Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (OFFICIAL) – October 7, 2026
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held in room LC301 in the Dr. Ibrahim El-Hefni Allied Health & Technology Center located at 414 Common Street, Lawrence, Mass. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Ms. Borislow (via Zoom)
Mr. Cousins
Ms. Fernandez (arrived at 5:06 p.m.)
Mr. Gomez (via Zoom)
Ms. Gomez Ruiz (arrived at 5:02 p.m.)
Mr. Hamm
Ms. Hatem-Roy
Dr. Kelley
Mr. Silverio
Mr. Yepez
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Ms. Horne
ALSO, PRESENT: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the September 9, 2026 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Hatem-Roy and seconded by Trustee Kelley, the Board unanimously approved the September 9, 2026 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Board received copies of ACCT’s Trustee Quarterly magazine, ACCT’s advisor pamphlet, a brochure for the National Legislative Summit, and copies of NECC’s new Viewbook.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees:
President Glenn introduced and welcomed NECC’s newest employees: Sarah Viscio, Assistant Director of Employee Engagement; Adrianna Neefus, Admin Assistant II for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs; and Rui Sousa, Associate Director of Facilities Management. 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) Enrollment Report by Joanne Landers
President Glenn introduced Vice President of Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Joanne Landers.
Vice President Landers provided an enrollment update highlighting continued growth in applications, new student enrollment, and overall student persistence. She introduced a new admissions viewbook, developed and produced in-house, that will be used to support recruitment efforts with prospective students and families. As of the reporting date, applications had increased to 3,863, although the college continues to address a rise in fraudulent applications through enhanced identity verification measures. Preliminary fall enrollment stood at approximately 5,600 students, with increases in both new and continuing student populations. Landers noted that growth is being driven largely by traditional-age students, while emphasizing the importance of expanding outreach to adult learners ages 25-44. She also reviewed enrollment trends by residency and demographics, noting that most students continue to come from Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, and that Hispanic students represent the largest segment of the student population. Overall, the data reflected positive momentum toward the college’s enrollment and retention goals.
Q: Trustee Yepez asked about why someone would complete a fraudulent application? A: A fraudulent application is a way to fraudulently gain access to financial aid funding and loans.
Q: Trustee Kelley asked if NECC is facing challenges with international and DACA students? A; NECC continues to support international students and students with a variety of immigration statuses, though federal policies have made access more challenging for some populations, particularly DACA-eligible students. He emphasized that the college remains committed to providing advising and support services while recognizing that immigration-related restrictions and concerns may discourage some prospective students from enrolling.
President Glenn highlighted the 804 students returned to NECC after previously stopping out, representing nearly 15% of the college’s enrollment and reflecting the complex realities many community college students face as they balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. There are ongoing advising reforms, including required advising touchpoints and more predictable course scheduling, designed to support student persistence and make it easier for former students to return and complete their credentials.
Trustees discussed the ongoing challenge of raising awareness about Massachusetts’ free community college programs, noting that many prospective students and families remain unaware of the opportunity. Vice President Landers highlighted the college’s outreach efforts, including high school visits, community events, bilingual financial aid support, and new informational materials designed to help students better understand college affordability. President Glenn added that, despite these efforts, many families continue to favor more expensive four-year institutions, making financial literacy and education about affordable pathways an important area of focus.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE:
Chair Borislow encouraged trustees to attend the upcoming Massachusetts Governance Leadership Institute at the College of the Holy Cross on November 20, noting that the program has continued to improve each year and provides valuable professional development opportunities for board members. She also reminded trustees that the December board meeting will be held in Lawrence.
Chair Borislow further recognized the recent success of NECC’s men’s soccer and women’s volleyball teams, commending the student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff for their achievements and for raising the college’s profile on a national stage. She concluded her remarks by recognizing President Glenn’s birthday and presenting a birthday cake in his honor.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit & Finance Committee: Committee Chair Silverio noted that the college remains in a strong financial position following a positive fourth-quarter fiscal year 2026 report and review of the fiscal year 2027 supplemental budget. He highlighted that fall credit enrollment exceeded projections, current enrollment stands at more than 5,600 students, and the committee received updates on the athletics field project and proposed revisions to contract-signing delegations intended to improve administrative efficiency.
7.a.1) Committee Chair Silverio called for a motion to approve the FY27 College Operating Supplemental Budget.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Hamm and seconded by Trustee Gomez, the Board unanimously approved the FY2027 College Operating Supplemental Budget of $91,882,708.00 as detailed in the Financial Report.
7.a.2) Committee Chair Silverio called for a motion to approve the Delegation of Authority to Execute Contracts.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez Ruiz and seconded by Trustee Yepez, the Board unanimously approved the Delegation of Authority to Execute Contracts as presented.
b) Alumni Advancement Committee: Committee Chair Fernandez reported that the NECC Foundation Board is focused on reengaging former donors, strengthening fundraising efforts for major capital projects, and building support for future initiatives. Trustees were encouraged to assist with donor outreach and to support the upcoming Impact Awards event, which remains a key fundraising and stewardship opportunity.
c) Nominating Committee: No report.
d) Presidential Evaluation Committee: No report.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) Salem State Series: A Conversation with President Barack Obama: President Glenn shared that a group of NECC students recently attended a lecture at Salem State University featuring former President Barack Obama in conversation with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, describing the event as a valuable educational opportunity. He also provided an update on efforts to revive legislation that would require Massachusetts police officers to earn an associate degree, noting NECC’s longstanding leadership in police education and training and emphasizing the benefits of higher education for law enforcement professionals. Discussion focused on ensuring the proposal remains accessible for veterans and diverse communities while addressing potential implementation and funding considerations.
b) MA Jobs & Workforce Summit: President Glenn reported that NECC recently hosted the Massachusetts Jobs and Workforce Summit for the second consecutive year, bringing hundreds of workforce development leaders, state agency representatives, nonprofit organizations, and MassHire professionals to campus. He noted that the event included a fireside chat with Aisha Francis, President of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Tech, and highlighted NECC’s ongoing leadership role in workforce development and career and technical education discussions across the Commonwealth.
c) Career & Technical Education (CTE): President Glenn provided updates on several strategic initiatives. He noted that while discussions regarding a shared-campus partnership with Whittier Tech face ongoing challenges, the college continues to pursue innovative career and technical education models, including a successful partnership with Greater Lawrence Technical School that now serves approximately 150 students on the Lawrence campus and the efforts to expand similar opportunities through the proposed Tech Tower and Fab Lab projects.
President Glenn also highlighted the recent recognition of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department’s reentry education program as the state’s Program of the Year, citing it as an example of the impact of educational opportunities in supporting successful outcomes for justice-involved individuals.
Additionally, he recognized the immense efforts of Director of Strategic Operations & Auxiliary Services Allie Gagne for the recent renovations to the Haffner-Fournier Education Center. He also thanked Vice Presidents McCarthy and González-De Jesús and their staff for their collaborations to complete the project. Family members connected to the building’s namesakes visited the campus for the building’s rededication ceremony and expressed appreciation for the building’s ongoing educational impact and revitalized use.
d) Superintendent Meetings (9/21 & 10/2): President Glenn reported that he and college leaders recently met with regional superintendents and principals to discuss expanding career and technical education opportunities through partnerships that increase student access while supporting workforce development needs across the region.
e) News from the Hill: President Glenn reported that he continues to participate in regional and national discussions focused on tuition equity and support for immigrant students, including an upcoming convening of New England college presidents at Eastern Connecticut State University. He also informed the Board that NECC’s federally funded TRIO PACE program, which serves approximately 250 students annually, recently received updated federal reporting requirements related to grant expenditures. While the new requirements are manageable, he noted that the college is closely monitoring potential federal policy changes and their implications for programs that provide critical support services to students.
f) Campus Updates: President Glenn reported that construction has begun on the new athletics complex at the Haverhill campus, which will include upgraded baseball, soccer, and track facilities and is expected to significantly enhance the student experience and campus pride. He also noted visible progress on other campus improvement projects, including updates to the 420 Common Street property.
h) Save-the-Dates:
- Louise Haffner Fournier Building Rededication Ceremony, Wed. Oct 7, 2:30-4:00 p.m., Lawrence
- Commonwealth Beacon Debate, Tues., Oct. 13, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Tech Center, Haverhill Campus
- President’s Theater Night: Steel Magnolias, Sat. October 17. 7:00 p.m., Haverhill Campus
- ACCT Leadership Congress, Oct. 21-24 Chicago, IL (Pati, Melissa, and Allison will be presenting)
- NECC Annual Veterans Day Ceremony, Tues. Nov. 10 8:30-11:00 a.m., Haverhill Campus
- Massachusetts Governance Leadership Institute, Fri., Nov. 20, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Grants
Chair Borislow noted two grants for approval totaling $1,515,279.00 and asked for a motion to approve the grants. They were:
- Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) | $1,062,214
- United States Department of Education: Student Support Services Program |$453,065
On a Motion presented by Trustee Cousins and seconded by Trustee Fernandez, the Board unanimously approved the grants totaling $1,515,279.00 as presented.
OTHER BUSINESS: Vice Chair Silverio recognized Trustee Hamm as a recipient of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce 2026 Distinguished Leader Award that will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner. Chair Borislow also recognized President Glenn on the occasion of his 20th anniversary of service to Northern Essex Community College.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chair Borislow adjourned the meeting at 5:52 p.m.
