Fitchburg State University will launch a new bachelor’s degree in finance in 2027, combining rigorous financial and economic theory with hands-on, project-based learning. The new major was approved Tuesday, Sept. 29 by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. The new program will prepare graduates for high-earning roles across the financial sector, including market analysis, corporate finance, and financial advising. "This is the kind of academic change that makes me excited about Fitchburg State's future," said University President Donna Hodge. "North Central Massachusetts needs a higher education ecosystem that connects local students to affordable degrees and employers to the talent they need. A finance major strengthens that connection. Our economics and business faculty have built a rigorous, applied program on the courses and expertise already here, making wise use of our resources while giving students a degree with clear value in the Massachusetts economy. I'm grateful to Acting Provost Franca Barricelli, the faculty who developed this major, and the Board of Higher Education for its support. Their work makes Fitchburg State a stronger choice for students and a more responsive partner to our region." The new program, approved by the university’s Board of Trustees earlier this year, will be housed in the university’s Economics, History and Political Science Department, and was developed by faculty in that department in collaboration with the Business Administration Department. Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli said the program’s interdisciplinary foundation will be one of its strengths. "Modern finance demands more than technical fluency — it requires an understanding of how economic policies, political changes, and cultural shifts deeply influence global markets and financial decisions,” she said. “Our curriculum equips students to integrate quantitative thinking with these broader insights, empowering them to act thoughtfully in a rapidly evolving global economy." The 42-credit major will be composed of courses offered in the university’s economics and business programs, along with new courses in investment analysis, financial statement analysis, and corporate finance. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the financial sector will create over 900,000 jobs per year over the next 10-year period, exceeding average industry growth in the U.S. Jobs in the finance sector also tend to be well paid, with the average finance major earning $60,000 with a bachelor's degree directly out of college, according to Glassdoor. “Through hands-on coursework utilizing analysis, experiential learning, and other active learning strategies, our students gain the exact technical and critical-thinking skills demanded by employers,” said Professor Christa Marr of the Economics, History and Political Science Department, and one of the designers of the new major. “Whether they aspire to work in corporate finance, investment analysis, or risk assessment, students will graduate fully prepared to excel from day one.” Professor Andrew Chan of the Business Administration Department said students will benefit from the program’s commitment to support and community connection. “From personalized faculty advising and first-year retention workshops to strategic community partnerships and internships with regional financial institutions, we want every student to feel a true sense of belonging and see a clear, attainable pathway to a successful professional future,” he said. Learn more about the new bachelor’s degree in finance.

The Fitchburg State University Humanities Department presents its second exhibition of the academic year, featuring artist Bill Porter. The exhibition, titled “What We Learn to Believe” is on display through December 20 at the Hammond Art Gallery, located in Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl Street. There will be an opening reception at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the gallery. The exhibit starts on Monday, Oct. 26. Admission is free and open to the public. Porter is a research-driven, multidisciplinary artist working primarily in painting, installation, sound, and time-based media. His work critically examines how inherited stories, cultural assumptions, and societal narratives acquire authority and shape our understanding of truth. Drawing heavily from his personal background, Porter brings his Irish immigrant father’s stories of Christianity and rural Donegal into dialogue with the cartoons, comics, and picture books of his American childhood — recontextualizing these familiar materials to explore the space between personal memory and collective belief. As a blind artist with low vision, Porter centers his lived experience and engagement with the broader blind and low vision community to interrogate the cultural construction of disability. His practice challenges the systems that reinforce ableist assumptions, questioning who holds the authority to define accessibility, perception, and narrative. By blending humor with rigorous inquiry, Porter invites audiences to reexamine the stories they inherit, the hidden biases within them, and what they ultimately choose to accept as self-evident.

Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge has been selected as one of Worcester Business Journal’s (WBJ) 2026 Outstanding Women in Business honorees. The annual awards program celebrates strong, talented, and remarkable women executives and business leaders who are making a profound mark on the Central Massachusetts economy and community. The awards will be officially presented at the 2026 Outstanding Women in Business Luncheon Ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Hogan Campus Center at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. "President Hodge exemplifies the type of visionary, community-minded leadership that moves an institution and a region forward,” said Fitchburg State University Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr. “The Board of Trustees is thrilled to celebrate this honor with her, and we look forward to continuing our work together as Fitchburg State reaches new heights of academic excellence and economic impact.” Hodge, who became the 12th president —and first female leader —of Fitchburg State in 2024, is being recognized for her visionary leadership, disciplined financial stewardship, and deep commitment to weaving the university into the civic, economic, and cultural fabric of North Central Massachusetts. "I'm honored to be recognized alongside women whose leadership is shaping Central Massachusetts," said Hodge. "Leading a public university requires us to be disciplined with our resources and ambitious about what we can make possible. At Fitchburg State, that means building programs that respond to regional needs, strengthening partnerships with employers and our community, and making sure more students can see a future for themselves here. I'm grateful to the colleagues and partners who share that work with me." Under Hodge’s leadership, Fitchburg State has experienced a resurgence, reversing a decade-long enrollment decline with an incoming class larger than the previous year. Central to this success is the "Fitchburg Promise," a groundbreaking direct-admissions and tuition-free agreement established with five local high schools in Fitchburg to remove barriers to higher education for Fitchburg residents. "I'm delighted that Dr. Hodge has earned this meaningful and well-deserved recognition from the Worcester Business Journal for her continued success advancing the vital mission of Fitchburg State University,” said Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Eric Gregoire. “Donna's leadership has cultivated a renewed commitment to serving the students of North Central Massachusetts and beyond, while ensuring a vibrant campus culture where all students can thrive. Her vision for the possibility of Fitchburg State demonstrates why she is an outstanding honoree for this award." Hodge has also spearheaded transformative economic development initiatives in downtown Fitchburg, including the revitalization of the historic Theater Block through an alliance with GFI Partners to create mixed-use housing and retail space. Additional key initiatives during her tenure include: Formalizing strategic partnerships with the Applewild School, Fitchburg Public Schools, Workers Credit Union, and the Fitchburg Art Museum. More than doubling the number of military and veteran students and families served by the university. Launching two new varsity sports programs — women’s ice hockey and men’s lacrosse. Establishing the Presidential Ambassadors program to foster leadership pipelines for undergraduate students. Beyond campus, Hodge serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, the Fitchburg Art Museum, and the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. Nationally, she contributes to the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge’s 2026 Presidents’ Council, and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) Committee on International Education. To learn more about Dr. Hodge and her fellow honorees, visit the Worcester Business Journal. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit wbjournal.com/event/women-in-business/.

Fitchburg State University is well-represented again in the upcoming cohort of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute (CLI). Manager of Advancement Operations & Foundation Relations Karina Calvo of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Director of Student Belonging Krysta Lopez-Acevedo of the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, and Assistant Director Eliezer Rivera of the Admissions Department will start the nine-month program in October. “Each of these individuals brings talent, curiosity, and a strong commitment to service in their work at Fitchburg State," said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. "I am delighted they have this opportunity to refine their leadership, build professional networks, and represent the university across the region, bringing what they learn back to enrich our campus community." Calvo, who was recently promoted to a management role within Fitchburg State’s Advancement office says she views the Community Leadership Institute as an opportunity to refine her leadership capabilities and exchange management strategies with peers. “I also aim to build meaningful relationships with regional civic and business leaders, deepening the university’s community integration so Fitchburg State serves not as an isolated institution, but as an accessible, collaborative anchor where true partnership happens,” she said. Lopez-Acevedo said that she’s grateful for the opportunity and it’s an honor to be nominated by the President’s Office. “I’m beyond grateful to our leadership for their unconditional support, dedication, and commitment to investing in me as a person, as a young professional, and in my future,” said Lopez. “I’m looking forward to the 9-month immersive CLI experience and proudly representing Fitchburg State University.” Driven by a lifelong connection to his hometown and a commitment to local progress, Rivera reflected on what joining this cohort truly means. “Growing up a Fitchburg kid, I always knew part of my purpose was to help shape, impact and become part of the change I wanted to see in my community at a young age,” said Rivera. “To not just want to be part of the change, but also inspire the next generation to do the same. Being a part of this program allows me to be part of the real tangible strategies, connect with impactful people in our very own community, and be part of a movement that can bring real change and improvement to this community. I am truly honored to be part of this cohort. No matter where I go, I have always represented Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts with a badge of honor because I know there is something special about it. I truly believe there is no better time to be a part of this movement like the present.” The CLI offers a unique 9-month immersive experience designed to develop the next generation of leaders who will shape our region’s future. Through hands-on learning, exclusive access to regional leaders, and collaborative community projects, CLI participants gain the skills, connections, and insights needed to lead effectively in today’s technology and knowledge-driven economy. The CLI program runs from October to June each year, featuring day-long sessions each month that cover personal leadership development (October), non-profit governance (November), education (December), media & crisis communications (January), healthcare, law & justice (February), arts & culture (March), legislation (April), manufacturing & economic development (May), and debrief & commencement (June). Last year, Associate Director for Internship Coordination and Employer Relations Susan Beddes of the university’s Career Services and Advising Center and Director for Care and Case Management Joe Flanagan completed the program.

Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael J. Cloutier will receive the Gov. Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government this fall. The honor will be bestowed as part of Gov. Maura Healey’s 2026 Performance Recognition Program awards that will be presented at the State House. Awardees are nominated by their peers, reviewed by an independent cross-secretariat committee, and approved by the Governor’s Office. Chief Cloutier joined the Fitchburg State campus in 2014 as Deputy Chief of University Police, and was promoted to Chief of Police in 2016. Fitchburg State President Dr. Donna Hodge expanded Cloutier’s duties and named him Executive in Charge of University Operations in February 2025. In his expanded role, he oversees University Police and manages all campus safety and training initiatives, as well as managing the university’s vehicle fleet. "Michael Cloutier leads with sound judgment, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service," said President Hodge. "At Fitchburg State University, that commitment extends well beyond keeping our campus safe. He helps officers and colleagues grow into leaders who understand that earning trust, treating people fairly, and serving their community are central to the work. I'm proud to see the Commonwealth recognize the example he sets and the leadership he inspires in others." Michael Cloutier brings sound judgment and a trusted perspective to university leadership. He works closely with the Office of the General Counsel, Personnel Services, and Title IX to address complex issues affecting the campus community. Across the teams he leads, he models fairness, earns trust, and supports the professional growth of employees, strengthening a culture of shared responsibility and public service. “Chief Michael Cloutier is a transformative leader, who was called to be peacekeeper,” said Fitchburg State Vice President for Human Resources and General Counsel Stacey Luster. “Michael has built a culture of community policing and professional collaboration, based upon mutual respect and a genuine love for humans, regardless of age, race, gender or position.” He also oversees a diverse group of university employees, fostering a culture of public service that is based upon shared values of fairness, quiet confidence, genuine friendships and trust. Cloutier’s legacy of service at Fitchburg State includes the development of the university’s groundbreaking police academy program, in partnership with the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee. This program integrates a full municipal police academy into a five-year concurrent degree program. As the Sponsoring Chief, Cloutier is helping to shape the next generation of law enforcement through a model that emphasizes community-focused policing, with nearly all of the recruits from the FSU Police Academy receiving job offers before graduation. His impact extends beyond the campus. Following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Cloutier wrote a poem, “If You Could See” to express his hope for people to see things through different lenses, to improve police and community relations. The poem gained widespread attention online, leading to Chief Clouter and his poem being featured on CNN. “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is better because of Chief Michael Cloutier, especially Fitchburg State University and the hundreds of Police Officers throughout the Commonwealth who have benefitted from his mentoring,” President Hodge said.