Governor Maura T. Healey has formally reappointed Sheila King-Goodwin and Jennifer L. Flanagan to the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees. Both trustees, who originally joined the board in 2022, have been appointed to second terms that will run through March 1, 2031. "Sheila and Jennifer have proven themselves to be dedicated advocates for Fitchburg State and the students we serve," said Fitchburg State Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr. "Their combined experience, expertise, and leadership strengthens our board as we work together to guide the university's future." A veteran of the financial services sector with 30 years of retail banking experience, King-Goodwin currently serves as the Head of the Northeast Market for Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU). “I am honored and excited to be reappointed to the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees,” said King-Goodwin. “I firmly believe in the transformative power of the education we provide, the lives we impact, and the dedication of our faculty and staff who are committed to nurturing student growth, fostering development, and preparing the next generation of leaders for the future.” Her extensive background in executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development brings an invaluable corporate perspective to the board's governance, ensuring the university remains forward-thinking and operationally robust. King-Goodwin’s distinguished career includes senior leadership roles at both national and community-based financial institutions throughout Massachusetts, including her previous tenure as Senior Vice President and Chief Community Banking Officer at Fidelity Bank. Over three decades, she has successfully managed both traditional and in-store branches across diverse urban and rural communities, leading large teams and guiding organizations through periods of rapid innovation. This extensive background gives her a unique insight into building strong organizational cultures and cultivating partnerships—skills that allow her to help Fitchburg State remain nimble and responsive to the evolving needs of its student body. Equally central to her role as a trustee is King-Goodwin’s unwavering commitment to civic leadership and workforce development. Her dedication to expanding regional opportunity is reflected in her service on numerous nonprofit and community boards, including the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bankers Diversity Council, and the United Way Women's Initiative. By bridging her corporate acumen with a passion for community empowerment, her continued leadership on the Board of Trustees strengthens Fitchburg State’s ties to vital regional stakeholders and reinforces the university's mission to contribute meaningfully to the social and economic fabric of Central Mass. University President Donna Hodge praised the reappointment of both trustees. “Since joining the Board, trustee King-Goodwin has distinguished herself as a thoughtful, engaged, and highly effective advocate for both Fitchburg State University and the broader communities we serve,” Hodge said. “Her extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational development brings an important and valuable perspective to the board's work.” Hodge cited Flanagan’s commitment to public service that aligns with the university’s mission and values. As a proud alumna, who earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the university in 2004, Flanagan pairs her deep appreciation for the student experience with the perspective of an accomplished public servant. This rare combination of institutional knowledge, strategic insight, and dedication ensures she remains a powerful advocate for the students, faculty, and regional communities that the university serves. "I am grateful to Governor Healey for the opportunity to continue my service on the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees,” said Flanagan. “As a proud alumna, contributing to the ongoing success of the university that helped shape my career is truly meaningful. I am honored to continue serving our community.” Her exceptional leadership is rooted in a 13-year tenure in the Massachusetts state legislature, spanning two terms as a state representative for the 4th Worcester District and four terms as state senator for the Worcester and Middlesex District. Throughout her legislative career, she built a reputation as a collaborative policymaker with deep expertise in public finance and community well-being. Notably, Flanagan served as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and chaired the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. Her specialized acumen in public health led to her 2017 appointment by Governor Charlie Baker to serve a four-year term as the inaugural public health commissioner for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, where she helped successfully establish one of the Commonwealth's most complex new regulatory frameworks. Flanagan currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the Liberty Square Group, where she continues to champion civic and regional leadership. Her extensive professional network across government, business, healthcare, and the nonprofit sectors—bolstered by her service on prominent boards like the RFK Community Alliance and the Seven Hills Foundation—acts as a vital bridge for Fitchburg State. By strengthening the university's ties to key external partners, her continued service on the Board of Trustees positions Fitchburg State as a primary driver of the social and economic vitality of North Central Massachusetts. “I have particularly valued trustee Flanagan's ability to balance strategic thinking with a genuine understanding of the students and communities we serve,” said Hodge. “She approaches every discussion with careful preparation, sound judgment, and a strong sense of public responsibility. Her perspective as both a public servant and a Fitchburg State graduate allows her to contribute in ways that are uniquely beneficial to the university's mission and long-term success. “Throughout her service on the Board of Trustees, trustee Flanagan has contributed meaningfully to board deliberations, institutional planning, and the advancement of the university's strategic priorities,” said Hodge. “She is a thoughtful advocate for public higher education, an engaged steward of the university, and a trusted voice around the board table. Her collaborative approach, leadership experience, and unwavering commitment to student success make her an exceptional trustee.” The Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees is the governing body responsible for overseeing the institution's strategic direction, fiscal health, and educational mission. About Fitchburg State University Fitchburg State University is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 6,000 full and part-time students.

The Fitchburg State University Police Department is proud to announce the formal promotion of Andrew Lamarche to the rank of Deputy Chief. Following his official appointment on July 12, Deputy Chief Lamarche was sworn into his new role during a ceremony held at Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge. “Andrew Lamarche has spent nearly 15 years earning the trust of this university through steady leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “One of the things I value most about his journey is that it reflects what we hope every member of our community experiences here: the opportunity to grow, to lead, and to make a meaningful difference over time. It is a pleasure to congratulate Andrew on this well-deserved promotion, and I look forward to working with him as he helps lead our University Police Department into its next chapter.” Reporting directly to Police Chief Michael Cloutier, Deputy Chief Lamarche now serves as second-in-command for the department. In this leadership role, Lamarche has assumed responsibility for managing daily department operations while continuing his oversight of patrol operations. “It’s been a privilege to play a small part in Andrew's journey and watch him grow,” said Chief Cloutier. “Seeing how he has developed from his first days at the State Police Academy into the leader standing before you today has been a truly remarkable experience. Andrew earned this promotion through years of self-reflection, hard work and dedication. Everyone who has been part of his journey should be incredibly proud of his success.” During the ceremony, Deputy Chief Lamarche was officially pinned by his wife, Cynthia, and children Lily and Tyler. “It’s unbelievable,” said Lamarche, adding that the pinning is an experience he will never forget. “They have been around me for missed holidays, they’ve been around me for long shifts, phone calls home even when I didn’t know when I’m coming home, text messages that say ‘I’m OK, but I can’t talk and whatever you see in the news, I’m OK.’ It’s been difficult for them. To have them here and to share this moment with me, it’s indescribable.” Cynthia Lamarche said the day highlights how deeply so many appreciate what her husband does on a daily basis at Fitchburg State. “It shows all the years he’s been putting in here and all the hard work he’s put into it, dedication to the job and all the time he’s spent here has meant something,” said Cynthia Lamarche, who has been married to Deputy Chief Lamarche for 19 years. “I know his job here means almost as much as the family does to him. This is his second family, so it means a lot to me to see all the people that support him in how far he’s come.” Lamarche’s son, Tyler, said he’s proud of his dad, while Lily talked about how her father has the innate ability to overcome adversity. “He’s gone through really tough times, but he always pushes through and ends up making the best of everything, even if he’s had to do a bunch of hard things,” said Lily. Of course, Deputy Chief Lamarche is fueled daily by his tremendous support system at home. “My kids are coming up on college age and they will be going to school soon, and working here helps me, in my mind, do something good for them and do something good for the students that come here who are trying to get educated and seek better things for their lives,” said Lamarche. “If I had a small part in making this a safer place for them and making this a better place to work for my colleagues, then it doesn’t get any better than that.” Deputy Chief Lamarche has served the Fitchburg State University community for nearly two decades. He began his career with the department as a Police Officer in 2007, later moving into leadership roles as an Operations Sergeant from 2015 to 2021, and most recently serving as Operations Lieutenant since November 2021. His well-rounded law enforcement career also includes valuable experience with both the Amherst College and Bolton Police Departments. In addition to his extensive practical experience, Lamarche is highly credentialed. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Worcester State University and is currently completing his Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Fitchburg State University. His specialized certifications include MPTC Firearms Instructor, Taser/ECW Instructor, Sexual Assault Investigator, and Internal Affairs Investigations. University leadership, department personnel, faculty, staff and community members gathered at Hammond Hall's Main Lounge to celebrate the milestone and offer their full support to the new Deputy Chief as he begins this next chapter of service.

Fitchburg State University Associate Professor of Communications Media J.J. Sylvia IV has been awarded the Fulbright Global Challenges Teaching Award in the theme of Peace and Democracy. Facilitated through a joint partnership between the US-UK Fulbright Commission and COIL Connect, this collaboration enables both educators to redesign their current curricula for Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), allowing students in the United States and Scotland to engage in shared, cross-cultural classrooms. As a recipient of this award, Dr. Sylvia has been paired with Jo Gallagher, a Lecturer in Teacher Education within the School of Education at the University of Glasgow. "We are immensely proud of Dr. Sylvia for receiving the prestigious Fulbright Global Challenges Teaching Award,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “As an innovative educator, Dr. Sylvia consistently demonstrates how academic research can address complex global issues, and this honor is a testament to the quality and relevance of his work. His achievement brings great distinction to Fitchburg State University." Dr. Sylvia’s course, Data & Society, investigates the application of data across diverse media platforms — such as video games, film production, and visual communication — while interrogating the critical ethical dimensions of representation, privacy, algorithms, and data visualization. Gallagher’s course, Arts for Peace & Democracy, examines how arts-based teaching methodologies can equip future educators to engage students with core concepts of identity, active participation, democratic education, and social justice. “I'm honored to receive this Fulbright,” said Sylvia. “I'm deeply thankful for the robust support I've received from my colleagues at Fitchburg State University that has made this possible. I'm looking forward to my class working with Jo Gallagher and the students in his Arts for Peace & Democracy course at the University of Glasgow, as they will certainly bring their own unique perspectives on democracy shaped by Scotland and its relationship with the United Kingdom.” The Fulbright Program, the United States government’s flagship program of international educational and cultural exchange, offers passionate and accomplished students and scholars in more than 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to mutual understanding. “Dr. Sylvia’s receipt of this prestigious award honors his exceptional pedagogical creativity,” said Fitchburg State Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli. “By bridging the worlds of technology, philosophy, and human communication, he challenges students to navigate and critique today's most complex ethical and cultural issues. This interdisciplinary COIL course will undoubtedly build a vibrant, transatlantic community of learners, empowering them to analyze how the creative arts and digital media shape public life. The Fulbright not only recognizes Dr. Sylvia’s achievements as a teacher and a scholar, but promises an unparalleled learning experience for his students.” Sylvia’s experience leading the Rhetoric in Greece study abroad course has shown him just how transformative international education can be for students. However, he also recognizes that the steep cost of travel often keeps these opportunities out of reach for many. To bridge that gap, Sylvia views the new virtual exchange as a powerful alternative that democratizes global learning. By collaborating digitally with peers in Glasgow, students can apply their coursework to a broader international context without the financial barrier. Sylvia believes this cross-cultural connection will not only cultivate a more sophisticated global digital literacy but also foster a deeper commitment to civic engagement. Ultimately, by tackling pressing contemporary challenges like disinformation, AI, and ethics together, students will be far better equipped for their future careers. “Collaboration in these courses will allow students to build comfort and competency in distributed teamwork,” said Sylvia. “This experience will directly prepare students for hybrid and global work environments which are increasingly common in media technology, policy, and non-profit sectors. I'm looking forward to working with the Office of International Education, as we learn from this Fulbright-supported experience to build a sustainable COIL program on campus that will benefit students for years to come.” Sylvia holds a Ph.D. in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media from North Carolina State University, an M.A. in Philosophy from The University of Southern Mississippi, and a B.A. in Communication and Philosophy from Mississippi State University. His research explores how media and technology fundamentally shape human identity and society. His interdisciplinary research spans critical investigations into the spread of disinformation, the ethics of generative AI, and the application of posthuman theory to navigate the blurred boundaries between humanity and technology, including projects that utilize virtual reality to foster empathy regarding racial microaggressions.

Fitchburg State University hosted its annual Retired Educators Luncheon on Wednesday in the Falcon Hub, a tradition established in 2011 that honors alumni who have dedicated their lives to the teaching profession. The event serves as a powerful homecoming for the university, celebrating its historic roots as a teachers' college originally founded in 1894. This year’s luncheon, led by Alumni Association President John Garten ‘89, highlighted the university's ongoing commitment to shaping future teachers, celebrating both a rising educator through the Retired Educators Scholarship Fund and a seasoned professional with the prestigious Joel D. Miller Education Award. “We often speak about the ‘Fitchburg State family,’ but in this room, that phrase is a lived reality,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “You represent the very foundation of this institution. Since our founding as a Normal School in 1894, we have been defined by our commitment to training the educators who shape our Commonwealth. Your return to campus today is an incredibly powerful reminder that while your formal years of service in the classroom may have concluded, your connection to this university—and your impact on its legacy—endures.” Born out of the annual luncheon, the Retired Educators Scholarship Fund awards a $500 annual scholarship to a deserving education major. The funds are applied directly to the student's account to assist with their academic journey. This year’s scholarship recipient is Kyle Grimard, a Lake Placid, N.Y., native and a dedicated para-educator at the Keystone Educational Collaborative at Ayer-Shirley Regional High School. An avid outdoorsman raised in the Adirondack Mountains, Grimard is working toward achieving prestigious "46er" status by climbing all 46 of the region's high peaks, while indoors he innovatively uses his passions for Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons to enhance student learning in his classroom. Currently enrolled in Fitchburg State's Para-to-Teacher program, Grimard is balancing his summer coursework with his career goals. Upon graduation, Grimard plans to transition into a full-time special education teaching role, with the ultimate goal of continuing his impactful work within the Keystone program. “There’s something really special about people who have spent their life doing the thing you want to do, and finding you to be worthy of the person they support and the person they give money to and help further that goal,” said Grimard. “It’s such a special thing.” The luncheon also served as the stage for the presentation of the Joel D. Miller Education Award. Established in 1955, the award honors the legacy of Joel D. Miller, a prominent Massachusetts state senator, member of the State Board of Education, and one of the three original founders of the State Normal School in Fitchburg. His lasting impact on the campus is also memorialized by Miller Hall, a historic campus building. The award is presented annually to a Fitchburg State graduate who embodies outstanding teaching qualities, distinct originality in the classroom, unselfish devotion to education, and a profound influence for good among their students. The 2026 recipient of this prestigious honor is Linda Alvarez ’22, who completed a master’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing and communications from Fitchburg State, and has been a business and entrepreneurship teacher at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, Vt., for the last four years. “I am super proud to have been invited back to Fitchburg State for this award,” said Alvarez. “Education is something that’s so important to all of us, and the recognition that I’ve gotten this year through the Vermont State Teacher of the Year program and the National Teacher of the Year program, awards like this allows me to think about the impact that we can have in talking to people about education and what’s happening now, and how important it is that we’re all working together to make education stronger and better. “Working with young people can be challenging at times, but it’s also very rewarding, most of the time,” said Alvarez. “Days like today are super special because it’s a moment to reflect on all of the things that we do as educators to help people make good decisions, so that they can have better lives.” Alvarez was also named the 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year. As an online student pursuing her master’s degree, Alvarez anticipated visiting the Fitchburg State University campus for the first time when she was supposed to receive her master’s degree during Winter Commencement in 2022. But due to a significant snow and ice storm in Southern Vermont, Alvarez’s plans to attend graduation, walk the stage and receive her diploma were dashed. She was forced to halt her commute to North Central Massachusetts, missed the graduation ceremony, and eventually had her diploma mailed to her home in Brattleboro, Vt. However, last December, Alvarez got to experience that full-circle moment as she finally set foot on campus and received her diploma directly from President Hodge. For more information about Fitchburg State University, please visit fitchburgstate.edu.

Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge has announced the students who qualified for inclusion on the Dean’s List and President's List for the Spring 2026 semester. A student is placed on the Dean’s List for the semester if an average grade of 3.20 or better is attained, and the student is attending the university full time. View the Spring 2026 Dean's List. The President’s List honors students for consistently high academic achievement. A student is named to the list after achieving a 3.75 average in each of three successive semesters. View the Spring 2026 President's List.