Forbes recently tabbed Fitchburg State University as the best affordable online master’s history program for 2026. "We are very proud to be recognized as the most affordable online history master's degree program,” said Professor and Chair of the History Master's Degree Program Christine Dee, of the university’s Economics, History and Political Science Department. “This is especially gratifying because we never compromise on academic quality. A Fitchburg State master's degree in history is rich in disciplinary knowledge and accessible to students. Content matters. Our faculty create unique, innovative online courses designed specifically for our graduate students. Because the graduate program operates within our academic department, we maximize value for our students. Our expansive course offerings across the fall, spring and two summer sessions give history master's students the flexibility to progress at the pace that is right for their careers and their budget." According to Forbes, it selected the university because, “Fitchburg State University charges the lowest tuition and fees among our ranked schools, averaging $6,246 per year for graduate students—and you don’t have to live in the university’s home state of Massachusetts to benefit. Resident and nonresident students pay the same price, making Fitchburg State a promising choice for budget-conscious students across the country—even though its per-credit fees are somewhat hefty. Fitchburg State’s 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio is the lowest among our ranked schools, suggesting small class sizes and a more intimate learning environment.” Starting in the fall of 2026, Fitchburg State University’s history 4+1 program lets undergraduate students earn their bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in history in just five years. This innovative program saves time and advances students’ careers. Students craft a program that reflects their own interests and personal goals. Whether your interest is in education, law, policy, public history, or media content, the 4+1 history curriculum lets students delve deeply into analysis and interpretation, while gaining the advanced skills that employers and graduate schools value. The university also offers a number of 4+1 program options.

Starting in the fall of 2026, Fitchburg State University’s history 4+1 program lets students earn their bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in history in just five years. This innovative program saves time and advances students’ careers. Students craft a program that reflects their own interests and personal goals. Whether your interest is in education, law, policy, public history, or media content, the 4+1 history curriculum lets students delve deeply into analysis and interpretation, while gaining the advanced skills that employers and graduate schools value. "For over three decades, we have offered history master's degrees that emphasize historical knowledge, best practices in research and analysis, and value for our students,” said Professor and Chair of the History Master's Degree Program Christine Dee, of the university’s Economics, History and Political Science Department. “The 4+1 pathway provides our focused and motivated undergraduate students with the opportunity to advance as scholars and accelerate their careers. This is important to students and their families, and it is important to us as an institution. We take pride in providing our students with degrees in history that are flexible and that multiply students' professional opportunities." This pathway begins in students' junior year when they begin taking graduate courses. Students seamlessly transition into the master’s program upon completion of their bachelor’s degree. Both programs run together in the same department. For students, this means that they receive the same care, attention and quality education that Fitchburg State is known for. For students who pursue licensure to teach in public schools, this pathway is designed with you in mind. The 4+1 history pathway fits within the secondary education licensure program at Fitchburg State. Licensure students can build their careers as educators earlier, gaining the advanced knowledge that makes them stronger educators in the classroom. The history master’s degree program is affordable and entirely online. The 4+1 history pathway leading to the history master’s degree is unique, and provides Fitchburg State students with the skills, knowledge and a valuable MA in history. Students succeed then they lead. The university also offers a number of 4+1 program options.

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts proudly announces the appointment of two distinguished leaders, Dr. Donna Hodge and Kevin Johnston, to its Board of Trustees. Their combined expertise in higher education, public service, civic engagement, and community advocacy will strengthen the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life across the region. Dr. Donna Hodge Dr. Donna Hodge serves as the 12th President of Fitchburg State University—and the first woman to lead the institution in its 132-year history. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Hodge brings more than two decades of higher education leadership and a deep commitment to access, equity, and student success. Since stepping into the presidency, Dr. Hodge has advanced a bold and transformative agenda for the university and the region. In 2025, she launched the Fitchburg Promise, guaranteeing free tuition and fees for Fitchburg residents graduating from local high schools in good academic standing. She has championed expanded leadership development opportunities, strengthened support for military- and veteran-connected learners, and accelerated initiatives that enhance housing and campus vitality. Beyond campus, Dr. Hodge plays an active role in the region’s civic and cultural life. She serves on the boards of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Fitchburg Art Museum. Nationally, she is a member of the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network, contributing to Hispanic-Serving Institution strategies nationwide. Dr. Hodge holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric, master’s degrees in English and Women’s Studies, and executive certificates from MIT and Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Her presidency is marked by momentum, stability, and a commitment to transforming Fitchburg State into a model for public higher education that is locally anchored, nationally recognized, and globally engaged. Kevin Johnston Kevin Johnston brings more than four decades of public finance, local government leadership, and deep community involvement to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Over his 42-year professional career, Johnston served in federal and local government finance and administration, earning a reputation for integrity, fiscal stewardship, and public-sector expertise. Equally notable is his long record of volunteerism and service. For 44 years, Johnston has officiated youth, scholastic, and collegiate athletics, and he has dedicated his time to numerous organizations, including: Massachusetts Special Olympics Boston Children’s Hospital St. Bernard’s High School PTO (Board Member and President) Shirley Meetinghouse (Board Member and President) Shirley Charitable Foundation (Administrator, Board Member, and Treasurer) Town of Shirley 250th Anniversary Committee (Committee Member and Parade Chairman) He has also served with the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board #44, Saint Anthony of Padua Church, the Longsjo Classic Bicycle Race, the Shirley Council on Aging, and the United States Golf Association. Johnston lives in Shirley with his wife, Susan. They have three adult daughters and three grandchildren. The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout the region. Through the generosity and engagement of fundholders and donors, the Foundation supports community-based initiatives that address social, educational, environmental, and economic challenges. For more information about the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and its programs, please visit www.cfnm.org —- COURTESY OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Fitchburg State University Associate Professor of English Studies Katharine Covino was recently awarded the Edward B. Fry Book Award for “The Intersections of Critical Pedagogy, Critical Literacy, and Social Justice: Toward Empowerment, Equity, and Education for Liberation” at the Literacy Research Association's annual conference in Las Vegas. “It feels very significant to win the award, and it’s also very humbling,” said Covino, who co-edited and co-authored the book with Dr. Cara Mulcahy from Central Connecticut State University. “When you look at the list of past finalists and winners of the award, you can see some of the heaviest hitters in the field of literacy research. Rebecca Rogers, P. David Pearson, Elizabeth Birr Moje, Randy Bomer, and Peter Smagorinsky – these are people who I encountered in graduate school and whose writing I continue to use in my courses to this day. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, a more recent winner, is a prolific and important writer and speaker. These people are literally giants. To be nominated in the same category, and then to have our book win, is just so exciting. I think it speaks to the necessity of the work– the critical importance of social justice, empowerment, and equity – especially amidst this charged sociopolitical moment.” The award is named after Edward B. Fry, a pioneer focused on readability formulas and foundational literacy. The award aims to recognize Literacy Research Association members who author a book on literacy research and practice. The first award was presented in 1995. Published by Lexington Books in January 2024, The Intersections of Critical Pedagogy, Critical Literacy, and Social Justice: Toward Empowerment, Equity, and Education for Liberation, offers a rich collection of voices, viewpoints, and perspectives that sheds light on the differing and prismatic experiences of literacy educators and researchers engaged with critical literacy and critical pedagogy in multi-linguistic and multicultural environments. “As co-editors, we sought to curate distinct yet complementary chapters that advance the study, inquiry, and practice of critical literacy and critical pedagogy through a rigorous unpacking of curricula, courses, programs, and professional learning spaces in which educators operate,” said Covino. “This book offers clear yet adaptable pathways forward, and models empowering practices for teacher educators, classroom teachers, and students at all levels.” Covino said that the book is the work of years of collaboration. “We share this award with all educators who fight tirelessly for what is right, even when it is hard, who resist limiting mandates and curricula, and who continue to strive for equity and social justice in the face of broken systems,” said Covino. “We thank you for the risks you take every day in service to our children.”

As an online student, Linda Alvarez ‘22 anticipated visiting the Fitchburg State University campus for the first time when she was supposed to receive her master’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing and communications 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. Three years later, Alvarez experienced a full-circle moment as she finally set foot on campus and received her diploma directly from President Donna Hodge. “Just to be able to come and meet the president of the university was surprising and unexpected,” said Alvarez, who was recently named the Vermont Teacher of the Year. “She’s just so nice and welcoming. It was really good to talk to her about some ideas and some of the things that are happening around our states with the students. When she brought the diploma out, that was really cool. I did miss that part of graduation, so it was really, really thoughtful.” Hodge said that hosting Alvarez was an amazing day for the entire university. "It was a truly moving and special moment to finally welcome Linda Alvarez, a wonderful alumna and the Vermont Teacher of the Year, to our campus,” said Hodge. “To see her set foot here for the first time, after completing her degree online, underscores the dedication and spirit of our entire Fitchburg State community. We are incredibly proud of her, and we enjoyed sharing the warmth of our beautiful and welcoming campus with her." Alvarez has been a business and entrepreneurship teacher at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro for the last four years. She is the first Career and Technical Education (CTE) educator to receive the Teacher of the Year award in Vermont. Alvarez, who has been teaching for over 20 years, said that CTE connects academics with hands-on, real-world learning. It helps students see why what they’re learning matters, and CTE prepares students not just for work, but for life, by teaching problem solving, teamwork, and leadership. Alvarez completed her bachelor’s in history with a minor in education from the University of Florida, and is completing a Harvard Certificate in School Management and Leadership. She holds certifications in CTE business, history (6-12), and reading and language Arts (K–12). She also serves as a dual enrollment professor through Vermont State University’s Community College of Vermont. After finally visiting campus, Alvarez said that she truly feels like a Fitchburg State Falcon. “Sometimes when you do online school, you don’t feel that same sense of allegiance to the school,” said Alvarez. “I was always a (Florida) Gator, but now I’m a Gator and a Falcon. It’s part of being here.” The campus tour, led by student tour guide Viv Warren, was a dazzling march through a pristine, utterly beautiful winter wonderland. “It was amazingly welcoming,” said Alvarez. “The campus is warm and the students were all saying ‘hello.’ I’m really impressed with how nice everybody is. Just walking around the buildings you see how pretty the campus is; it’s very modern in parts and very old in parts, which is cool with the historic side.” Hammond Hall also caught Alvarez’s attention. “I thought it was really nice with the way the library opened up into some areas where the students can have some places to study or chill with each other,” said Alvarez, while also commenting on the beauty of Thompson Hall. “It was new and very welcoming.” Alvarez said she definitely recommends that prospective students check out what the university has to offer. “I have a couple of students who are still indecisive about their school, so I’m going to get them to put their applications in because I think (going to Fitchburg State) could be a really good fit,” said Alvarez. “I think more people need to be thinking about how this is a state school that’s really close to us. It’s not quite commuter close, but it’s very close. They say three hours or less is the best for a lot of students going to college. This checks a lot of those boxes for our Southern Vermont kids, but also the business program here is super challenging. I would definitely recommend that students look into Fitchburg State University. “I would enjoy bringing students down here and let them see what a day is like here,” she said. “I think the overall importance for all of us in education is that our students get to a school that they feel comfortable at.” Alvarez said she’d also like for her son, who is in high school, to come visit campus. “It really seems like the campus has a good vibe,” Alvarez said. Alvarez admitted that she probably should have visited sooner, but was thrilled that she finally got to see the campus up close, and is proud to have received her master’s from Fitchburg State. “I always had really good professors when taking my master’s program. My expectations were high because I had already had a really great experience, but I certainly feel like the university has met whatever expectations I had,” said Alvarez. “It’s a very beautiful campus, and it is much larger than I thought because I think I’m used to some of our Vermont schools that are smaller. There’s a whole lot of opportunity here. The diversity of students and even the diversity of buildings and there’s a diversity of things to do.” Alvarez said she is already discussing ways she can stay more connected to her alma mater. “They asked me if I wanted to sit on some of the alumni boards, so maybe I’ll be able to come to a football game or two?” said Alvarez. “That would be really exciting.”