Community Update from Lex Scourby, Chairman of NEC’s Board of Trustees
Pictured above, from left: Jim Murtha, Senior Vice President of Academic Alliances; Dr. Michele Perkins, President; and Lex Scourby, Chairman of the Board
To the New England College Community:
Today we mark the end of an era. On September 1, 2022, Michele Perkins will be moving to a new a role as New England College’s first Chancellor. In this new capacity, NEC will retain Michele’s wisdom and vital energy, while transitioning into a new personal and professional life. This is a bittersweet moment for all of us.
In recognition of her vast accomplishments, loyalty, and unswerving commitment, the Board of Trustees officially recognized Michele’s many accomplishments for NEC, noting that she “has fostered the growth and diversification of the College’s enrollment, reaching headcount of 5,000; established the School of Graduate and Professional Studies; introduced online education; successfully managed the College’s first-ever capital campaign to a $41 million conclusion; reshaped the Henniker campus through creative master planning; grown the endowment to $30 million through new gifts, prudent management and merger; completed a successful merger with the former New Hampshire Institute of Art; established NEC’s presence in health with the launch of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program; and began offering courses in the Spanish language throughout Central and South America.” These are just some of the many, many highlights.
We are grateful for over 20 years of Michele’s steady leadership, the last 15 as our President and as Vice President of Enrollment prior to that. We look forward to her securing additional support and formulating high-level strategy: two areas where she has excelled throughout her tenure.
A well-run organization should be able to handle a transition like this without losing momentum. I am happy to report that the Board has appointed Dr. Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr. as Interim President. The Board of Trustees noted that Wayne has served as Provost with great distinction, taking on direct responsibility for student affairs and a principal role in managing NEC’s response to the pandemic. He has demonstrated his capacity for institutional leadership through the initiation of new programs in nursing, the Spanish language, College in Three, and numerous other programs and activities. We are delighted to have Wayne begin in this capacity and anticipate a smooth transition, working effectively with the Senior Team and all of his colleagues at the College.
NEC is in very good shape in all key areas, and the Board of Trustees aim to continue moving ahead toward even greater success. Having Michele remain on the team, with Wayne at the helm, creates the right combination to keep us on course. With higher education growing more competitive each day, we must be unwavering. Let’s move forward together.
A celebration in Michele’s honor will be planned for later this year, more information will be provided at a later date.
Lex Scourby,
Chairman, Board of Trustees
