Haverhill, MA (June 5, 2024) – Each meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees typically starts with the introduction of new employees. At the June meeting, that included Winnie, the college’s comfort dog-in-training. Winnie, along with her new, two-legged colleagues received a package of NECC-themed goodies and a brief introduction to the Board and how it operates.

Winnie graciously accepts her new employee gifts.

New Trustees Welcomed 
Though Winnie is a tough act to follow, the meeting also included a formal introduction of the Board’s newest members: Age-Span CEO Joan Hatem-Roy and former Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins, Jr. Both have been involved with the college for many years. Cousins is an alumnus and previously served on the NECC Foundation Board. Hatem-Roy taught evening classes and has partnered with the college on various initiatives in her time at AgeSpan.

Commonwealth Honors Program 
Assistant Provost, Academic & Student Affairs Sharon McDermot and Professor of English & Commonwealth Honors Program Coordinator Ginger Hurajt updated the Board on the efforts to grow the program at NECC. This fall, the college is offering 11 honors courses across the Lawrence and Haverhill Campuses. That’s more than double the offerings just two years ago.

“It’s been really exciting to see this expansion and offer students on both campuses the opportunity to take honors classes,” shared McDermot.

This fall semester there will also be an honors lounge on the Lawrence Campus for students to connect and work on projects together.

Any student can register and take honors classes regardless of GPA. However, students who take three honors classes and maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 will be designated as members of the Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP). That means if they transfer to a state university, they’re automatically enrolled in the Commonwealth Honors program there, and their honors courses transfer easily.

A committee from the CHP recently visited NECC to review its program. They were impressed with their findings and renewed the program’s accreditation through 2031.

“They consider the honors program to be a vibrant part of the campus community,” said McDermot.

Not Goodbye, See You Soon 
This meeting marked the last for NECC’s Cheryl Goodwin. Goodwin has worked in the President’s Office for 15 years – but has been a part of the NECC community in various capacities for 40 years. Goodwin plans to retire in January 2025 and is passing the baton to President Glenn’s new Chief of Staff Chris Sicuranza. Sicuranza will take over Goodwin’s duties related to the Board of Trustees when they resume meeting in the fall.

“We want to say to you that you are one amazing person- you have been the utmost professional, you are always there for every one of the trustees – you are highly invested in the school, and it shows,” said NECC Board Chairwoman Jennifer Borislow. “We all adore and love you and are super excited for your next chapter.”