James H. Mathes elected to the Bristol Community College Board of Trustees
Bristol Community College’s Alumni Association has elected James H. Mathes '83, President
and CEO, Dennison Memorial Community Center, as the Alumni Trustee of the college’s
Board of Trustees.
Jim Mathes graduated from Bristol Community College in 1983 with a degree in business
management and has remained dedicated in his service to the college and his community.
He has previously served on Bristol’s Board of Trustees, from 1989 to 1994, as well
as on many other community-based boards. In 1984, he joined the New Bedford Area Chamber
of Commerce as its President.
He currently serves as President and CEO of the Dennison Memorial Community Center, in New Bedford, which works to promote solid values and self-esteem while providing
children with the tools to develop and grow into responsible adults. Prior to this
role, Mathes founded the SMILES Mentoring Program in 2006, rallying more than 500 volunteers to work with at-risk children in the New
Bedford and Fall River schools.
Bristol Community College’s Board of Trustees is made up of regional business and community leaders who work tirelessly to ensure
the college’s institutional initiatives remain at the highest level of quality.
Bristol Community College is grounded in core values centered on student success
and lifelong learning. For 60 years, Bristol has served as a leading resource for
education and workforce development in Massachusetts, with locations in Attleboro,
Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and online.
The college offers more than 100 career and transfer programs, along with flexible
online learning options that lead to an associate degree, a career-ready certificate,
or transfer opportunities. It also provides Dual Enrollment and Early College programs,
English language instruction programs, and Adult Basic Education to support learners
at all stages. Bristol’s Economic and Workforce Solutions division is a regional leader
in workforce development, providing customized training for businesses and the community.
Bristol’s National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) delivers training in a state-of-the-art facility,
offering globally recognized instruction and certifications for offshore and onshore
wind energy, maritime industries, first responders, and related fields. The college
prioritizes student success through comprehensive support services and career advancement
opportunities that reduce barriers to educational access.
As one of the largest employers in the region, Bristol is committed to fostering
an inclusive environment that reflects a rich diversity of beliefs, cultures, languages,
abilities, and lifestyles.
