PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ellen Kennedy will retire as seventh president of Berkshire Community College at the end of the academic year. 

 

The college made the announcement on Tuesday. Kennedy has been president since 2012.

 

In a message to the campus community, Kennedy emphasized that the decision comes after deep reflection and is guided by both professional and personal considerations. 

 

"Looking ahead, the college will soon embark on the development of a new Strategic Plan and prepare for its 2029 [New England Commission of Higher Education] NECHE Self-Study," Kennedy said in the announcement. "Both efforts represent significant opportunities for a new president to engage deeply with what makes the college thrive — its people, its stories, its culture, and its mission — and to build the relationships and trust needed to chart and execute the college's next chapter." 

 

Kennedy also shared that retirement would allow her to focus on spending more time with family and friends.  

 

She was tapped to lead the college on the departure of Paul Raverta, who was interim and president for seven years. She was the school's vice president of administration and finance and chief financial officer prior to being picked as interim president, then was selected by the trustees from 38 applicants to continue in the role. 

 

Her announcement follows last week's by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President James Birge that he, too, will step into retirement at the end of the academic year. 

 

During her more than decade-long leadership, Kennedy has overseen change at BCC. 

 

She led campuswide infrastructure improvements, including the renovation of academic buildings, modernization of labs and classrooms, and investment in student-centered facilities, including the One Stop Enrollment Center and the library, and building an accessible quad. 

 

Kennedy expanded academic offerings, launching new workforce development programs, and strengthening transfer pathways for students pursuing bachelor's degrees. She shepherded the college through its Associate Degree in Nursing accreditation process and helped strengthen the program significantly with support from faculty and staff, including Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness Lori Moon. In addition, Kennedy has supported and facilitated the college's commitment to faculty professional development, which is reflected in the fact that all new full-time faculty have a reduced teaching load in their first year to support their transition and to provide time to reflect on best teaching practices. 

 

She also built strong partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions. These efforts were evident in the college achieving a 1Berkshire Trendsetter award and its recent successful 65th anniversary event called Community Fest, which drew more than 2,000 community members to engage with their community college. 

 

Kennedy championed initiatives that have improved student retention, access, and affordability, while prioritizing equity and inclusion. These achievements helped the college earn an Achieving the Dream Leader College Award this year for its student success initiatives. 

 

Kennedy also helped strengthen philanthropic support through the BCC Foundation, resulting in increased scholarship opportunities for students. Her leadership overseeing philanthropic initiatives also created the Gene Dellea Community Turf Field, which has served thousands of local student athletes. 

 

Kennedy also successfully guided the college through challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of learning and reinforcing BCC's commitment to serving students and the wider community.