Strengthening a national model for excellence in law enforcement training, State Representative Michael P. Kushmerek and Senator John J. Cronin have delivered $100,000 in the FY26 budget to expand the Fitchburg State University police program through a dedicated admissions counselor. This strategic investment ensures the program—a pioneer in police education since 2014—continues to recruit and prepare the next generation of highly trained, community-focused officers. "We are profoundly grateful to Representative Kushmerek and Senator Cronin for their steadfast advocacy and this critical investment in our university,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “This funding allows Fitchburg State to expand the reach of our landmark police program by adding a dedicated admissions counselor. This role will be essential in helping us identify and support talented students who are called to serve and protect our Commonwealth." The admissions counselor’s scope of work will be focused primarily on generating and managing recruitment and new enrollment efforts for this program, which allows students to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice along with full certification to serve as municipal police officers in just five years. "In collaboration with Senator Cronin, we are proud to champion a new era for the Fitchburg State police program by establishing a dedicated admissions role,” said Kushmerek. “This initiative is a strategic investment in the future of public safety, specifically designed to bridge the gap between our academy and the diverse talent within our Gateway Cities and historically marginalized communities. Our goal is to ensure that the next generation of law enforcement truly reflects the residents they serve." “Fitchburg State’s police program has long set the gold standard for modern, community-focused law enforcement training,” said Cronin. “By securing this $100,000 investment, we are ensuring that the next generation of officers is recruited with intention and trained to meet the highest standards of public service. I am proud to partner with Representative Kushmerek to support a program that not only benefits our students but strengthens the bond of trust within our communities." Fitchburg State University Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli said that while the police program is a pioneer in modern law enforcement training, its true strength lies in its deep roots within the liberal arts. "This is a cumulative curriculum that doesn't sacrifice our origins, but rather builds upon them,” said Barricelli. “ By grounding our students in a foundation of history, ethics, and social understanding, we are ensuring they develop the critical thinking and empathetic communication skills necessary to lead in an evolving world. This investment allows us to recruit students who will be as intellectually prepared as they are tactically ready, serving their communities with a broad worldview and a steadfast commitment to the public good." Additionally, funds will be used to pay recent Fitchburg State University Police Academy Program graduates, some of whom work in the University Police Department, to supplement recruitment efforts. This focused role is designed to address the unique aspects of the university’s Police Academy. The standards for entry, mandatory academic, physical fitness, training requirements, and this specific career path necessitates a focused recruitment effort distinct from general undergraduate admissions. Building on the program’s proven track record of academic excellence and cultural impact, this new funding specifically targets long-term sustainability and strategic recruitment. This initiative represents a landmark collaboration between the university’s police and enrollment, showcasing a unique partnership where law enforcement leadership and academic administrators work in direct concert to create a recruitment pipeline that will strengthen student outcomes and redefine the future of policing across the Commonwealth and beyond. "This funding is a testament to the academic and cultural foundation we’ve built, but more importantly, it allows us to secure the program’s future,” said Fitchburg State Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Pam McCafferty. “By aligning our enrollment strategies directly with the expertise of the University Police, we are creating a seamless pathway for students that prioritizes both professional readiness and personal success. We aren't just recruiting students for a program; we are investing in the next generation of leaders who will carry these values into the Commonwealth’s workforce." “By collaborating on this recruitment initiative, we are ensuring that the future of policing is built on a diverse, academically rigorous, and a broader worldview,” said University Police Chief Michael Cloutier. “This isn’t just about filling vacancies—it’s about a shared commitment to elevating the profession and serving our communities with a new standard of excellence."

Building on a foundation of proven academic success, Fitchburg State University and the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover (MSLAW) are proud to announce a significant extension of their existing partnership, which began in 2016. This enhanced articulation agreement bolsters a powerful "3+3" pathway, empowering students to fast-track their legal careers by completing both their bachelor’s and law degrees in just six years. This strategic expansion transforms the previous collaboration into a high-octane academic pipeline. By integrating the final year of undergraduate study with the first year of legal training, the program effectively eliminates one full year of study, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner and save a full year of tuition and associated costs. “This expanded partnership with the Massachusetts School of Law creates a clear, intentional pathway for students who are serious about pursuing a legal career,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “By reducing both time and cost, we are removing barriers that too often limit who can realistically imagine themselves in law school, particularly students from our region who have talent but fewer traditional pathways. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to access, academic rigor, and preparation for meaningful professional lives, strengthening the pipeline of future legal professionals who will serve North Central Massachusetts and the Commonwealth. It respects our students’ ambition, their discipline, and the futures they are working to build.” “We are excited to extend our relationship with Fitchburg State University as it provides our institutions with the ability to offer our students a truly affordable, high-quality pathway to becoming a lawyer,” said MSLAW President Michael Coyne. “Traditionally a law degree has provided a ladder to social mobility, economic success, and power. Those opportunities need to be affordable and accessible. This new agreement provides students with a high quality undergraduate and graduate experience while eliminating a year’s time and expense off that journey.” As a Fitchburg State and MSLAW alumnus and current Fitchburg State Board of Trustees member, Shane Rodriguez ‘94 said he’s proud of the expanded partnership because it provides Fitchburg State students with a straightforward, credible path to law school. “The missions of both institutions align, and both are committed to serving hardworking, capable students by providing access, support, and clear expectations,” said Rodriguez. “If a student completes 90 credits at Fitchburg State and meets the academic requirements, they can apply to Massachusetts School of Law without taking the LSAT and begin law school while still finishing their bachelor’s degree. “That structure matters. It helps students plan earlier, stay focused, and move forward with confidence,” said Rodriguez. “It also strengthens advising and accountability by setting clear academic benchmarks. Most importantly, it expands opportunity while maintaining rigor, so more Fitchburg State students can realistically pursue a J.D. and build meaningful legal careers.” The pact is one of several that Fitchburg State has negotiated with post-baccalaureate institutions in an effort to provide cost-effective paths to students’ academic and career goals. Participating students will complete their first three years of study at Fitchburg State, and pending admission to the Massachusetts School of Law, will be able to complete their bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees after their three additional years of study. Students who complete the program will get their bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State and law degree from Massachusetts School of Law. Ephemian Bailey, who graduated from Fitchburg State in May with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in pre-law, is currently immersed in the 3+3 law program at MSLAW. “The road right now looks long,” said Bailey, who wants to practice family law, personal injury or immigration law. “There is light at the end of the tunnel but it takes work, time, and dedication. As long as I continue to look at the end of the tunnel and acknowledge that my struggle right now will become someone’s victory in the future, I’ll be OK. Knowing that I’m working so hard on behalf of future clients and not myself is what keeps me going. “The 3+3 pre-law program is cost efficient, as I did not have to pay for my senior year and it allows you to begin your law school career one year ahead of schedule,” said Bailey. While normal tuition and fees will apply for both institutions, a student who enrolls in this program with a GPA of 3.0 or better at Fitchburg State will be eligible for a $5,000 scholarship (per academic year) toward their tuition at MSLAW. To continue receiving this scholarship, students must achieve and maintain satisfactory academic standing at MSLAW (GPA of 2.0 or better). Learn more about the pre-law major.

Fitchburg State University has been recognized among the best online colleges in Massachusetts 2026 ranking by Research.com. Fitchburg State was also a winner of the Best Online Programs in Massachusetts Award. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Research.com as a leader in online education within the Commonwealth,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “This ranking and the 'Best Online Programs in Massachusetts Award' are a testament to our faculty’s dedication to academic excellence and our commitment to making a high-quality degree accessible and affordable. At Fitchburg State, we have intentionally designed our online offerings to mirror the personalized, student-centered experience our campus is known for, ensuring that every learner—regardless of where they are—receives the mentorship and career-readiness tools necessary to succeed in today’s workforce." You can find the full profile here: https://research.com/best-colleges/fitchburg-state-university Research.com is a leading university ranking platform dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about their education. This recognition is part of Research.com's newly released best colleges ranking, which highlights America’s top colleges in terms of quality of education, popularity and affordability. The 2026 rankings by Research.com were compiled through an extensive analysis of data points from multiple sources, including Peterson, IPEDS, and College ScoreCard. These rankings consider various degree types and regions, focusing on key factors such as overall quality, affordability, popularity, and the time required to earn a degree. Fitchburg State University is a public university in Massachusetts known for combining strong academics with a supportive, student-centered environment. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed with career readiness in mind, emphasizing hands-on learning, internships, and close collaboration with faculty. With smaller class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and meaningful mentorship, helping them succeed both academically and professionally.

Fitchburg State University will mark a turning point in its storied history of excellence in women’s athletics with the launch of She Soars, a new initiative for supporters and friends who want to assist student-athletes as they reach for the next level. The university will host the inaugural She Soars luncheon on Monday, March 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hammond Hall Main Lounge, featuring a keynote address by three-time Olympic medalist Gigi Marvin, a trailblazer for gender equity in professional sports. The event will also mark the launch of Fitchburg State’s Women’s History Month observances. Membership in the She Soars initiative represents a strategic partnership, positioning contributors as foundational pillars of the organization’s mission. A $100 membership unlocks an exclusive vantage point for this historic era, including exclusive Fitchburg State merchandise, admission to a signature luncheon, and a front row seat to the unfolding vision for the future of Falcons women’s athletics. This contribution directly elevates the daily experience of all female student-athletes at Fitchburg State. “The ‘She Soars’ luncheon is more than a celebration of our past; it is a definitive investment in our future,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “By joining the movement, you are doing more than supporting a program—you are becoming a foundational partner in a new era of Falcon excellence. Your commitment ensures that every woman wearing the Green and Gold has the resources, the stage, and the support to reach her highest potential. We are building a new standard at Fitchburg State, and I invite our entire community to stand with us as we watch our student-athletes take flight." Visit https://tinyurl.com/yyw6hb3z to learn more about She Soars and the opportunities to support women’s athletics. At the inaugural luncheon, guests will hear about the power of the Falcon spirit firsthand as student-athletes from across the varsity and club programs will share how the grit, leadership, and community of Fitchburg State athletics have defined their journey. “We are expanding the horizon of what is possible for women at this university,” said Fitchburg State Director of Athletics and Recreation Matt Burke. “We are honored to have an icon like Gigi Marvin join us to celebrate the strength, dedication, and soaring potential of our Falcons.” Tickets are now available for the inaugural She Soars luncheon. Fitchburg State’s commitment to women in sports extends beyond the scoreboard. The programs focus on leadership development, academic excellence and community impact. Fitchburg State invites the community to support female student-athletes by attending upcoming competitions for basketball, indoor track, cheerleading and women’s club ice hockey this winter. For more information on Fitchburg State athletics, visit fitchburgfalcons.com.

Fitchburg State University will celebrate Black History Month in February with a series of events exploring the 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” highlighting the enduring legacy and transformative power of honoring history over the past 100 years. The theme centers on the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH), whose efforts institutionalized the study, preservation, and celebration of Black life, culture, and achievement. From the establishment of Negro History Week to the global observance of Black History Month, these commemorations have shaped how Black people understand their past and assert their place in the present and future. For the university's exploration of these topics, Fitchburg State’s Black History Month initiative, includes cross-sectional representation within the institution, solicited programs from across all campus constituencies. The result is a diverse array of events including speakers from the university faculty and student body, as well as alumni and invited guests. Black History Month kicks off on campus on Monday, Feb. 2 with the official flag raising from 4-5 p.m. at Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge. Other events include an alumni panel who will share personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs during and after college on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 4-6 p.m. at Hammond’s Hall Main Lounge, and the Fitchburg Activities Board’s Comedy Show featuring Elijah Nevels on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Hammond Hall’s Falcon Hub. Several of the events have been made possible through the financial support of the Newman Center Trust. To learn more, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/bhm throughout February.