President Sedgwick L. Harris receives Outstanding Alumni Award from Southwestern Michigan College

Bristol Community College President Sedgwick L. Harris, Ed.D., was recently honored by his alma mater, Southwestern Michigan College (SMC), with the college’s Outstanding Alumni Award.

The award was presented on Friday, November 7, 2025, during SMC’s second annual Founders Day created to honor those who laid the foundation for the college. The event also included the presentation of SMC’s Distinguished Service Award, awarded to the 1st Source Foundation.

“[My associate degree] is the only degree I display because it was the first. Without it, I would not be here today,” said Dr. Sedgwick L. Harris, President of Bristol Community College and a first-generation college student. “SMC gave me an opportunity to figure out where I wanted to go and how I was going to get there.”

Dr. Sedgwick L. Harris is recognized for his commitment to student success, innovative program design and workforce development. A passionate advocate for student-centered learning with more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Harris is focused on ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive.

Prior to joining Bristol, Dr. Harris served as Vice President of Administrative Affairs at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pa. His extensive leadership experience also includes roles as Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment at NCC, 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 general studies from Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, Mich.; a 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.

To learn more about Southwestern Michigan College’s 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award, please visit https://swmich.edu/news/president-harris-1st-source-honored-at-smcs-founders-day.html

Bristol Community College (Bristol) has core values rooted in student success and lifelong learning. For more than 50 years, Bristol has served as a leading resource for education and workforce development in the region including locations in Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton and Online.

The college offers 119 career and transfer programs, along with flexible online offerings that lead to an associate degree, a career-ready certificate, or the ability to transfer to baccalaureate colleges throughout the state and country. Bristol’s Business Solutions & Partnerships provides customized training for businesses and the community. Bristol's National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) is a state-of-the-art training facility, offering globally recognized training and certifications for the emerging offshore wind industry. The college also strives to put the needs of learners first with support services and career advancement opportunities that lead to student success by reducing barriers to educational access.

The college is one of the largest employers in the region and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment with a rich diversity of beliefs, cultures, languages, abilities and lifestyles. Bristol is a public community college accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

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