PRESIDENT'S REPORT
A Message from President Laura L. Douglas, Ph.D.
Over the past three years, our community and our college have been tested as never before. I am proud to say that Bristol Community College has come through with new vigor, renewed purpose and a sharper focus. Read the president's message.
Adrienne Foster Scharf, Ph.D.
Unlike many little girls growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, who cherished the gift of a Cabbage Patch Doll at Christmas, Adrienne Foster Scharf, Ph.D., asked for chemistry sets, a microscope, test tubes and slides. She emphasizes to her students that similar to her, the faculty at Bristol are passionate about their chosen fields and have a vested interest in their students’ success. Read Adrienne's story.
Steve Frechette
One of Steve Frechette’s most memorable moments as an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Computer Information Systems was helping a student attain her goals against the odds. As a full-time faculty member of one of the most in-demand programs at the college, he’s on a mission to make a difference and provide opportunities for as many as he can. Read Steve's story.
Mario Garcia Rios, Ph.D.
Mario Garcia- Rios, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry in Bristol’s STEM division, began a quest to find out more about DNA. This passion changed the trajectory of his life. A first-generation college student himself, he focuses on the most current trends in science and imparts the lesson of empathy. “I hope my students are choosing their careers because they enjoy caring for people and not because they want good-paying jobs.” Read Mario's story.
Chef Esteban Martinez
His dad worked long hours as a computer programmer and his mother returned to college later in life to pursue a nursing career and then worked second shift. He learned how to cook out of necessity. As Esteban influences a new generation of chefs, he is optimistic about their job prospects because most restaurants are understaffed and trained chefs are in high demand. Read Esteban's story.
Peter Tatro
Peter Tatro has been enrolled in Bristol Community College’s Adult Education program at the Attleboro Campus for several years. He attributes his persistence, success and character to his parents, who always instilled a great work ethic and moral compass. He volunteers nightly at Bristol’s HiSET/GED classes and goes out of his way to help, encourage and support other students, even offering them free tutoring sessions on demand. Read Peter's story.
Meeting Students' Basic Needs
When basic needs are not met, such as food, housing and transportation, it can impact a student’s grades, attendance, mental health and so much more. Last year, the center secured a $180,000 grant of American Rescue Plan Act money, through the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, to support and expand the college’s Hunger Free Bristol: Feeding for Success Program. Read Basic Needs story.
Creating a Current for New Career Opportunities
In addition to developing its state-of-the-art training facility in the heart of New Bedford’s offshore wind operations, Bristol is working to increase awareness of the exciting and promising career opportunities that will become available in the region.
Read more about Wind Works and the grant Bristol was awarded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to launch an offshore wind communication campaign to under-represented neighborhoods in the City of New Bedford. Read Wind Works story.
Check out the full President's Report which includes more stories that highlight our incredible students and the work we are doing to support their education, their future and their success.
Click HERE for a PDF version of the 2022 President's Report
Click HERE for a PDF version of the 2021 President's Report
Click HERE for a PDF version of the 2019 President's Report