Presidential Search

Dr. Sedgwick Harris recommended by Board of Trustees as Bristol’s Next President

On Friday, December 13, the Bristol Community College Board of Trustees announced its recommendation to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education for the appointment of Sedgwick L. Harris, Ed.D., as the fifth president of Bristol Community College. The recommendation is contingent upon approval by the Board of Higher Education in January. As a result, the exact start date for the presidential candidate is still to be determined.

After an extensive nationwide search, a highly qualified candidate was selected from a pool of outstanding individuals. Dr. Harris was chosen for his leadership experience, commitment to higher education, and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the college community. The Board of Trustees extends its gratitude to all of the candidates who expressed interest in the position and looks forward to welcoming its new president, who will succeed Laura L. Douglas, Ph.D. Dr. Douglas’ final day at Bristol Community College will be January 14, 2025.

“Dr. Sedgwick Harris brings a wealth of experience and has demonstrated a strong commitment to higher education and community engagement,” said Joan Medeiros, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are confident that Dr. Harris will lead the college with innovative vision and inspire continued success and growth at Bristol Community College.”

About Dr. Sedgwick Harris

Sedgwick L. Harris, Ed.D., currently Vice President of Administrative Affairs at Northampton Community College (NCC) in Bethlehem, Pa., was selected from a highly skilled pool of candidates following an extensive nationwide search.

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 and results-driven decision-making. His leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of higher education. He is dedicated to cultivating inclusive learning environments, advancing institutional effectiveness, and promoting ethical leadership within diverse and complex educational landscapes. In addition to his administrative leadership, he has extensive teaching experience as an adjunct faculty member and is actively involved in prominent national and state professional organizations.

Dr. Harris has served as Vice President of Administrative Affairs at NCC since 2022. Prior to this role, he 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. Dr. Harris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla., a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich., and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich. 

Bristol announces Interim President

As the college awaits the arrival of the new president, an interim leader will serve to ensure a smooth transition. The Board of Trustees named Steven Kenyon, Vice President for Administration and Finance, as the interim president. 

“Steven is a valued and respected member of the college community with 30 years of experience at Bristol," said Chair Medeiros. "His extensive knowledge of the college’s operations, commitment to its mission, and proven leadership make him uniquely qualified to lead during this transition.”

Steven Kenyon has served as the Vice President for Administration and Finance since 2002. In this role, he oversees the college’s financial operations, including managing an annual budget of $90 million.  Steven is also responsible for facilities, capital projects, campus police, business services and enterprise risk management. He regularly advises the president on administrative matters, playing a key role in the college’s growth and success. Steven plays an active role in the Board of Trustee committees.

Before becoming Vice President, Steven served as the college's comptroller from 1994 to 2002, managing daily fiscal operations such as general accounting, accounts payable, student accounts, payroll and grants. He has led financial audits, prepared budgets, and developed fiscal policies, contributing to the college’s financial health and operational efficiency. 

He volunteers on the boards of many community organizations including Greater Fall River Development Corporation, Argosy Charter School and Southcoast Health. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), with memberships in several professional organizations.    

If you have questions about Bristol Community College’s Presidential Search, please contact PresidentialSearch@BristolCC.edu or 774.357.2184.