Welcome, Dr. Joanne Landers and Dr. Austin Gilliland!
This summer, the college welcomed two new key members to the leadership team: Dr. Joanne Landers as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dr. Austin Gilliland as Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Joanne Landers –
Vice President of Student Affairs
Landers was previously Vice President of Enrollment Management and Communications at Plymouth State University, where she oversaw undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid operations, and recruitment strategies.Additionally, she led initiatives that increased collaboration between faculty, staff, and administrators through the development of their Enrollment and Retention Committee.
The first in her family to graduate from college, Landers earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University, her graduate degree from The University of Akron, and her Ph.D. in Education Specialization in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University.
“I’ve been a first-generation student, and so I know firsthand what it’s like to experience college without any guidance or little direction”
“I’ve been a first-generation student, and so I know firsthand what it’s like to experience college without any guidance or little direction,” said Landers. “Under President Glenn, Northern Essex has earned a reputation for providing such thoughtful guidance to their students, from admissions to graduation. I’m eager to advance this mission, which is so near and dear to my heart.”
Dr. Austin Gilliland – Vice President of Academic Affairs
Gilliland joined NECC after spending 13 years at Bunker Hill Community College, most recently as the Dean of Professional Studies. Gilliland worked with faculty and staff to develop quality industry and transfer-aligned programs to better connect students with opportunities. Her career highlights include launching and directing the Federal TRIO Grant Program in Chelsea Public Schools, and providing services and resources to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I’m really motivated by building bridges across organizations, connecting teams, and supporting staff and faculty”
“I’m really motivated by building bridges across organizations, connecting teams, and supporting staff and faculty,” said Dr. Gilliland. “It seemed like a perfect opportunity to bring this passion to Northern Essex, which already has such innovative, exciting work happening across campuses. That NECC paved the way as the first Hispanic Serving Institution in New England really speaks to how the college values student backgrounds, cultures, and everything they bring to the institution.”
Gilliland earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at The University of Texas at Austin, before earning her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
