Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (OFFICIAL) – June 17, 2026
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held room L244 in the John R. Dimitry Building located at 45 Franklin Street, Lawrence, Mass. on June 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Ms. Borislow
Mr. Cousins
Ms. Fernandez
Mr. Gomez
Ms. Gomez Ruiz
Mr. Hamm
Ms. Hatem-Roy
Ms. Horne (arrived 5:19 p.m.)
Dr. Kelley
Mr. Silverio
Mr. Yepez
ALSO, PRESENT: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the May 6, 2026 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez and seconded by Trustee Silverio, the Board unanimously approved the May 6, 2026 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: There was none.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees:
President Glenn introduced and welcomed NECC’s newest employees: Veronica Antich Azpurua, Spanish ECE Pathways Manager; Claudia Cutler, Spanish ECE Pathways Student Liaison; and Bryan Campbell McCormick, SNAP Path to Work Manager. The Trustees also welcomed the newest employees. President Glenn provided a brief explanation of the Trustees’ role in Northern Essex Community College’s governance.
Trustee Horne arrived at 5:19 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL REPORT:
a) Library Updates by Matthew Bodie
President Glenn introduced Vice President of Academic Affairs Austin Gilliland, who introduced Matthew Bodie, Associate Dean, Libraries & Learning Commons.
Associate Dean Bodie provided an overview of how NECC Libraries support student success through connection, confidence-building, and academic engagement. As part of the Academic Engagement and Success division, libraries collaborate with Advising, Tutoring, and the Haverhill/Lawrence Commons to help students persist and complete their educational goals.
Mr. Bodie highlighted several engagement initiatives, including educational and community-building events such as Spice Up Your Ramen, a Zine Creation workshop, a Yankee Book Swap, Engineering Week programming, and Women’s History Month activities. These programs encourage learning, creativity, and student connection. He also discussed enhancements to library research resources, including AI-enabled database tools that help students engage more effectively with scholarly content. Research conducted by the library found a positive correlation between database use and higher student GPAs, underscoring the value of library resources and librarian expertise.
Additional updates included the expansion of the laptop lending program through a grant-funded purchase of 55 laptops, bringing the total inventory to nearly 100 devices available for student use. He highlighted support being provided to students and faculty during the transition to the Brightspace learning management system and ongoing efforts to develop AI literacy resources through collaborative grant partnerships. Mr. Bodie shared plans for new study pods at the Lawrence campus, funded through Foundation support. The pods will provide private, reduced-noise spaces for studying, virtual meetings, and coursework. He concluded by reaffirming the library’s commitment to supporting teaching, learning, and student success through innovative programming, technology access, and enhanced learning spaces.
Q: Chair Borislow asked if student activity on the loaner computers are being tracked (e.g., how much time on the computer is being used for study)? A: it may be possible to track how the students use the loaner computer; however, it is not something NECC has chosen to do. The computers are wiped clean when they are returned.
Q: Trustee Gomez asked how students get information about what the library offers? A: There is information online and flyers, but the library team focuses on classroom visits to directly communicate with students.
Q: Trustee Fernandez asked if there were Spanish-speaking staff members? A: There are two full-time Spanish-speaking staff members.
Q: Trustee Yepez asked students who take advantage of the library services see an increase in their GPAs? A: In general, student who take advantage of library services tend to have higher GPAs.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE:
Chair Borislow opened by thanking board members who attended NECC’s 64th Commencement Ceremony. She highlighted Governor Charlie Baker’s participation as keynote speaker, noting his engaging interaction with graduates and families, including staying afterward for photos. Special recognition was given to former trustee and graduate Sally O’Rourke ’26, whose connection helped secure Governor Baker’s participation.
Chair Borislow reminded members that this was the final official board meeting of the academic year. A half-day Board Retreat is scheduled for July 24 in Haverhill, with the agenda currently being finalized. Regular board meetings will resume on September 2.
Congratulations were extended to Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Workforce & Academic Innovation Allison Dolan-Wilson for being selected as one of only 40 participants nationwide in the 2026-2027 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship Program, a highly competitive leadership development opportunity.
Chair Borislow recognized President Glenn for his advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., where he joined U.S. Senators, educators, and business leaders in support of permanent protections for Dreamers and DACA recipients. She praised his commitment to equitable access to higher education and noted his strong reputation and influence at both the state and national levels.
Chair Borislow recognized Trustee Pati Fernandez as the recipient of the Lawrence Partnership Rising Star Award.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit & Finance Committee: No report.
b) Alumni Advancement Committee: Committee Chair Fernandez provided a Foundation update and reported that the state budget had been passed with matching funds included. Although the specific program parameters had not yet been released, she noted that, if consistent with prior years, the matching funds would provide important opportunities to support and grow the endowment, helping to secure NECC’s long-term goals and sustainability. She recognized the efforts of Vice President Dolan-Wilson and the Advancement team as they continue year-end fundraising activities and outreach to previous donors. She encouraged Board members to help promote fundraising efforts by connecting with potential donors and sharing NECC news and announcements through social media and professional networks. Trustee Fernandez also highlighted the latest edition of alumnecc, which recognizes donors and supporters while emphasizing NECC’s culture of philanthropy and the collective impact of gifts of all sizes. She shared that the publication has already generated interest in planned giving opportunities and reminded members the Advancement team is available to answer questions and provide information regarding the many ways individuals can support the College.
President Glenn explained the state endowment matching funds program, reminding the Trustees the funding is a line item in the state budget that has not been consistently included from year to year. He noted that when funded in recent years, the program has provided $20 million statewide, with $10 million allocated to the University of Massachusetts system, $5 million to the state universities, and $5 million to the community colleges. President Glenn observed that community colleges now enroll more than half of the undergraduate students in Massachusetts, yet receive only one-quarter of the matching funds allocation. He stated that the College continues to advocate both for the inclusion of the funding in the state budget and for a more equitable distribution model based on enrollment or equal allocation among public higher education systems. Responding to a question regarding the rationale for the larger allocation to UMass, President Glenn explained that the funding model reflects a long-standing pattern in higher education financing, where flagship university systems often receive the largest share of available resources, followed by state universities and then community colleges. He added that, unlike community colleges in many other states, Massachusetts community colleges do not benefit from local tax support, creating a different funding environment and reinforcing the importance of continued advocacy for equitable state investments.
c) Nominating Committee: No report.
d) Presidential Evaluation Committee: Chair Borislow took a moment to welcome back Trustee Jouel Gomez.
Committee Chair Hatem-Roy reported that the committee had completed the presidential evaluation process over the previous several months, including approximately eight interviews with community stakeholders regarding President Glenn’s performance. She noted that feedback from stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive and reflected a strong appreciation for President Glenn’s leadership and impact within the community. She also referenced President Glenn’s self-evaluation, which highlighted accomplishments related to the College’s key goals of access, completion, and success. Trustee Hatem-Roy stated that the committee was impressed by the breadth of achievements documented during the evaluation period and expressed appreciation for President Glenn’s leadership. She noted that a summary of the evaluation was included in the Board packet and shared a “stellar” word cloud compiled from stakeholder comments to illustrate the themes and positive feedback received throughout the evaluation process.
Committee Chair Hatem-Roy asked for a motion to approve the presidential evaluation for submission to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Cousins and seconded by Trustee Gomez Ruiz, the Board unanimously approved the presidential evaluation for submission to the Massachusetts DHE as presented.
Chair Borislow thanked Trustee Hatem-Roy for stepping into the Committee Chair position when Trustee Gomez had to temporarily step down.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
President Glenn thanked the Presidential Evaluation Committee for their efforts in conducting the evaluation process and the positive feedback reflected in the stakeholder comments and especially the word cloud. Most importantly, he is grateful for the support provided by the Board of Trustees, noting that the College’s accomplishments are made possible in large part because of the Board’s guidance and support. He also recognized the contributions of the College staff and conveyed his sincere appreciation for the partnership that enables the institution to achieve its mission and goals.
a) New England Council Washington Leaders’ Conference: President Glenn reported that he and Executive Vice President Mike McCarthy attended the New England Council’s Washington Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. The New England Council represents business, higher education, and other regional interests across New England and provides valuable opportunities for networking and engagement with federal policymakers. During the conference, participants heard from political commentators, elected officials, congressional staff, and policy experts regarding national priorities and legislative developments. President Glenn noted that discussions focused heavily on the upcoming midterm elections and the potential impact on federal policy and higher education. He also highlighted concerns about possible future changes affecting higher education institutions, including the potential effects of reductions in Medicaid funding and the importance of planning for their broader impact on communities and public organizations.
During this visit to Washington, D.C., President Glenn participated in advocacy efforts supporting Dreamers and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. He emphasized that the legislation being discussed is a longstanding bipartisan effort that would provide protections and a pathway to citizenship for individuals who came to the United States as children and have spent most of their lives in the country. He noted that his advocacy is focused on supporting students served by the College and finding humanitarian solutions that provide educational and economic opportunities. President Glenn thanked the Board for its continued support, acknowledging that such support enables him to engage in this important work on behalf of NECC students and the broader community.
b) Career & Technical Education Initiatives: President Glenn provided an update on several Career & Technical Education initiatives. He reported that he and Vice Presidents Dolan-Wilson and Gilliland attended a statewide convening focused on expanding apprenticeship degree programs and noted that NECC’s Surgical Technology apprenticeship program has been approved, with additional programs under consideration. He highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for students to earn while they learn and noted that a multi-year grant from the Smith Family Foundation is supporting this work.
President Glenn also updated the Board on the College’s partnership with Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, reporting that the proposed new Whittier campus on the Haverhill campus was awaiting consideration by the Massachusetts School Building Authority for entry into the feasibility study stage. In addition, he announced that the state had approved a new Early College designation for NECC and Greater Lawrence Technical School and shared that GLTS’s healthcare programs will begin operating on the College’s Amesbury Street location in Lawrence in the fall.
President Glenn reported that the College is developing a new certificate program to prepare and certify career and technical education instructors, helping address workforce needs while providing accessible certification pathways for individuals already working in technical fields.
c) Campus Updates: President Glenn provided a campus update regarding 420 Common Street in Lawrence, noting that the building has housed various College and community initiatives over the years, including the Lawrence Partnership, four-year partner institutions, MassHire services, and the Revolving Test Kitchen. He reported that the College’s lease expires in October 2027. Discussions with the landlord and current tenants are ongoing, and plans are being developed to transition affected programs and services.
President Glenn also announced that the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike would be visiting campus to learn more about NECC’s expanding role in career and technical education. The visit will focus on the College’s workforce development initiatives and its efforts to create additional technical training opportunities for students. They will also tour the construction site of the new Tech Tower and Fab Lab.
Finally, President Glenn shared that NECC’s athletics program continues to gain national recognition. After ranking among the top 30 community college athletic programs nationally several years ago and the top 20 last year, the College recently achieved #12 in the NATYCAA Ron Case Cup standing this year, recognizing the success of its athletic teams, coaches, and student-athletes.
d) 2026-2027 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule: The meeting schedule was distributed as part of the meeting packet prior to the meeting.
e) Save-the-Dates:
- Center for Adult Education Graduation, Wed., June 24, 5:00~6:00 p.m., Lawrence Campus
- Board of Trustees Retreat, Friday, July 24, 8:00 a.m.~1:00 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- Athletics Golf Tournament, Monday, August 31, Renaissance Golf Club, Haverhill
- Fall Convocation, Tuesday, September 1, 8:15~10:30 a.m., Haverhill Campus
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Personnel Actions
Chair Borislow noted two personnel actions needing Board approval.
Chair Borislow called for a motion to approve recommendations for Sabbatical Leave.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Hamm and seconded by Trustee Gomez, the Board unanimously approved the recommendations for Sabbatical Leave as presented.
Chair Borislow called for a motion to approve recommendations for the Department Chair/Program Coordinator Appointments.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Fernandez and seconded by Trustee Gomez Ruiz, the Board unanimously approved the recommendations for Department Chair/Program Coordinator Appointments as presented.
b) Grants
Chair Borislow noted eight grants (that have been funded or submitted to date) for approval totaling $1,837,329.45 and asked for a motion to approve the grants. They were:
Funded Grants
1. Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Dual Enrollment Summer Supplemental Funds | $25,000.00
2. Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Family Sign Language Instruction | $110,000.00
Submitted Proposals
3. Massachusetts Clean Energy Center: Climate Critical Workforce Training Grant: Train the Trainer (TOT) Grant | *$156,496.30
4. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Adult Basic Education Grant Projects | *$626,436.00
5. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: High School Equivalency Testing Center Program | *$7,711.00
6. United States Department of Education: Student Support Services Program | *$435,065.00
7. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center: Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program | *$226,621.15
8. Massachusetts Workforce Skills Cabinet: Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant Program | *$250,000.00
*Pending Sponsor Approval
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez Ruiz and seconded by Trustee Silverio, the Board unanimously approved the grants totaling $1,837,329.45 as presented.
Chair Borislow noted four grants (that are anticipated to be submitted over the summer) for approval totaling $602,481.92 and asked for a motion to approve the grants and any pending proposals for external funding that commence prior to the September Board meeting. They were:
Anticipated Proposals Submissions
1. Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care: Career Pathways | *$212,872.92
2. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Perkins Postsecondary Allocation | *$152,309.00
3. Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Program (CDEP) | *$40,000.00
4. Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Massachusetts Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (MAIPSE) Initiative | *$197,300.00
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez Ruiz and seconded by Trustee Silverio, the Board unanimously approved the anticipated grants totaling $602,481.92 as presented and any pending proposals for external funding that commence prior to the September Board meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chair Borislow adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
