President's Office

Message from Sedgwick L. Harris, Ed.D., President of Bristol Community College

Welcome to Bristol Community College. 

It is an honor to serve as the fifth President of Bristol Community College during a time of both reflection and forward momentum. Bristol’s story has been shaped over generations by shared purpose and a steadfast commitment to creating opportunity. Each generation builds upon the last, strengthening the college and reinforcing our responsibility to serve students and the communities we call home. This commitment defines Bristol as a community where all are welcome and where we work together to build a brighter, more just future. 

As a proud community college graduate and first-generation college student, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of access to higher education. The expansion of Free Community College has opened doors for many students; however, access alone does not define student success. Many Bristol students balance coursework with employment, family responsibilities, housing and transportation challenges, and short-term financial pressures. When academic guidance is paired with practical, time-sensitive support, students are better positioned to remain enrolled, persist, and move confidently toward their goals. At Bristol we support student success while preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce that meets the evolving needs of our region and contributes to economic growth.  

This perspective guides Bristol’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which affirms the college’s responsibility to respond to regional needs and to play a leading role in workforce education, training, and economic development. The region we serve continues to evolve–demographically, economically, and technologically. As workforce demands shift, Bristol is strengthening partnerships across education, industry, and community sectors. These collaborations reinforce the college’s role as both an educational cornerstone and an economic driver for Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. 

Bristol continues to expand programs aligned with in-demand careers and emerging industries, ensuring students are prepared to contribute meaningfully in a changing economy. To remain a higher education leader in Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond, we must build upon our strong academic foundation while developing innovative, responsive programs aligned with workforce and community needs. At the same time, we are strengthening partnerships with K–12 schools, vocational-technical institutions, employers, and regional leaders to ensure our programs reflect real opportunities and lead directly to meaningful careers. 

What defines Bristol is the intentional alignment of learning, support, and opportunity. Any progress we achieve is the result of the shared efforts of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. Guided by this shared mission, Bristol Community College remains dedicated to educating minds, enriching lives, and strengthening our communities. 

Respectfully, 

Sedgwick L. Harris, Ed.D. 
President, Bristol Community College