President Mary Grant
Mary Grant was one of MCLA’s most accomplished college presidents, despite coming in during a $3 billon statewide deficit in public services.
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In 2003, Mary Grant, a 1983 graduate of MCLA (known as NASC or North Adams State College in 1983), became the first MCLA alum to be president of the college. The first few months of her leadership came at a time of economic turmoil caused by a $3 billon statewide deficit in public services. Despite these troubles, Mary Gant proved to be a dedicated and capable leader.
Serving as the 11th president of MCLA from 2003 to 2014, Mary Grant improved the economic growth of the college by creating the college’s first Comprehensive Capital Campaign, and expanded academic programs by adding new internship, study away and service-learning programs. In addition, Mary Grant also improved MCLA’s relationship with the community while addressing the job gap crisis by starting the Berkshire Hills Internship Programs (B-HIP). This program was designed to prepare students for careers by providing opportunities for them to gain valuable hands-on experience in a job.
Another program started by Mary Grant was the Berkshire Hills Compact for Higher Education. This program created connections between employers and educational institutions in the Berkshires and promoted improved access to education, training centers, and lifelong learning. As a member of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, Mary Grant acquired the largest grant in MCLA’s history, approximately $34 million, for the new Science and Innovation Center named Fiegenbaum Center for Science and Innovation. There were also several more renovations on the MCLA campus, including an $8.5 million renovation of Murdock Hall, renovations of Berkshire Towers’ common areas and renovations of the Townhouses.
Mary Grant received numerous awards and recognition for her dedication as a leader. She received the 2014 New England Higher Education Excellence Award for her work in securing funds for the Fiegenbaum Center, expanding academics at MCLA with new programs and degree offerings, creating the first Comprehensive Capital Campaign at MCLA, for starting the Berkshire Compact for Higher Education. In addition, she received the Women of Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., the National Network of Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition from Massachusetts State and US Representatives.
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Mary Grant.
Mary Grant was one of the most dedicated college presidents to lead MCLA. Her contributions helped to prepare students for the workforce by connecting employers to educational institutions. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.
Mary Grants' inauguration came at a challenging time.
MCLA’s funding was reduced by $2.6 million, there was controversy over a contract with former MCLA President Thomas D. Aceto, and Governor Swift had vetoed pay raises for college workers. Despite these troubles, Mary Grant proved to be more than capable of addressing them and later received much praise for her accomplishments as President. | Source: North Adams Transcript, May 3, 2003.
Pamphlet fot Mary Grant.
Mary Grant received many awards for her achievements and dedication as the president of MCLA. The programs she spearheaded were not exclusive to MCLA and also benefited the communities throughout the Berkshires. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.