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.

Fitchburg State University is pleased to announce that Governor Maura T. Healey has formally appointed Joe Byrne to the university’s Board of Trustees. Byrne’s term of service commences effective immediately, bringing a wealth of expertise to the university’s governing body. “The Board of Trustees is honored to welcome Joe Byrne, whose distinguished record of service embodies the values we hold dear," said Board Chairman Michael Fiorentino Jr. "His perspective, leadership, and commitment to our students and community will be invaluable.” Fitchburg State President Dr. Donna Hodge welcomed the appointment, noting that Mr. Byrne’s vast experience represents a transformative addition to the university’s leadership. “The appointment of Joe Byrne to our Board of Trustees is a moment of profound significance for Fitchburg State University,” said Hodge. “Joe’s life has been defined by an extraordinary commitment to service—from his decorated career as a Green Beret to his tireless advocacy within the Fitchburg community. He brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between civic leadership and the lived experience of our students. We are honored to welcome a leader of his caliber to the Board as we continue to advance the university’s mission and deepen our roots within the Commonwealth." Byrne ‘14 returns to his alma mater as a Fitchburg State double Falcon, holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. He pairs decades of proven leadership with a genuine commitment to the community and the future of higher education. “I’m tickled to death to be here,” said Byrne. “I think that we have all the right cogs in proper order. We’ve got a great president, we’ve got a great facility, we’ve got the whole staff and everything seems to be working towards a goal of making everything better. I think that helping to contribute to that would be the epitome of being on the Board of Trustees.” A respected member of the business community, Byrne is the retired President and CEO of Byrne Insurance Agencies, Inc., where he provided years of dedicated leadership and expertise. A native of Bricktown, N.J., Byrne’s commitment to public service was shaped early in life, watching his father serve two terms as mayor. Though his academic journey began shortly after high school, it was interrupted by a higher calling: service in the Vietnam War. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Army, during which Mr. Byrne served with elite units as a paratrooper, Army Ranger, and member of the special forces. Following a highly decorated military career—including the receipt of the Purple Heart for his sacrifices in the line of duty—Byrne retired in 1985 and chose Fitchburg as his home. Since his transition to civilian life, he remained a tireless advocate for his community and a lifelong learner. Beyond his military accolades as a Green Beret, Byrne built a multi-faceted professional and civic portfolio. His experience spans the private and public sectors, having served as a military recruiter, a successful insurance agent, and a dedicated parent. His deep ties to the local community were evidenced by his leadership roles, where he contributed his governance expertise to the Fitchburg Zoning Board of Appeals and represented regional interests on the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee. The upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, January 29 will mark a significant moment of transition for the university as the Board welcomes Byrne to his first official session. A centerpiece of this meeting will be a tribute to Carolyn Crowley Stimpson, commemorating the conclusion of her landmark tenure. Having dedicated more than a full decade to the university’s mission, Crowley Stimpson’s departure marks the end of an era defined by unwavering commitment and visionary guidance. The Board will celebrate her 10-plus years of distinguished leadership, reflecting on a legacy that has fundamentally shaped the university’s trajectory and left a profound, lasting impact on the community she so faithfully served. A prominent leader in the Massachusetts business community, Crowley Stimpson serves as co-owner and board member of Polar Beverages Company in Worcester, co-owner and vice president of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, and president of MTNside Ski and Ride. She and her husband, John, live in Princeton. "Carolyn has been a cornerstone of our Board, bringing an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit to her governance," said President Hodge. "We are profoundly grateful for her decade of advocacy and for the enduring legacy she has established here."