Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (OFFICIAL) – September 3, 2025
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held in room TC103AB in the David Hartleb Technology Center located at 100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA on September 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Ms. Borislow
Mr. Cousins
Ms. Fernandez
Mr. Gomez (via Zoom)
Ms. Gomez Ruiz
Mr. Hamm (via Zoom)
Ms. Hatem-Roy
Ms. Horne
Dr. Kelley (arrived at 5:11 p.m.)
Mr. Silverio
Mr. Yepez
ALSO, PRESENT: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
Chair Borislow welcomed new Student Trustee Melissa Horne. Ms. Horne came to NECC 30 years after first applying to college. Ultimately, she chose to enter the workforce directly and enjoyed a long career in retail management in Massachusetts and New York, while raising a family of six children. Tomorrow, she and her oldest child will begin their first class together at NECC and her 18-year-old is also starting classes at NECC this semester. She is proud to have the opportunity to change the course of her life and pursue her degree.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the June 4, 2025 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez and seconded by Trustee Yepez, the Board unanimously approved the June 4, 2025 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: The board received official certification confirming that NECC is a member in good standing with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
President Glenn and Chair Borislow encouraged Trustees to consider attending ACCT conferences, which are held annually in the fall at various locations, and in February in Washington, DC for the legislative conference. These events offer valuable opportunities to learn about national issues affecting community colleges and to network with trustees from other institutions. Trustees who have attended in the past found the experience enlightening and beneficial. Information about upcoming conferences will be shared as it becomes available.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees:
President Glenn introduced and welcomed NECC’s newest employees: Joanne Landers, Vice President of Student Affairs; Austin Gilliland, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Jasmine Gonzalez, Early College Coordinator; Allison Belisle, Nursing Faculty; Lori Capra, Accounting Faculty; Stacy Ayotte, Medical Laboratory Technology Faculty and Program Coordinator; Wilmary Flores, SOAR Academic and Transfer Advisor; John Bowman, General Maintenance Worker; Justin Lopata, Maintenance Working Foreman; AnaCristina Bedoya, PACE Program Academic Advisor; Andrea Martinez, English Faculty; Michele Cleasby, Dental Assisting Faculty; James McCarthy, Business Faculty; Bryan Philbrook, Culinary Arts Faculty and Program Coordinator; Matthew Bodie, Assistant Dean of the Library; Cynthia Fichera, Nursing Faculty; Patricia Cunniff, Nursing Faculty. 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 Kelley arrived at 5:11 p.m.
Chair Borislow welcomed the newest Trustee Zandra Kelley. Dr. Kelly has been newly appointed CEO of the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, where she has served for many years, beginning with her residency. She continues to practice as a family physician and has a strong background in community health. She expressed enthusiasm about joining the board and looks forward to contributing to the vibrant community.
EDUCATIONAL REPORT:
a) Whittier Tech @ NECC Update by Phil DeCologero
President Glenn introduced Director of President’s Office Communications and External Affairs Phil DeCologero.
Director DeCologero provided a Wittier Tech @ NECC project overview and updated timeline. All 11 member communities have formally endorsed the concept of building a new Whittier Tech campus at Northern Essex Community College, and a joint letter was submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which re-admitted Whittier into the Eligibility Period as of August 1st. A School Building Committee of 22–24 members is being formed and will include one representative from each of the 11 communities and the required stakeholders as per MSBA guidelines (e.g., superintendent, principal, budget expert). A new feasibility study is underway with support from MassDevelopment and NECC leadership. Options include building on NECC’s campus, redeveloping Whittier’s current site, or hybrid models. The next steps include finalizing the School Building Committee, continuing feasibility work and land-use planning, preparing for MSBA submission deadlines (September 30 and October 30), and hosting community forums to maintain transparency and engagement.
b) NECC’s Vision and Key Building Projects by Mike McCarthy
President Glenn introduced Executive Vice President and CFO/COO Mike McCarthy.
Executive Vice President McCarthy provided updates and the vision for key building projects. The $22M B&E building renovation is underway and is expected to reopen by September 2026and come in $1.8M under budget. Renovations include ADA-compliant upgrades (e.g., ramps, restrooms), elevator replacement to accommodate emergency stretchers, and a new roof, HVAC systems, and windows. Strategic planning is in place for reoccupying the space with both credit and non-credit programming. EVP McCarthy acknowledged the disruption caused by construction, but emphasized the collaborative effort across departments.
The original Health & Wellness Center vision was discontinued, but a new public-private partnership has led to a $2.5M commitment for a full athletic field project. Proposed features include an 8-lane track suitable for national competitions and statewide meets, a multipurpose turf field for soccer and baseball, community access for youth sports and local high schools (up to 500 attendees), and potentially, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and shared-use facilities. A robust athletic complex will enhance student experience and athletic visibility, support economic development through increased campus traffic (e.g., hotel stays, dining), and position the college for national exposure through hosted events. EVP McCarthy recognized Vice President of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson and her team for spearheading the fundraising efforts. The old daycare space in the Sports & Fitness Center will sport the Police Academy during the B&E Renovation and will be repurposed to support health & wellness programming and event hosting.
In alignment with Executive Order 594, the College is moving forward with the solar panel project. The panels are projected to generate ~23% of the Campus’ electrical needs. The College is also investing in new construction, vehicle efficiency, additional EV charging stations on both campuses, and renewable and clean energy to support the statewide goal to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Smaller campus initiatives that will begin in the near future include relocating the bookstore, investing in a clean room, and adding a chemistry lab to Lawrence. NECC is exploring Governor Healey’s Bright Act proposal for funding opportunities to support deferred maintenance, major capital projects, modernization, technology, and workforce skills capital. Future prospects include student housing and dining services. The College is also looking to diversify revenue sources (e.g., leveraging real estate, parking garage, and athletics fields).
President Glenn added that the College currently occupies 106 acres, spanning nearly 1 million square feet of building space across both campuses and recognized EVP McCarthy and facilities teams for their ongoing efforts in campus optimization and stewardship.
Trustee Gomez Ruiz emphasized the importance of housing to today’s students.
Chair Borislow commended the work of EVP McCarthy, his team, and the collaboration of the departments across the College. NECC continues to build its reputation for being innovative and forward-thinking.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE:
Chair Borislow thanked the Trustees and NECC leadership for a successful all-day retreat held last month. The highly productive retreat included Trustee bingo and strategic planning around the five core initiatives. She noted yesterday’s well-attended Fall Convocation and thanked Trustee Gomez for his participation on the panel. His story was well-received and illustrates the impact NECC has on its students. The event not only welcomes faculty back, but also helps set a positive tone for the students’ return. On behalf of Trustee Hatem-Roy, Chair Borislow invited Trustees to the AgeSpan: Inspiring Lifelong Learning event on Friday, November 14. Trustee Hatem-Roy distributed flyers. Chair Borislow further encouraged Trustees to attend ACCT leadership conferences and reminded Trustees that accommodation and travel support is provided for those interested in attending. Chair Borislow will be reaching out to Trustees to discuss Board Committee assignments for 2025-2026. She closed her update by expressing enthusiasm for the start of the new term and welcomed all members to the first meeting of the year
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit and Finance Committee: No report.
b) Alumni Advancement Committee: No report.
c) Nominating Committee: No report.
d) Presidential Evaluation Committee: No report.
Chair Borislow recognized Committee Chair Gomez who had to leave the meeting early for the first meeting of his Ph.D. program.
Trustee Gomez left the meeting at 5:26 p.m.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) Welcome New Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs: President Glenn welcomed Vice President of Student Affairs Joanne Landers and Vice President of Academic Affairs Austin Gilliland highlighting their roles in upcoming initiatives.
c) Budget and Legislative Updates: President Lane Glenn provided an update on the State budget. Massachusetts has largely maintained higher education funding despite federal reductions. Minor reductions occurred in small budget line items; potential future impact on community college tuition and student benefits is being monitored. Mid-year budget adjustments are anticipated, with possible funding retractions by the Governor. Leadership is monitoring budgets closely to minimize disruption. President Glenn and members of the Senior Administration continue to advocate at the national level. This month, President Glenn will attend the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Steering Committee Meeting in Chicago and members of the Senior Administration will attend American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Advocates in Action 2025 in Washington, DC. Focus areas include minority-serving institution designations and federal budget priorities. Northern Essex Community College is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, though it is not currently receiving direct funding. Ongoing legal and political challenges to such designations are being tracked. President Glenn echoed Convocation’s guest speaker from the Mass Taxpayer Foundation. The recent ¡Vamos Massachusetts! Unlocking Hispanic/Latino Economic Advancement report showed the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing population in Massachusetts and we must seek the resources that support people through a college education.
President Glenn shared a brief enrollment update. Enrollment increased by 11.5% as of October 11, with approximately 5,000 students, the highest since 2018. Application volume has returned to pre-pandemic levels, giving some strain to systems and staffing. Efforts are underway to modernize technology, staffing, and training to meet demand. NECC now offers 11 start times throughout the year, including full and half semesters in fall, winter intersession, and multiple spring and summer sessions. This flexible model supports diverse student needs but adds complexity to enrollment and scheduling.
e) BOT Summer Retreat Feedback: President Glenn thanked the Trustees for their participation and engagement in the Summer Retreat; we received positive feedback regarding the experience from both Trustees and NECC staff. Participants expressed interest in shifting from a single full-day retreat to two half-day sessions spread throughout the year. Leadership will plan for this for 2026.
f) Save-the-Date:
- Annual MA Jobs & Workforce Summit, Thursday, September 25, Haverhill Campus
- Superintendents/Principals’ Breakfast, Friday, September 26, Lawrence Campus
g) Communique: The Communique was distributed as part of the Board Packet prior to the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chair Borislow noted that the board had two motions to approve.
a) NECC Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Audio Communication Policy
Chair Borislow called for a motion to approve the NECC Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Audio Communication Policy.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Cousins and seconded by Trustee Silverio, the Board unanimously approved the NECC Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Audio Communication Policy to take effect in Fall 2025.
b) Grants
Chair Borislow noted five grants for approval totaling $511,769 and asked for a motion to approve the grants collectively. They were:
- Gallaudet University Regional Center-East | *$276,769.00
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Early College Capacity Grant | $30,000.00
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Perkins Program Improvement and Equipment Allocation | $15,000.00
- Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Program (CDEP) Grant | *$40,000.00
- Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Training Resources and Internship Networks (TRAIN) Grant | *$150,000.00
*Pending Sponsor Approval
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez Ruiz and seconded by Trustee Hamm, the Board unanimously approved the grants (ADM-3959-090325, ADM-3960-090325, ADM-3961-090325, ADM-3962-090325, ADM-3963-090325) totaling $511,769.00 as presented.
OTHER BUSINESS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chair Borislow adjourned the meeting at 5:56 p.m
