Pittsfield, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced today that President
Ellen Kennedy will retire at the conclusion of the current academic year. Kennedy,
who has served as the College's president since 2012, described the role as "the greatest
privilege of my professional life."
In a message to the campus community, Kennedy emphasized that the decision comes after
deep reflection and is guided by both professional and personal considerations.
BCC President Ellen Kennedy
"Looking ahead, the College will soon embark on the development of a new Strategic
Plan and prepare for its 2029 [New England Commission of Higher Education] NECHE Self-Study,"
Kennedy said. "Both efforts represent significant opportunities for a new president
to engage deeply with what makes the College thrive — its people, its stories, its
culture, and its mission — and to build the relationships and trust needed to chart
and execute the College's next chapter."
Kennedy also shared that retirement would allow her to focus on spending more time
with family and friends.
Leadership and Legacy
During her more than a decade of leadership, Kennedy has overseen transformative change
at Berkshire Community College. Her tenure included:
- Campus Renewal Projects – Leading major infrastructure improvements, including the renovation of academic
buildings, modernization of labs and classrooms, and investment in student-centered
facilities, including the One Stop Enrollment Center, the Library, and building an
accessible quad.
- Academic Innovation – Expanding academic offerings, launching new workforce development programs, and
strengthening transfer pathways for students pursuing bachelor's degrees. Kennedy
shepherded the College through its Associate degree in Nursing accreditation process
and helped strengthen the program significantly with support from faculty, staff and
the Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness, Lori Moon. In addition, Kennedy has supported
and facilitated the College's commitment to faculty professional development, which
is reflected in the fact that all new full-time faculty have a reduced teaching load
in their first year to support their transition and time to reflect on best teaching
practices.
- Community Engagement – Building strong partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and educational
institutions, ensuring that BCC remains a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation
in the Berkshires. These efforts were evident in the College achieving a 1Berkshire
Trendsetter award and its recent incredibly successful 65th anniversary event called
Community Fest that saw over 2,000 community members engage with their community college.
- Student Success Initiatives – Championing initiatives that improved student retention, access, and affordability,
while prioritizing equity and inclusion. These achievements helped the College achieve
an Achieving the Dream Leader College Award this year for its student success initiatives.
- Foundation Growth – Strengthening philanthropic support through the BCC Foundation, resulting in increased
scholarship opportunities for students. Her leadership overseeing philanthropic initiatives
also created the Gene Dellea Community Turf Field which has served thousands of local
student athletes. Kennedy also successfully guided the College through challenges,
including the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of learning and reinforcing BCC's
commitment to serving students and the wider community.
Commitment to Mission
Throughout her presidency, Kennedy worked closely with BCC faculty, staff, and community
partners to advance the College's mission and strengthen its role in the Berkshires.
She credited the College community for its commitment to students and their success..
I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with dedicated and engaged faculty and
staff. When it came to mission, we spoke as one powerful, unified voice, advancing
the vital role that Berkshire Community College plays in the lives of those it touches.
Kennedy expressed her gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the broader campus community,
noting that the year ahead will be focused on identifying the next leader of BCC.
"The Board and the campus community will take the lead in identifying the qualities
most important for the next president and in sharing with candidates what makes BCC
so special," she said. "This is an opportunity to reflect on the College's priorities
for the future, and I am confident the process will yield strong leadership for the
next chapter."
Kennedy concluded her announcement with appreciation for the College's impact: "Together,
we have played a vital role in our community. Together, we have changed lives. I step
into this transition with peace and optimism, and I look forward to celebrating the
College's next leader and all that lies ahead."
About Berkshire Community College
Berkshire Community College (BCC), situated on 180 park-like acres, is located four
miles from the center of Pittsfield in the heart of the beautiful Berkshires of Western
Massachusetts. Founded in 1960, BCC was the first community college established in
the Commonwealth. As a public, fully accredited community college, BCC strives to
place higher education within reach of all residents of Berkshire County and beyond,
offering associate degree and certificate programs to approximately 2,000 enrolled
students per year. The mission of BCC encompasses five core values: integrity and
engagement; innovation; diversity and inclusion; service; and sustainability.
