Fitchburg State University was once again recognized for supporting the upward social mobility of its students in the U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings of colleges and universities. Fitchburg State was also among the top public universities in the North. For social mobility, Fitchburg State was among the highest performing institutions in Massachusetts, which was measured by weighing institutional success in enrolling and graduating economically disadvantaged students. Fitchburg State also ranked for best colleges for veterans. "Opening the door to college is only the beginning,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “At Fitchburg State, we work to help students graduate, including those facing financial barriers and those who have served our country. I'm proud of the faculty and staff who support them, and of the graduates who carry that education into their families and communities." U.S. News & World Report has published rankings of colleges and universities each year since 1983. The methodology it employs for ranking various categories is posted on its website.

Fitchburg State University has been officially designated as a Purple Heart University, recognizing its dedicated support for combat-wounded veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected students. The formal recognition was officially proclaimed and highlighted by Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge during her third annual State of the University address to kickstart the fall semester on campus. During the address, President Hodge invited university alumnus, current staff member and veteran Andres Crespo to the stage to read the official proclamation. The milestone followed a targeted two-year institutional strategy to strengthen recruitment and support systems for veterans and military-connected families. “Less than two years into a new institutional strategy for strengthening recruitment and support for veterans and military-connected families, enrollment among these student populations has more than doubled,” said President Hodge. “One-hundred new students on our campus. That growth makes this recognition especially meaningful.” The Purple Heart distinction underscores Fitchburg State’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment through specialized resources, tailored academic and financial counseling, and dedicated veteran services. This milestone builds upon an established tradition of military excellence, as Fitchburg State has consistently earned recognition as a Military Friendly® School every year since 2015 and currently holds Military Friendly® Gold status. As part of the Purple Heart Campus designation, the university has installed dedicated Purple Heart signage across campus grounds and designated two reserved, specially-marked parking spaces for visitors and students who carry the honor of being Purple Heart recipients. Purple Heart recipients receive welcoming, direct access to essential campus resources, including university library facilities and administrative services. These physical markers and access policies further enhance the campus infrastructure supported by the university’s Military and Veterans Services Office, the on-campus Veterans Center, and the active Student Veterans Association. “The Purple Heart distinction is another significant recognition of Fitchburg State's commitment to serving our veteran and military-connected students,” said Fitchburg State Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer Tim St. John. “The swiftness with which we were able to earn this distinction is a reflection of the work that has already been happening — the growing size of the veteran population we serve, creation of the Military and Veterans Services Office, Military-Gold Friendly distinction, the community being built through the Veterans Center and the Student Veterans Association.” The university’s strong connection to the Purple Heart honor is further exemplified within its leadership by Board of Trustees member Joe Byrne ’14, a Fitchburg State alumnus and decorated Vietnam War veteran who earned the Purple Heart during his 22-year career in the U.S. Army. As a former Green Beret and Army Ranger, Byrne’s personal history of combat sacrifice and public service embodies the very spirit of support and recognition that the Purple Heart designation represents. By honoring the sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients and integrating comprehensive military-friendly support structures across campus, Fitchburg State ensures student-veterans experience a smooth transition to higher education and a strong sense of community.

Fitchburg State University and Suffolk University, on behalf of Suffolk Law School, have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding after the signing of a new 3+3 Baccalaureate/Juris Doctor (JD) Degree Program Agreement recently. This strategic partnership creates an accelerated pathway for motivated students to earn both their undergraduate and law degrees in just six years, saving one full year of time and tuition. “We began this academic year talking about possibility – what becomes possible when talent, ambition, and opportunity come together,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “That is really what this is about. This means that students who come to Fitchburg State with the ability and determination to pursue law can see a pathway forward and know that we are working to remove unnecessary barriers along the way. That’s central to our mission. Access is not simply about opening the door to higher education. It is about what we make possible for students once they walk through it, while holding them to the high academic standards that prepare them for what comes next.” Vice President of Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli said that this partnership reflects the university’s commitment to creating high-impact, flexible academic pathways that empower our students to achieve their professional goals efficiently. “By combining Fitchburg State’s strong undergraduate foundation with Suffolk Law’s exceptional legal education, we are streamlining the journey for aspiring legal professionals while maintaining the academic rigor and preparation they need to thrive in the field,” said Barricelli. Under the terms of the agreement, qualified Fitchburg State students can apply for law school admission during their junior year. If accepted, students will transition to Suffolk Law for their fourth year of study. The first 30 credits successfully completed at Suffolk University Law School will transfer back to Fitchburg State to satisfy the remaining requirements for the student’s baccalaureate degree. “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing students with high-value, accessible pathways to professional success,” said Fitchburg State Department Chair and Professor of the Economics, History and Political Science Department Paul Weizer. “By streamlining the transition from undergraduate study to a prestigious law program like Suffolk’s, we are helping our students jumpstart their legal careers while reducing the financial burden of higher education.” To be eligible for the program, Fitchburg State students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher and achieve an LSAT score (or other approved admission test scores) that meets or exceeds the median for Suffolk Law’s previous matriculating class. Students must complete 75 percent of their Fitchburg State credits before beginning their legal studies in Boston. “Suffolk Law is thrilled to collaborate with Fitchburg State to welcome their most ambitious students into our community,” said Dean of Admissions at Suffolk University Law School Anthony Orlando, whose mother, Susan Orlando, and sister, Amy Katon, both graduated from Fitchburg State with nursing degrees. “Fitchburg State students are known for their work ethic and academic preparation. This agreement ensures that these students have a clear, supported route to a Juris Doctor degree at an institution dedicated to practice-ready legal education.” The program is effective immediately. Students enrolled in the 3+3 program will be eligible to apply for Suffolk Law’s merit-based scholarships and financial aid on the same terms as traditional applicants. Fitchburg State will also host Suffolk Law representatives on campus for recruitment and advising sessions to assist students in navigating the application process.

Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge announced eight new Presidential Fellows for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Fellows Program was launched by President Hodge in 2024 with the goal of fostering leadership growth among faculty and librarians by providing a unique professional development opportunity. The Presidential Fellows engage regularly with the President’s Office and senior university leadership on issues relevant to Fitchburg State and the broader landscape of higher education. The fellowship is intended to recognize and amplify the meaningful work faculty and librarians are already doing across the university. The 2026-27 Presidential Fellows are: Professor Benjamin Railton (English Studies); Associate Professor Jessica Robey (Humanities); Associate Professor Michael McCutcheon (Behavioral Sciences); Professor Christa Marr (Economics, History and Political Science); Professor Christopher Adams (Psychological Science); Associate Librarian Olivia Rossetti (Library); Professor Sarah Wright (Mathematics); Associate Professor Billy Samulak (Biology and Chemistry). “Our Presidential Fellows represent the best of Fitchburg State’s commitment to bold ideas and collective progress,” said President Hodge. “By giving these early and mid-career faculty and librarians this platform, we are investing not only in their professional growth but in the transformation of our university and the communities we serve. “This program reflects a simple but powerful truth: leadership is not confined to titles or offices,” said Hodge. “It is cultivated in classrooms, libraries, and laboratories—and it flourishes when people are trusted to innovate. I am proud of this year’s Fellows, and I look forward to the ways their work will advance our mission as the number one state university in Massachusetts.” Psychological Science Department Chair Laura Garofoli will coordinate this year’s Presidential Fellows Program. This cohort was selected under Professor David Weiss’ leadership. “I am absolutely thrilled to serve as special advisor to the President for the Presidential Fellows Program and to have the privilege of working with this truly extraordinary cohort,” said Garofoli. “These eight fellows represent the very best of Fitchburg State — spanning disciplines from the sciences to the humanities to our library, and bringing an incredible depth of experience, passion, and dedication to our students and our institution. I could not be more excited about the meaningful work ahead, as we celebrate and elevate the remarkable things our faculty and librarians are already doing every day. I have no doubt that this cohort will make a lasting impact on Fitchburg State and the North Central region.” "The Presidential Fellows showcase leadership that inspires forward movement—grounded in purpose, motivated by curiosity, and focused on making a permanent, positive difference both on campus and beyond,” said Weiss. The Presidential Fellows will have the opportunity to propose, engage, and see to fruition a focused project or initiative of their choosing, in consultation with the President’s Office, which is meaningful, impactful, and elevates the “Number One State University” throughout the North Central Region, Massachusetts, and beyond.

Fitchburg State University’s Bachelor of Science programs in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems (CIS) have earned reaccreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) through September 30, 2032. “ABET’s endorsement reinforces Fitchburg State’s commitment to providing a high-caliber education that equips our students with the critical skills and adaptability needed to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” said Acting Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli. Dean of the School of Business and Technology Dr. Mahmoud Al-Odeh pointed to the milestone as evidence of the department's momentum and forward-looking curriculum. “ABET reaccreditation is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication of our Computer Science faculty and their commitment to our students,” said Al-Odeh. “It validates the quality of the education we provide today while challenging us to keep looking forward. As AI and other emerging technologies reshape the workforce, we will continue strengthening our curriculum, expanding hands-on learning and internship opportunities, and creating pathways that prepare our graduates for both today’s careers and those that are still emerging.” ABET is a globally recognized accreditor of college and university programs in computing, engineering, engineering technology, and applied and natural sciences. The reaccreditation reflects the quality of Fitchburg State’s computing programs and the commitment of faculty, students, and the university to academic excellence and continuous improvement. Earning ABET reaccreditation involves a comprehensive evaluation of a program’s curriculum, faculty, facilities, institutional support, student outcomes, and continuous improvement processes. For Fitchburg State, the achievement provides important value to several communities. For students and families, ABET accreditation provides assurance that Fitchburg State’s Computer Science and CIS programs meet rigorous, internationally recognized standards for computing education. For employers, it demonstrates that the programs are built around clearly defined student outcomes and professional expectations in the computing field. For the university, the reaccreditation reinforces Fitchburg State’s commitment to delivering high-quality, career-focused education that combines strong academic foundations with hands-on, applied learning. At the heart of this achievement is the dedication of Fitchburg State’s Computer Science faculty. ABET reaccreditation is more than recognition of past accomplishments; it represents an ongoing commitment to assessing student learning and continually strengthening the educational experience. Through curriculum review, assessment of student outcomes, and engagement with students, alumni, and industry partners, faculty continue to examine how the programs can respond to a rapidly changing technology landscape. That work is increasingly important as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies reshape both the computing profession and the skills employers seek. “ABET accreditation confirms that our Computer Science and Computer Information Systems programs meet established profession-wide standards for curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes,” said Dr. Natasha Kourtonina, chair of the Computer Science Department. “We are especially proud of our students. The visiting committee reviewed its work in our classes and praised it highly. ABET accreditation also means that FSU supports our programs and provides the resources needed to sustain them. We expect the accreditation to improve our students' prospects for future employment and graduate studies.” The reaccreditation through 2032 positions Fitchburg State’s Computer Science and CIS programs on a strong foundation for continued innovation, industry engagement, and student success.