The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education formally approved the appointment of Donna Hodge as the 12th president of Fitchburg State University at a special meeting on Monday afternoon.
The board’s action followed a vote by the Fitchburg State Board of Trustees on April 30 to appoint Dr. Hodge to succeed President Richard S. Lapidus, who is retiring this month after nine years leading the institution.
Dr. Hodge will join Fitchburg State from Colorado State University Pueblo, where she was most recently its Vice President of Operations and Advancement. Her tenure at that campus includes service as chief strategy officer and tenured faculty member.
She was appointed to the Fitchburg State post following a national search.
“I am excited to join the Fitchburg State community and support its vital mission,” Dr. Hodge said. “As I witnessed firsthand during my time on campus, Fitchburg State has been a cornerstone of the city and region for 130 years. I look forward to working with the talented team of faculty, librarians, staff and administrators to support our students as they pursue their educational and personal goals, and I am honored to help the University chart its future path.”
"Dr. Hodge will bring exceptional experience to Fitchburg State University," said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. "I commend Fitchburg State and the presidential search committee for identifying the best candidate to meet the opportunities ahead for the University, and I look forward to welcoming Dr. Hodge to our outstanding public higher education system here in Massachusetts."
Established in 1894, Fitchburg State enrolls day and evening students in more than 50 programs of undergraduate and graduate study. Learn more at fitchburgstate.edu.