Worcester Business Journal

4 Worcester Business Journal | May 13, 2024 | wbjournal.com I N B R I E F President resigning "It is with a blend of gratitude and well wishes that the board of trustees announces President Kenn Elmore will be stepping down from his position at Dean College." Franklin-based Dean College, in a press release statement on May 3, announcing President Kenneth Elmore will step down from his role, although no timeline or explanation was given. Pictured is Elmore. Worcester County data "By providing easily accessible and up-to-date data, the platform aims to educate the public, inform policymakers, foster collaboration, and support evidence-based initiatives that address the most pressing issues facing Worcester County." Paul Matthews, executive director and CEO of Worcester Regional Research Bureau, on Worcester County Insights, a collaborative effort between WRRB and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation to provide a centralized platform with data on quality of life in Worcester County New president "To lead Nichols College is a tremendous honor, and I am excited to assume the presidency at such a pivotal time in this institution's long and storied history." William Pieczynski, who was selected as the next president of Nichols College in Dudley after serving in the role on an interim basis following the resignation of Glenn Sulmasy BY ERIC CASEY WBJ Staff Writer T he board of trustees at Fitchburg State University has nominated Donna Souder Hodge, the vice president of operations & advancement at Colorado State University, Pueblo, to be the 12th president of the university. If hired, Hodge would be the first woman president in the school's 130- year history, according to the school's list of prior presidents on its website. Hodge's hiring is contingent upon approval by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and a successful contract negotiation, according to a press release issued by Fitchburg State on May 1. Hodge's potential hiring would conclude a process that began in October, when President Richard Lapidus announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2023-24 academic year, which ends on May 14. The university announced the final four candidates for the role on April 2. One candidate, Michael Godard, provost at Southeast Missouri State University, dropped out of contention on April 10 after accepting a role as the president of Indiana State University. "This was a difficult decision with a strong slate of finalists to lead Fitchburg State," Deborah Phillips, board chair for the university, said in the press release. "We are confident Dr. Hodge has the leadership skills and experience to find consensus among campus constituencies as we confront the challenges facing all institutions of higher education. She is a strong communicator who is mindful of the critical role that public higher education plays in the success of the city and region." Hodge has been employed at Colorado State University, Pueblo since 2010. In addition to her role as a vice president at the school, she previously served as its chief strategy officer and a tenured faculty member. Hodge holds a doctorate in rhetoric from Texas Woman's University, as well as a master's degree in women's studies from Texas Woman's and a master's degree in English and history from Texas A&M University Texarkana. During his tenure at FSU, Lapidus saw the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a new strategic plan, and worked to deepen ties between the City of Fitchburg and the university. Fitchburg State is the seventh-largest college in Central Massachusetts, with 6,000 full- and part-time students. Fitchburg State selects first woman president in school's 130-year history PHOTO | COURTESY OF FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY W W

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