Retired Northern Essex Community College faculty member Dr. Elizabeth Wilcoxson of Newburyport recently received the title of assistant dean emerita, humanities and social sciences during the college’s 49th annual commencement exercises.

At Northern Essex, the rank of emeriti/emeritus is an honor that recognizes sustained excellence in performance, character, and meritorious service to the college.

Wilcoxson, who served as a faculty member for more than 25 years, taught almost all of the courses offered by the history and government department in both face-to-face and online classes.

In presenting the honor, NECC President David Hartleb said, “Dr. Elizabeth Wilcoxson retired last spring after dedicating 40 years to the college. Beth claims her greatest contribution to the college was the faculty she hired, mentored, and supported.  While she had a talent for selecting outstanding faculty, she leaves her mark in many ways, having helped shape the college’s international studies program, its online course offerings, and its performing arts program.”

During her 15 years as assistant dean, she co-chaired three accreditation standard reports and co-wrote the college’s first distance learning report for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). She chaired one academic master plan committee and served on a second.

Wilcoxson served as the NECC liaison to Massachusetts Colleges Online (MCO) for two years.

As director of international studies she led several short-term, college-sponsored study abroad trips.