs, Fables, and Folklore- Al Bostick, Monday, April 6, Haverhill Campus
- White Fund Lecture: Fabulous Fibs, Fables, and Folklore- Al Bostick, Tuesday, April 7, Lawrence Campus
- Men’s Basketball Championship Celebration, Wednesday, April 8, 6:00~7:30 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- NECC Annual Giving Day, Thursday, April 9
- Sheriff Graduation, Friday, April 10, 10:00-12:00 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- Athletics Banquet, Monday, May 4, 6:00~8:00 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- 4th Annual NECC Impact Awards, Wednesday, May 6, 8:30~10:00 a.m., Haverhill Campus
- Awards Convocation, Tuesday, May 12, 5:00~6:30 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Wednesday, May 13, 4:00~5:30 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- Early College Graduation, Thursday, May 14, 5:00~7:00 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- NECC 64th Commencement Exercises, Saturday, May 16, 11:00 a.m.~2:00 p.m., Quad, Haverhill Campus
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Personnel Actions
Chair Borislow called for a motion to approve the Emeritus/a Status Recommendations for 2026.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Fernandez and seconded by Trustee Cousins, the Board unanimously approved the emerita status of Pamela Donahue, Judith Pollock Ciampi, and Patricia Willett as presented.
OTHER BUSINESS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chair Borislow adjourned the meeting at 5:56 p.m.
