BCC Announces New Faculty, Staff, Promotions, Title Changes

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of three faculty/staff members, four promotions and three title changes. 

New faculty/staff

Grace Jull joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences. She holds a master's of science degree in Anatomy Education and Education for Health Professionals from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, a master's degree in Adult Education from the University of Toronto, and a bachelor's degree in Humanities from Dalhousie University, Halifax. Jull grew up near the Canadian Rockies, and her formative time in that vast terrain informs her love of teaching the vast inner terrain of the body. She has trained over 3,000 allied health professionals in anatomy and is a licensed massage therapist specializing in neck and shoulder solutions and aquatic bodywork. The Berkshires has been her home for 30 years, and she loves hiking, art, poetry writing and exploring hot springs around the world.  

Jim Mancall joins BCC as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement. Mancall's extensive experience includes most recently serving as Chief of Staff at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado, where he led strategic planning and institutional reorganization efforts. His leadership has consistently focused on engaging communities and aligning institutional initiatives with long-term goals. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Trinity College, a master's degree in English from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in English from New York University. In addition to his role at Pikes Peak State College, Mancall's career includes leadership roles at Wheaton College and Harvard University. He is a published author with work nominated for Edgar and Silver Falchion awards. 

Chongxian (David) Zhao joins BCC as Senior Financial Aid Counselor, bringing two years of financial aid experience from Leech Lake Tribal College at Cass Lake, Minnesota. Born in ShenYang and raised in Shanghai, China, his journey brought him to the United States, where he completed high school before pursuing higher education. He earned a dual degree in Psychology and Economics from Trinity College, followed by a master's degree in finance with a specialization in risk management from Case Western Reserve University. Currently living in Pittsfield, he is an avid NBA fan and enjoys playing cello and chess in his free time.      

Promotions

Toni Buckley is now Special Assistant to the President for Mission, Values, and Community Impact. Previously, she was Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She joined BCC in 2017. 

Dylan Carman is now Technical Assistant II. Previously, he was a part-time Tech Assistant in Chemistry as well as Adjunct Faculty for the Science and Business Division. He joined BCC in 2019. 

Michelle Mellace is now the Director of Auxiliary Services and Procurement. She had been the Administration and Finance Division Manager since joining BCC in 2024. 

Jessica Pemble is now a Program Manager for Workforce and Community Education.  She had been the Administrative Assistant II for Workforce and Community Education since she joined BCC in July 2024. 

Title changes

Shea Callahan is now the permanent Administrative Assistant II for Student Engagement/Dean of Students.  She had been the Interim Administrative Assistant II for Student Engagement/Dean of Students.  She joined BCC in January 2023.  

Natalia Eddy is now Administrative Assistant II for the Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement division. Previously, she was the Administrative Assistant II for Enrollment Management. She joined BCC in January 2010. 

Abby Powers is now Student Engagement and Communications Specialist. Previously, she was Interim Student Engagement and Communications Specialist. She joined BCC in April 2021. 


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With Tears, Pittsfield Officials Vote to Close Morningside

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee on Wednesday made an emotional vote to close Morningside Community School at the end of the academic year. 

Officials identified the school's lack of classroom walls as the most significant obstacle, creating a difficult, noisy learning environment that is reflected in its accountability score.

Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips said the purpose of considering the closure is centered on the district's obligation to ensure every student has access to a learning environment that best supports academic growth and achievement, school climate, equitable access to resources, and long-term success. 

"While fiscal implications are included, the potential closure of the school is fundamentally driven by the student performance, their learning conditions, the building inadequacy, and equitable student access, rather than the district's budget," she said. 

"… The goal is not to save money. The goal is to reinvest that money to make change, specifically for our Morningside students, and then for the whole school building, as a whole." 

Over the last month or so, the district has considered whether to retire the open concept, community school at the end of the school year. 

Morningside, built in the 1970s, currently serves 374 students in grades prekindergarten through 5, including a student population with 88.2 percent high-needs, 80.5 percent low-income, and 24.3 percent English learners.  Its students will be reassigned to Allendale, Capeless, Egremont, and Williams elementary schools.

School Committee member and former Morningside student Sarah Muil, through tears, made the motion to approve the closure at the end of this school year. The committee took a five-minute recess after the vote. 

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