A Top College, Again: The MCLA Community Reflects on Success

02:51PM / Monday, February 14, 2022Print Story | Email Story

As a top ten public college, MCLA has a lot to offer: more than 100 scholarships, a liberal arts curriculum that helps students learn across academic disciplines, tons of student activities, and support ranging from student-led tutoring to the TRIO Program, which focuses on helping low- income, first-generation, or disabled students get the most out of their college experience.

These are all important facets—and no doubt part of why MCLA also continues to appear on U.S. News’ list of best colleges for social mobility—but the MCLA community, who work here, live here, and learn here, has more to say about why MCLA has been named a Top Ten College for nine of the last 11 years, and keeps climbing the rankings lists each year.

"I think MCLA is a top college because of the quality of education it provides," said Domenica Gomez ’23, who attends MCLA while working as an admission ambassador, giving tours to prospective students. "Throughout my college experience I have had the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance from professors that genuinely care about your educational success and

make long-lasting connections that will help shape my future."

Kayla Hollins ’12, MCLA’s director of admission, came to MCLA from New York City and has helped thousands of students learn more about the College before they apply.

"MCLA is a top ten college because it is filled with true trailblazers—first generation students, students who live far from campus, undeclared students, and more," she said. "These are students who took a chance on our small community—and our community continues to deliver a quality education. MCLA is a place for all students to learn how to be a leader. As an alum, I pride myself on being a Trailblazer, and as the director of admission, I hope to recruit more of us to the institution."

MCLA professors bring their classes to experience everything in the Berkshires, from tracking salamanders in the MCLA forest and Mount Greylock State Reservation to working with museum staff on arts and education projects.

"We have incredible access to the arts," said Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski. "MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country, is one of our teaching labs. I think that experiential element related to the arts, the environment, and the beauty of the land is what continues to make us a top ten school."

"I think the institution, meaning the people who are at its core, understand and stay true to the ultimate mission: providing a quality affordable liberal arts education to a student population that is not especially advantaged," said Dennis Ducharme ’82, president of the MCLA Alumni Association. "The college provides amazing support through a great student to faculty ratio and with many layers of services geared to maximize retention and graduation rates. The result is an educational experience that puts our students on an upward trajectory, both financially and as engaged members of their communities."

Want to learn more about MCLA? Talk to the Office of Admission, or plan a visit, at www.mcla.edu.

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State Fire Marshal: 'Fall Back' Into Safety

10:09AM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

STOW, Mass. —State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts are reminding residents to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and replace outdated alarms when they change their clocks this weekend.

"Smoke and CO alarms can save your life and protect the people you care for, but only if they're working properly," said State Fire Marshal Davine. "As we 'fall back' this weekend, please take a few minutes to check the manufacturing date on the back of your alarms, replace them if they're outdated, and put fresh alkaline batteries in the alarms that use them."

"Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years," said Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, who serves as president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts. "Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions – usually 5, 7, or 10 years, depending on the make and model."

A 2015 update to the State Fire Code requires that replacement smoke alarms in most Massachusetts homes have sealed, 10-year batteries. Now, more than 10 years later, many alarms purchased to comply with the update are at or near the end of their useful lifespans.

State Fire Marshal Davine and Chief Nardelli offered these tips for anyone replacing out-of-date single-station smoke alarms. Following these guidelines will reduce the risk of a disabled or outdated alarm failing to alert residents:

Choose photoelectric alarms from a well-known, national brand
Look for the mark of an independent testing lab like UL or Intertek/ETL
Select alarms with a sealed, long-life battery and a "hush" feature"
Alarms that meet UL Standard 217, 8th edition or later, use the latest multi-criteria technology to reduce nuisance alarms caused by cooking smoke

If your alarms are less than 10 years old and take alkaline batteries, then put in fresh batteries to be sure you're protected all winter long. And remember to test your smoke and CO alarms once a month to be sure they're working properly.

Fire and CO Hazards Rise During Heating Season

In an average year, about 54 percent of Massachusetts residential fire deaths take place between November and March, State Fire Marshal Davine said, with home heating equipment being the second-leading cause of house fires in 2025. Carbon monoxide incidents start even earlier as residents start turning up the heat for the first time since summer.

"Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of accidental poisoning, and heating equipment is the main source of carbon monoxide at home," Chief Nardelli said. "We can't see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. Working CO alarms on every level of your home are the only way to detect this invisible killer."

Massachusetts firefighters encountered carbon monoxide hazards at about 5,000 calls last year, State Fire Marshal Davine said.

Create & Practice a Home Escape Plan

"Changes to building construction and furnishings mean we have less time to escape a fire at home than ever before," said State Fire Marshal Davine. "You could have just three minutes to get out safely."

"Working smoke alarms and a practiced home escape plan are among the most fundamental and important tools for surviving a fire," said Chief Nardelli. "Be sure everyone in the home knows what to do and where to go when the alarm sounds, including young children, older adults, and persons with disabilities."

Fire officials recommend planning two ways out of the building, the apartment, and each room if possible. Be sure to select a family meeting spot a safe distance from the building.

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