(L to R) NECC President Lane Glenn congratulates employee recognition award winners for the first quarter of 2019 – Brian MacKenna-Rice, Rick Lizotte, and Kathy Welch-Hudson.

Three Northern Essex Community College employees, Kathy Welch Hudson of Stoneham, Brian MacKenna-Rice of Middleton, and Rick Lizotte of Amesbury recently received the Employee Recognition Award for the first quarter of 2019.

The Employee Recognition Award recognizes the many and varied contributions of the college’s nearly 700 employees.  Employees are selected each quarter based on recommendations from supervisors and co-workers.  Recipients receive a $150 certificate to the restaurant or mall of his or her choice.

Hudson, professor and department chair of the healthcare technology and ambulatory sciences program, has worked at NECC since 2003.  She holds a Master of Science in Human Services Administration: Gerontology from Springfield College.

She was nominated by Nancy Julin, associate dean of health professions, who wrote in her nomination, “Kathy works diligently each semester to promote student interest in health professions by actively participating in various NECC events such as the bi-annual Health and Wellness Fair, and scheduling numerous information sessions to help provide students with an overview of the health programs offered at NECC. She encourages and supports students to find solutions to their issues and guides them to the various support systems provided by NECC.  …The health profession faculty elected Kathy to be one of the lead faculty for the Center for Health Professions and she has worked tirelessly to promote the mini-version of the Center that opened in fall 2018.”

MacKenna-Rice, coordinator for human services, has worked at NECC for eight years, and holds a Master of Science in Human Services Administration from Springfield College. He was nominated by Kelly Sullivan, dean of business and professional studies, who praises his work advising students.

“Brian works tirelessly over the summer and during semester breaks meeting and registering students at their convenience. This high touch approach has made a difference in the number of students we were able to enroll in fall 2018. He has a difficult time saying “No” and serves on a number of NECC committees and agreed to lead the Center for Professional Studies while the faculty leader is on sabbatical in the spring. His service to his students and the college goes well beyond anyone’s expectations.”

Lizotte, professor of English as a Second Language (ESL) and coach in the Center for Instructional Technology (CIT,) has worked at NECC for 34 years. He holds a PhD in Linguistics from Brown University. His nomination was supported by his colleagues in Academic Preparation and CIT; they praised Lizotte for his commitment to students and staff.

“Rick readily volunteers to help whenever extra hands are needed for college initiatives, and is the go-to person for faculty who need help with curriculum design for distance education courses,” writes Janice Rogers, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts/Student Success Hub.

Melba Acevedo, director of instructional technology and online learning wrote, “Rick’s vast knowledge and deep intellect have been an asset to the college as a whole but especially to the Center for Instructional Technology. Rick’s extraordinary analytical skills and passion for teaching and for the welfare of students and faculty are some of the qualities that have made him a must-have member in every important endeavor.”

The nomination was supported by Sharon McManus, director of professional development, and Amy Cameron, ESL curriculum coordinator, who credit Lizotte’s insight and diligence working with faculty, staff and students.