President's Office

Dear Fitchburg State Community,

At Fitchburg State, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering learning environment for all students. As federal policies continue to shift in ways that may impact members of our campus community, I want to take a moment to reaffirm our values—equity, academic freedom, and access to education for all.

Yesterday, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler issued a statement underscoring the state's commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to learn in an environment that acknowledges history, embraces inclusivity, and advances educational access. Alongside my fellow presidents of the Massachusetts state universities, I stand in full support of this message. Together, we remain dedicated to protecting the mission of public higher education and ensuring that all students, faculty, librarians, and staff feel safe, supported, and valued.

Please take a moment to read our joint statement. We will continue working closely with state and federal partners, as well as higher education leaders, to navigate these evolving challenges, advocate for our community, and ensure that Fitchburg State remains a place where all students can thrive.

Thank you for being part of this university and for all you do to make our community stronger.

Onward,

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

Dear Colleagues,

We stand at a defining moment for Fitchburg State University—one that requires us to shift our mindset from scarcity to possibility, from constraint to creation. We are not here merely to sustain; we are here to build.

The budget is more than a financial document; it is a declaration of our values and our collective ambition. It reflects how we invest in our people, how we expand opportunities for students, and how we secure our future. With that in mind, I want to personally thank each of you for your commitment to our mission and your role in shaping the next chapter of Fitchburg State’s legacy.

Since July 1, our work around university finances has focused on bringing greater transparency and strategic oversight to our fiscal planning. This effort would not have been possible without the work of our Finance team, who have each been instrumental in laying the foundation for a more transparent and strategic financial model. Our team has worked diligently to gain a clear understanding of our complex banking and real estate portfolio, ensuring that we make informed, strategic decisions moving forward. Additionally, we have been preparing to launch a CFO search—a process that requires extensive refinement and level-setting within our financial operations. This work continues, and I am deeply grateful for the guidance and institutional knowledge brought to this process by Heidi Swift, who returned to lend her talents and expertise to move us toward the next step. 

While the work is not yet complete, we are proud to outline the FY26 process with a firm commitment to clear priority setting and a forward-looking strategy for growth.

A Commitment to Strategic Growth

For too long, higher education has operated from a place of contraction—cutting, conserving, reacting. That is not our path. Our path is one of deliberate expansion, strategic investment, and bold action.

This means:

• Prioritizing People – Our greatest resource is our faculty and staff. The budget reflects our commitment to supporting you as we strengthen our institution.
• Growing Enrollment – We are laser-focused on expanding our in-person undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring that our strategies align with the future we are building.
• Investing in Smart, Strategic Change – Every dollar must serve our students and our mission. We will make the necessary investments—not in excess, but in intentional, data-driven growth.
• Maximizing Our Assets – We will evaluate university-owned properties to ensure that every asset contributes to our long-term success.

Beginning in FY26, we will no longer have an Extraordinary Budget Request process. This change is not just about eliminating a process but about creating a more effective and transparent approach to budgeting—one that ensures strategic investments are fully integrated into our financial planning. To better align our long-term budgets with our long-term strategic goals, we are ending the Extraordinary Budget Request process in FY26. This shift will allow us to refine our approach over the coming year, ensuring a more nuanced and collaborative budget process by the end of FY26. These non-base-building, one-time funds rarely sustained long-term strategic additions to our portfolio. Instead, we will elevate bold, new program ideas through the Provost’s leadership, ensuring that innovation is embedded in our academic strategy. Dr. Marshall and her team are finalizing a full academic portfolio review with Eduventures, with my full support, now. Other emerging needs will be managed with a clear focus on enrollment growth and student retention, ensuring that every investment directly strengthens the university’s future.

FY26 Budget Submission Guidelines

To ensure clarity and efficiency in this process, all departments should follow these key guidelines:

1. Baseline Budgeting – Departments should start with a level-funded budget and optimize existing resources before requesting additional allocations.
2. No Extraordinary Budget Requests – Strategic investments (including Academic Innovation) will be embedded within academic planning and managed with a focus on enrollment and retention.
3. Personnel Considerations – New positions will be considered based on growth, enrollment needs, and evolving student support requirements. These must go through divisional leadership and be reviewed by Cabinet before my consideration. Full-time salaries remain centrally managed.
4. Budget Development – All budget development for each cost center will be managed by Cabinet-level leadership and their delegated team leads. Each Cabinet member will be responsible for overseeing and aligning budget submissions within their respective divisions.
5. Cabinet Leadership – Finance will be available to work one-on-one with divisions to ensure submitted budgets accurately reflect current FY25 actual baseline budgets. 
6. One-Time Needs – These one time needs will continue to be managed centrally on a case-by-case basis through FY26.
7. Submission Deadline – Budget entries must be completed in Banner by Friday, March 14.
8. Questions? Please contact your Cabinet-level supervisor or reach out to Heidi Swift at hswift@fitchburgstate.edu or x3131.
9. More Information – Available online found here.

A Unified Effort Toward a Stronger Future

I need each of you—not just to manage budgets, but to actively contribute to our shared future. Our success will not be defined by what we lack, but by what we build. This means:

• Recruiting students and reinforcing retention efforts
• Bringing innovative ideas forward
• Working together to make strategic, bold decisions that benefit the entire university

We are not in the business of scarcity. We are in the business of transformation. That requires discipline, yes—but also vision, courage, and belief in what we are creating together.

Board of Trustees Meeting – February 18

I encourage you to join us for the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, February 18, at 1 p.m. in Hammond Hall (also available via live stream). This meeting will include an update on the FY25 budget and an overview of the FY26 planning process. Your engagement in these discussions matters.

Thank you for believing in what we are building. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our students and to one another. 

Onward,

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

To the campus community,

I’m reaching out because I know the recent developments out of Washington, D.C., may be raising questions and concerns across our campus. In times of uncertainty, it’s natural to feel the weight of the unknown, but I want to assure you: we are in this together.

Earlier today, I joined senior state officials to discuss how Massachusetts higher education will address this moment. My leadership team and I are working closely with the Council of Presidents, state officials, and higher education leaders to evaluate potential impacts, develop thoughtful responses, and plan actionable next steps. While the circumstances may evolve, our commitment to Fitchburg State’s mission—and to each other—remains unwavering.

For 130 years, Fitchburg State has been a place of opportunity, growth, and transformation. That legacy continues today because of the resilience and dedication of each of you—students, faculty, librarians, and staff. Together, our community has overcome challenges, and at Fitchburg State, we will continue to face each new day with strength and purpose.

Here’s what I know to be true:

• Our mission endures. We remain committed to creating opportunities for every student through the transformative power of education.
• Our community is our strength. Each of you contributes to making Fitchburg State a supportive, inclusive, and inspiring place to learn and grow.
• Our work matters. Together, we are building futures and fostering innovation. That work will continue, undeterred.

I am here to support you. My team and I will continue to handle the complexities of this moment and keep you informed, so you can focus on the critical work of educating and inspiring our students. For specific concerns, I encourage you to reach out to Stacey Luster, our Vice President for Personnel Services and General Counsel, whose expertise will continue to help us respond to every moment effectively.

Fitchburg State has always been a place of inclusivity, opportunity, and progress. That will not change. Together, we will continue the important work we’ve always done, with courage, resilience, and hope.

Onward,

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

Fitchburg State Campus Community,

Happy New Year, and welcome back! I hope the recent break offered you each a chance to rest, recharge, and reflect. 

As we assemble for the start of a new year, I am reminded of the extraordinary purpose that guides our work at Fitchburg State University. I am pleased to report that our faculty and librarians will be participating in Development Day today, with the formal start of classes tomorrow.

I also wanted to share an important operational update. I am thrilled to share that Heidi Swift, a long-serving former employee and state retiree, rejoined our campus this month in a temporary role as the Executive in Charge of Financial Services. From 2002 to 2019, Heidi served as both Budget Director and Accountant, playing a pivotal role in managing our budgets, guiding strategic financial planning, and collaborating across departments to ensure fiscal responsibility. After leaving Fitchburg State in 2019, Heidi joined Mount Wachusett Community College, where she served as Assistant Comptroller and later Comptroller, overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, audits, and compliance. Heidi retired last year but has graciously agreed to step into this executive role until we complete our search for a new Chief Financial Officer.

I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to Yvonnie Malcolm, Carin Bullis, and the entire Financial Services team for their outstanding work during this period of transition. Thanks to their efforts, we have already begun the complex process of establishing a new, more transparent operating budget for campus. This work lays the groundwork for what will become an entirely new budgeting process in the year ahead under the leadership of a new CFO.

As we step into this spring semester, let us continue embracing the bold changes we embarked upon in 2024. These operational reorganizations were made to break barriers, create opportunities, and serve the greater good. The challenges ahead are real, but so are the opportunities to make a lasting impact.

I am also proud to invite the campus and wider community to gather for my formal investiture as Fitchburg State’s 12th president at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 in Weston Auditorium. More detail will be shared in the coming weeks as we finalize details for this event and its associated celebrations, which will mark an opportunity for us to celebrate Fitchburg State’s storied legacy and its remarkable future.

Thank you for your passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our shared mission. Let’s start this semester with determination, hope, and a shared resolve to make 2025 a year of progress and purpose.

I wish all of you a safe and healthy start to the semester.

Onward, 

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

On January 9, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky issued a decision vacating the 2024 Title IX regulations nationwide. The court declared the Biden Administration’s changes to the regulations unconstitutional, among other findings.

We are aware of this ruling and are carefully reviewing its implications for our campus policies and practices. Please know that our state universities remain steadfast in their commitment to non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all members of our community. Existing policies prohibiting and addressing discrimination and harassment remain in effect and enforceable.

We will share further updates and guidance as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Rebecca Newell, Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity, at rnewell7@fitchburgstate.edu, via phone at 978.665.3236, or in Sanders Administration 202.

Thank you for your continued dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive campus environment.

Office of the President

To the campus community,

The recent change from our mild weather pattern confirms that the change of seasons is fast approaching. I am bracing myself for my first New England winter.

As such, I wanted to advise the campus of the revised process that our Cabinet has developed to respond to severe or inclement weather, and how the determinations will be made relative to closures, delays, or early dismissals. I am sharing this information in the interest of maximum transparency.

On our Emergency Management website, you will find the full document outlining our revised severe weather procedures, but I will summarize the high points below.

• When severe weather is forecast, I will gather the Cabinet and the Associate Vice President for Capital Planning and Maintenance to review conditions and discuss options. Those options will include closing campus, delaying the opening of campus, or early closing for the day. The guiding principles should focus on public safety and health, with other factors, such as the impact on our academic program, will also be weighed as these decisions are made.
• We will also be in communication with external partners, including the Fitchburg Public Schools, as we make these determinations.
• Knowing the importance of timely notification to our campus community members, we will seek to make the campus aware of any delayed opening or class cancellation the evening before a storm is upon us. When that is not possible, announcements will be communicated to the campus by Rave Alert no later than 5:30 a.m. on the day of the weather event. Information will also be shared with media outlets as well as postings to the university website and its Facebook page.

Thank you for your attention, and my best wishes to all in the final days of the term.

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

Dear Fitchburg State Community,

As we prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the resilience, dedication, and compassion that defines our university community. This season of gratitude offers a chance to reflect on the year’s challenges and achievements, and more importantly, on the people who make our campus such a vibrant and supportive place to learn, teach, and grow.

In the last two weeks alone, we have been reminded of the deep divisions and complex realities that many are navigating. The U.S. presidential election and the broader, often turbulent, times in which we live can bring a heightened sense of uncertainty and concern. Whether you find yourself feeling hopeful, apprehensive, or somewhere in between, please know that you are not alone. At Fitchburg State, we stand together and reaffirm our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for every member of our campus.

Our mission as a regional comprehensive university serving North Central Massachusetts and beyond is as important as ever. We are dedicated to supporting the diverse communities we serve, with a focus on fostering academic excellence, promoting social equity, and creating pathways to opportunity for all. Our work is grounded in the belief that education is a powerful force for positive change—and that each of us has a role in making a difference.

In this spirit, I want to express my gratitude to each of you—students, faculty, librarians, staff, alumni, and community partners—for your daily acts of service and commitment. Whether you contribute through mentoring, teaching, listening, coaching, or supporting the myriad day-to-day operations of our campus, you are part of the ecosystem that holds us together and drives our shared mission forward. I am humbled by the compassion, kindness, and support that I have witnessed across our university in just my first semester as your president.

As we move into this holiday season, I encourage each of you to be kind to yourself and those around you; take time for rest, reflection, time alone — or making a connection with family, friends, loved ones. And as we look ahead to the work that remains, let us continue to draw strength from our shared values and our dedication to the transformative power of education. 

Thank you for being part of the Fitchburg State community, and thank you for all you do to make our campus a place of learning, belonging, and hope. Our mission to make Fitchburg, this region, state, country, and world a better place starts here and now.

Wishing us all a peaceful and restorative Thanksgiving break.

Onward falcons,

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

Fellow Falcons,

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the opening night performance of “American Underground,” the fall theater production by students and faculty in our Communications Media Department. The show marked my first experience seeing our theater program in action, and I was deeply affected by the timely and resonant themes the production explored, and by how vividly the cast brought these topics to life. There are several performances left, and I encourage you to consider making time to experience for yourself what our students and colleagues have created, and to engage with the deep questions it poses.

In these final weeks of the semester, I invite all of you to embrace the opportunities to experience the talents of our amazing students. These include the remaining theater performances, the upcoming concerts featuring our instrumental and choral ensembles and musicians from the community, and the Dance Club winter showcases this coming weekend. Also, our moot court teams will be competing later this week at the regional tournament of this national competition, and next month our Honors students will be offering their thesis presentations. And, of course, our winter commencement ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, is all about student achievement.

As we share in the talent and success of our students, I hope you will enjoy the same sense of shared pride I felt as I saw this excellence on display last week — excellence that was cultivated and realized by Fitchburg State students, faculty, and staff.

For me, “American Underground” was yet another illustration of the talent and heart of Fitchburg State’s inspiring people. I hope you will make the time to experience it for yourselves. I know you will be glad you did.

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

Dear Campus Community,

It is my great pleasure today to share with all of you the members of the inaugural cohorts of Presidential Ambassadors and Presidential Fellows.

When I shared the opportunity last month for students, faculty and librarians to become engaged with university leadership as Ambassadors and Fellows, I did not know what to expect in reply. I was truly impressed by the scope and caliber of the applicant pools for these new positions, and believe all of these individuals will be valued voices as we forge Fitchburg State’s next chapter.

I shared the names of the Ambassadors and Fellows with the Board of Trustees, and they were also appreciative of the spirit and enthusiasm demonstrated by this group. I will share additional information with the campus as these groups begin their work, and I hope you will join me in congratulating these members of our community for their demonstrated commitment to serve.

The inaugural cohort of student Presidential Ambassadors includes:

• Julia Arena, Exercise and Sports Science
• Victoria Axelson, Biology
• Lucas Boudreau, Business Administration, Information Systems Management
• Michael Burns, History
• Joshua Cronin, Communications Media
• Matthew Gill, English, Secondary Education
• Danna Isabela Gomez, International Student (Bogata, Colombia), MBA
• Selma Martey, Public Health
• Amari Rogers, Biology

The inaugural Presidential Fellows include: 

• Professor Christine Dee, Economics, History and Political Science (Senior Fellow)
• Professor Laura Garofoli, Psychological Science (Senior Fellow)
• Professor Kisha Tracy, English Studies (Senior Fellow)
• Professor David Weiss, Behavioral Sciences (Senior Fellow)
• Assistant Professor Jescah Apamo-Gannon, Education (Fellow)
• Associate Professor Katharine Covino, English Studies (Fellow)
• Assistant Professor Dustin Halterman, Education (Fellow)
• Associate Professor Lindsay Parisi, Exercise and Sports Science (Fellow)
• Professor Daniel Welsh, Biology (Fellow)

Our work begins. Thank you.

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

To the campus community,

I am writing to inform all of you that the university Board of Trustees will hold its first meeting of the 2024-25 academic year at 1 p.m. Thursday in the main lounge of Hammond Hall. The format, location, and formality of our board meetings has been revised this year with a goal of maximizing board sessions, improving access for members of the campus community, and promoting transparency around board discussions and votes. 

The complete board agenda and supporting documents are available to view online. Guests who wish to offer public comment may do so during a designated timeframe, at the beginning of the meeting, and will be asked to sign up in advance and to indicate what matters they wish to address; a sign-in sheet will be posted at the main lounge for those who wish to address the board.

In addition, to maximize access, those who cannot attend in person may view a livestream at https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/live (and a recording of the meeting will be posted online).

I am hopeful these changes will allow members of the campus community to be more informed and engaged in our operations and planning. 

Thank you.

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

Dear colleagues,

My family and I are thoroughly enjoying this first autumn in New England, from the vibrancy of our colorful campus in the thick of the fall semester to the natural beauty of the changing foliage surrounding us.

It is hard to believe, but the holiday season will quickly be upon us. I am reaching out today to share some changes to our seasonal operations that have been developed and approved by the President’s Cabinet.

In order for our employees to enjoy the fullness of the Thanksgiving holiday, the majority of campus offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 27, and remain closed through Friday, Nov. 29, reopening on Monday, Dec. 2. During that week, we will have limited staffing and hours of operation in Capital Planning and Maintenance, Housing and Residential Services, and the Recreation Center; their hours of operation will be posted on the appropriate web pages. University Police will operate on a normal schedule. 

Employees who do not take accrued time off on Wednesday or Friday may use the time to catch up on mandatory online training, professional development, and projects from home. Those employees classified as essential should consult their supervisors about expectations during that period.

Similarly, most campus offices will be closed from Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, reopening Thursday, Jan. 2. Again, employees who do not take accrued time off during that week may use the time to catch up on projects, finish mandatory training, and complete professional development from home. As mentioned above, essential employees should confirm schedules that week with their supervisors.

I look forward to celebrating my first holiday season as a member of this warm and welcoming community. Thank you for all you do to make it such a special place to call home.

Sincerely,

Dr. Donna Hodge
President

Dear colleagues,

On Saturday morning, we launched our first Falcon Express one-stop admissions event, and it was a great success. Our students and guests were welcomed by staff and faculty from across campus who warmly guided them through any challenges or questions they had as they prepared for the coming term. We gave away $3,000 in scholarships, and we heard from students of all ages who were drawn to the enthusiastic and caring community they found on this campus. Everyone left smiling, excited about their future as Falcons.

I am very grateful to all of our colleagues who stepped up on a Saturday morning to model a commitment to student success, a mindset of customer service, and a belief in the transformative power of education that will define us going forward. I am extremely proud to be part of this team.

And our work continues. We have two more Falcon Express events: this Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., and next Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., both in the main lounge at Hammond Hall. In addition to the offices that have already signed up to attend, all are welcome to greet students and families and show them our entire university is ready and eager to serve them.

Thank you for all you do.

Donna Hodge, Ph.D.

Dear Fitchburg State Community,

It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I address you today as the 12th president of Fitchburg State University, and the first woman to hold this esteemed position. I am honored to serve this vibrant and dynamic institution and am deeply committed to continuing the Fitchburg State legacy of excellence.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to outgoing President Rich Lapidus, who has served our campus with dedication and vision since 2015. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Fitchburg State through significant growth and development. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his unwavering commitment to our university.

I have spent the past week on campus meeting with university leadership and staff, as well as officials from the wider community in preparation for my formal “first day.” I am grateful for the enthusiasm I have felt and the shared commitment to our institution and its importance to our city and region.

I would also like to inform this community of other transitions happening in the Sanders Administration Building. Our long-serving Vice President of Finance and Administration Jay Bry will be leaving Fitchburg State on September 30. Jay has been a cornerstone of Fitchburg State University’s financial strategy and operations, and his contributions have been innumerable. We wish him all the best in his new role at Mount Wachusett Community College. More updates on next steps will be shared with the campus in the month ahead.

In a significant and exciting development, I am pleased to announce an invitation I have made to Dr. Pat Marshall to formalize her role and serve as the Provost and Executive Vice President. She has accepted. Pat's exceptional leadership and dedication to academic excellence have been a tremendous asset to our university, and I am confident that as the university’s Executive Vice President, she will continue to center us all on the academic mission and work collaboratively with all senior leaders to move the campus forward with distinction and integrity.

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to Gail Doiron, Special Assistant to the President, who will be retiring after 30 years of dedicated service to Fitchburg State University. Gail has provided steadfast support to three former presidents and has played a crucial role in our university's success; Gail’s expertise made a positive impact on the ways in which President Lapidus and I were able to seamlessly transition over the past 30 days. Gail’s final day on campus will be July 3. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement. Kelli Lundgren will be on special assignment to the Office of the President beginning this week.

As we look ahead, state public institutions face numerous challenges and opportunities. We must navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring that we provide accessible, high-quality education to all our students while fostering, supporting, and funding efforts that are both innovative and inclusive. Make no mistake, while our work will require the best of all of us, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of Fitchburg State University. Together, we will address these challenges head-on and seize the opportunities to enhance our institution and positively impact our community.

The work has already begun, and will continue in earnest when our community is next gathered in person in September. I am excited to announce that we will kick off the fall semester with an all-campus State of the University address on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The campus address, open to our students, families, employees, alumni, and community members, will be followed by a campus picnic open to all. I look forward to the opportunity to come together, celebrate past achievements, and consider the year ahead.

I am profoundly grateful to the search committee, the board of trustees, and the entire Fitchburg State community for the warm welcome extended to me and my family. Your support and encouragement have been truly heartening, and I look forward to working with all of you as we write this new chapter together.

With warm regards,

Dr. Donna Hodge
President, Fitchburg State University