The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education unanimously approved Sedgwick L. Harris, Ed.D., as the next president of Bristol Community College. Dr. Harris will officially begin his tenure in March, becoming the college's fifth president in its 60-year history.
Dr. Harris is an accomplished academic leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration. Known for enhancing student access and success through strategic, data-informed planning, his strengths include innovative program design, results-driven decision-making and a strong focus on workforce development. A passionate advocate for the student experience, Dr. Harris strives to ensure that students of all ages and at every stage of their academic journey receive the support and resources they need to thrive.
“Out of a nationwide pool of candidates, it was clear Dr. Sedgwick Harris is far and away the most qualified choice to lead Bristol Community College,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “Dr. Harris brings a wealth of experience and strong dedication to higher education. I am confident under his leadership, Bristol Community College will continue to thrive as a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and excellence for students and families across the region."
“I look forward to welcoming Dr. Sedgwick Harris to Massachusetts’ public system of higher education, and I know he will be a key leader in our ongoing commitment to college access and student success,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I want to thank the search committee for their dedication to ensuring strong leadership that aligns with Bristol Community College’s values and goals. I’m confident that Dr. Sedgwick Harris’s dedication to students and decades of experience will position the college for continued success.”
Joan Medeiros, Chair, Bristol Community College Board of Trustees, said that Dr. Harris is a visionary leader with a proven track record of transforming community colleges through innovation and dedication to student success. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Harris as our next president and look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our college that will benefit our students, faculty, staff and the broader community,” Medieros said.
"I am deeply honored to be named the next President of Bristol Community College and I am grateful to Secretary Tutwiler, Commissioner Ortega, Joan Medeiros, chair of Bristol’s Board of Trustees, board members, faculty, staff, students and the entire Bristol community for allowing me to build on the culture of excellence both at the college and within each community we serve,” said Dr. Harris. “I am excited to contribute to an institution that values education, workforce development and student success. Bristol's commitment to serving a diverse student body and advancing its mission of accessible, high-quality education is truly inspiring. I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and the community to continue building on these strengths, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to be successful."
Dr. Harris has served in his current role as Vice President of Administrative Affairs at Northampton Community College (NCC) in Bethlehem, Pa., since 2022. Prior to this role, Dr. Harris was NCC’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment. He also served as Vice President of Student Services at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill., and at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill. He is the former director of admissions and college life at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Mich.
He earned an Associate of Arts in Communications and Media Studies from Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, Mich., Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications/Media Studies from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla., a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich.
Dr. Harris will succeed President Laura L. Douglas, who will retire on January 14 after serving Bristol Community College for seven years. President Douglas followed John J. Sbrega (2000-2017), Eileen Farley (1979-2000), and Jack Hudnall (1965-1979), the college’s founding president. Dr. Harris plans to relocate to the community with his wife, Jamica.
As the college awaits the arrival of the new president, an interim leader will serve to ensure a smooth transition. The Board of Trustees has named Steven Kenyon, Vice President for Administration and Finance, as the interim president.