Fitchburg State University has appointed Travis J. Chambers as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Chambers’ first official day at Fitchburg State will be Monday, Dec. 1. “Travis joins Fitchburg State at a pivotal moment in our journey. As we stabilize and build momentum, his leadership will be essential in aligning our financial strategies with the bold vision we have set for the years ahead. This work is about more than balancing budgets—it is about creating the capacity to grow, to innovate, and to deliver on our mission of access and excellence for every student,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “With his deep experience across a range of institutions, Travis brings not only technical expertise but also a clear understanding of the values that drive public higher education. His expertise and energy will help us maximize resources, pursue new opportunities, and invest boldly in the priorities that matter most: our students, our faculty and staff, and the transformational role this university plays in North Central Massachusetts and beyond. I could not be more excited to welcome him to Fitchburg State,” Hodge continued. Chambers has worked at various universities and colleges, ranging from small, private liberal arts colleges to large Research 1 (RI) institutions. Chambers most recently served as the Assistant Dean for Administration & Finance at Georgia State University. As the CFO of the college, Chambers oversaw the $40-plus million budget and advised the dean on resource allocation, long-term planning and operational priorities. Before serving as the CFO, Chambers was the Administrative Officer for three years (2018-2021) at Georgia State University. He also worked as the Director of Financial Administration at the Georgia Institute of Technology (2014-2018), Senior Budget Manager at Agnes Scott College (2012-2014), and the Business Manager at Kennesaw State University (2010-2012). "I am honored and excited to join the leadership team at Fitchburg State University as the new Chief Financial Officer," Chambers said. "Fitchburg State has a strong reputation for academic excellence and a deep commitment to its students. I look forward to working with President Hodge and the entire university community to build on its financial strength and support its mission of providing a high-quality, accessible education. “I look forward to leveraging my combined experience to further advance the university’s mission,” Chambers continued. “This role is crucial in ensuring that resources are sufficient to pursue excellence and impact through innovative teaching, meaningful research and dedicated service, while continuing to blend liberal arts, sciences and professional programs within a small college environment.” Chambers holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of West Georgia. He earned his Master’s of Business Administration from Kennesaw State in 2013, and a bachelor’s in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007.

STEM Week runs from October 20-24 and Fitchburg State’s School of Health and Natural Sciences has a number of events planned on and off campus. Some of these events include: The Psychological Science Department is hosting a “Psychological Scientist of the Day” (there will be a new scientist every day for the five days). Posters are on display in the McKay 2nd floor hallway with space for students to comment. On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the Biology & Chemistry Department hosts the ACS "Chemistry in a Box" activity, led by Dr. Mathangi Krishnamurthy, from 6-8 p.m. in the Hammond Lounge. Also on Oct. 22, the Environmental, Geographic and Public Health Sciences Department hosts a Geology field trip to Coggshall Park in Fitchburg from 3-4 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 23, there will be a “Science Research Symposium,” hosted by the Biology & Chemistry Department, in the Science Center Lobby from 3:30-5 p.m. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Biology & Chemistry Department hosts “STEM Resume Writing” from 3:30-5 p.m. "Massachusetts' theme for STEM Week reminds us that ‘STEM starts now’ at all stages of learning,” said Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences Jannette McMenamy. “By celebrating STEM Week on our campus, we are hoping to inspire all students to see themselves as future problem-solvers and leaders in STEM fields." Students are encouraged to participate in these STEM Week activities. These events are not open to the public.

The Central Mass Brass presents a free concert of classical and pop music to Fitchburg State University on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Kent Recital Hall (Conlon Fine Arts Building). The concert, which is open to the public, features two music area faculty members – Joe Wright (tuba) and Geoffrey Sheldon (trumpet). Other members of the quartet include: Ryan Ramey (french horn), Nathan French (trumpet), and Noah Lauzier (trombone). This concert is made possible by a grant from the Fitchburg Cultural Council.

The Music Mega-Mix, Fitchburg State University’s showcase of bite-sized performances by its Community Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Falcon Drumline, and Fitchbyrds Modern Jazz Band will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. The ensembles consist of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Learn more about the university's music offerings at fitchburgstate.edu/music.

Longtime Fitchburg State University Professor of Exercise Science Jeff Godin inspired thousands of athletes with his “Building Better Humans” mantra. Godin, 56, passed away after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer on June 22, 2024, but the Fenway Spartan Stadion Event Weekend race on November 8-9 will honor Godin’s legacy and his enduring impact. Proceeds from the race will support a scholarship fund in Godin’s name for Fitchburg State students pursuing exercise and sports science. Registration details include: $50 Student Registration (Must have a valid student ID) $100 Participant $200 'Warrior' Participant (Regular participant with an added donation) $500 'Spartan' Participant (Regular participant with an added donation) Once entrants have submitted payment, they will be emailed instructions to sign up for the race through Spartan, free of charge. The Fitchburg State campaign raises funds for a permanent memorial to Godin on campus, including a scholarship for a student in exercise and sports science (EXSS) and the naming of the weight room in Godin’s honor. “Jeff had an incredible impact on not only EXSS but also on student-athletes,” Fitchburg State Athletic Director Matt Burke said. “He played a major role in the design and equipment in the Landry Arena weight room, and it would be incredibly fitting to name the space for him. All of the teams that trained under his guidance were better off for it, and the athletes from those programs miss him tremendously. He had a great energy and spirit for Fitchburg State, our student-athletes, and especially our ice hockey program.” “The loss of Jeff will be felt in the Exercise Department for years to come,” said Fitchburg State Exercise and Sports Science Associate Professor Lindsay Parisi. “He had this ability to make connections with people and inspire them to be better versions of themselves. Knowing that we can impact future students' ability to come to Fitchburg State through a scholarship, and to name the space that was his second home after him, will help our department in grieving that loss through keeping Jeff's spirit ingrained in the university.” Godin, who was admired for his love of teaching, coaching and his students, was also the founding father of the Spartan SGX Certification program. He certified a countless number of coaches from across the world to coach athletes using his SGX program with a slogan of, “Building Better Humans.” “I struggle everyday and miss him terribly,” said Godin’s wife, Tammy. “He was my best friend and the love of my life. It is heartwarming to know the impact he made on many and the legacy he has left behind.” The Stadion, held at historic Fenway Park in Boston, is a 5K obstacle course where competitors will climb stairs, scale walls, conquer monkey bars, and aim true with the spear throw — all at race pace. No mud. No mountain. Just pure grit under the lights.