NECC Announces Next President

It’s not surprising that Lane Glenn relates so well to NECC students and cares so much about their success. The first in his family to attend college, Lane began his education at a community college. He understands the challenges community college students face, as well as the opportunities that a college education can provide. It is this insight – along with his background that includes 20 years experience in community college administration and teaching – that have prepared
him well for the presidency of Northern Essex, a role he will begin in July when
current president Dr. David Hartleb retires.

Lane is currently the vice president of academic affairs at NECC, a position he has held since 2006. Prior to that, he was dean of academic and student services at Oakland Community College in Michigan. He has also served as director of learning services at Lansing Community College, also in Michigan. Lane holds a Ph.D. in theater from Michigan State.
When he takes the reins in July, focusing on student success will be his top priority. “When I first came here, I really felt that this was a place that was passionately
committed to its students. The people here really love our students and want them to succeed,” he says. Lane will continue efforts that improve student success,
including increasing support for underprepared students through college programs and partnerships with area schools.

Another priority will be partnering with local employers to develop programs that deliver the skills most needed in the job market. According to Lane, “When we create programs, we do so with the workforce in mind. Most of our students stay here in the community and really contribute to
the local economy.”

Growth at the Lawrence campus will also be a focus.
A new campus location – NECC Riverwalk – opened in September, and the new
Allied Health and Technology Center is in the works to be built on the site of the
city’s former InTown Mall.

Lane credits David Hartleb with getting Northern Essex  to the point it is at today. “Working with David has been a great pleasure and I’ve learned a lot – he has accomplished a lot in his 15 years and I feel privileged to follow him. He has given tremendous shape to the culture of the college,” he says.
For Lane’s part, his energy, vision, and participatory leadership style are the tools that will help him successfully lead Northern Essex into the future. He believes
in engaging people and playing to their strengths. “It is important to share leadership. My background in the theater has helped: If you are a director of a play,
you don’t play all the roles, you create an environment where all the people who are good at what they do can do their part.”