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Posts tagged as “faculty”

Beyond Critique

By editorialteam on December 27, 2023

Director of Assessments Amanda Henrichs’ Mission to Cultivate Joyful Learning 

By Katie Holgerson | Assistant Editor

Photo courtesy of Amanda Henrichs

Amanda Henrichs has been the Director of Assessments at the Mount for about 2 years and uses they/them pronouns. Originally from Oregon, Henrichs reflected on how different their life was in the Beaver State, mentioning that they were “milking goats and making porridge.” They explained the geographical distinctions between Oregon and Massachusetts, noting that Oregon experiences more rainfall and is “always gray,” with mountains for skiing and even a desert known as the High Desert on the other side. Henrichs recommends visiting Crater Lake, describing it as “incredible, it’s an old volcano that is filled in.”  read more

Profile: Kerrie Griffin

By editorialteam on September 20, 2023

MWCC Professor Shares her Passion for Psychology

By Isabelle Mascary | Observer Contributor

Assistant Professor of Psychology & Human Services Kerrie Griffin has been teaching at the Mount since 2008. Her greatest passions involve socialization, advising, and helping her students grow, often drawing on her own experiences to do so.

Griffin attended the University of New Hampshire, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology and a graduate degree in counseling. “I went back for a second degree because I was comfortable there and had such a great undergraduate experience,” she shared. read more

Profile: Candace Shivers

By editorialteam on May 18, 2023

Professor Talks Leadership, Social Justice, and Empowerment

By Isabelle Mascary | Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy MWCC

Candace Shivers, a seasoned professor with nineteen years of experience at the Mount, started as an adjunct in 2003 and became a full-time professor in the following year, teaching Sociology, human resources, and psychology classes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from American International College, as well as a Master’s degree from Assumption College. As a member of the Union and Board of Directors of the National Education Association, the largest labor local in the United States, she is deeply committed to her profession. What she enjoys most about being an educator is engaging with her students and having conversations about current issues. “I enjoy the process of learning together, and if I could just be in front of the class, having these conversations, I would be happy,” she said. read more

‘This is Me Giving Back’

By editorialteam on April 12, 2023

Assistant Dean of Students Sabine Dupoux Shines Light on Her Journey as a First Generation College Student

By Isabelle Mascary | Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Sabine Dupoux

In the midst of the pandemic two and a half years ago, Sabine Dupoux became the Assistant Dean of Students at the Leominster campus and has been a part of the Mount family ever since. She is a first generation Haitian-American graduate with her Master’s degree in Business Administration. 

She oversees the food pantry in Gardner and Leominster and also oversees the management operations of the Leominster building to ensure safety for faculty, staff and students. “My role is to ensure that students are successful inside and outside of the classroom,” she said.  read more

A Mess to Clean Up

By editorialteam on April 12, 2023

Students and Faculty at the Mount Share Thoughts on Environmental Crises after Ohio Spill

By Katie Holgerson | Observer Contributor

Following a recent train derailment in Ohio, there are growing concerns over the potential health and environmental impacts caused by the spillage of hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride and butyl acetate into nearby rivers.

The incident occurred on February 3rd, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio, causing all the town residents to evacuate due to the hazardous chemicals involved. In addition to public health concerns, the derailment caused an explosion and spillage of chemicals into nearby rivers, leading to the death of several fish. Efforts to control the situation through a controlled burn resulted in several chemicals being released into the atmosphere. Concerns have risen as people on social media have reported that the air in the area smelled of chlorine and chemicals, although the government assured the area was safe to return. It is worth noting that studies show the younger generation, including 32% of Gen Z and 28% of Millennials, are more concerned about global warming and other environmental issues and have taken actions for the planet in 2021. read more

Profile: Hilary Blair

By editorialteam on November 8, 2022

MWCC Vet Tech Professor Shares Her Journey From Art to Animals

By Isabelle Mascary | Assistant Editor

Once your passion meets your purpose, work no longer exists when you’re doing what you love. Meet Hilary Blair, the Mount’s new Veterinary Technician Professor who began at MWCC as an adjunct professor for two years and is now full-time.

Working as an emergency and critical care veterinary technician for the past fourteen years, Blair chose the Mount because of an opportunity to teach a subject she is passionate about. “I am deeply familiar with [the subject] just because of my profession in general as a veterinary nurse,” Blair said. read more

From Alaska to the Mount

By editorialteam on October 6, 2022

Meet MWCC’s New Chemistry Professor, John Sirois

By Maddie Willigar | Editor-in-Chief

Dr. John Sirois

Assistant Chemistry Professor, Dr. John Sirois, has just begun his first semester at Mount Wachusett Community College after moving back from Alaska, where he taught the past five years.

            Originally from Massachusetts, Sirois moved away from home after completing his master’s degree. From here, he continued his education at the University of Rhode Island (URI), where he obtained his Ph.D., and Oregon State University (OSU), where he completed his post-doctoral fellowship. read more

Remembering Professor Wyman

By editorialteam on September 11, 2022

A Passionate, Devoted, and Talented Professor Who Will Be Missed by All Of MWCC

By Maddie Willigar | Editor-in-Chief

Mount Wachusett Alumnus and English Professor, David Wyman, unexpectedly passed away on August 12. His presence on campus is one many will miss, and Wyman will be remembered by those at MWCC as someone passionately devoted to his beliefs, students, and poetry.

            Regarding the news, President Vander Hooven said, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of David Wyman. David was an extraordinary educator, completely dedicated to his students. The Mount has lost a passionate teacher and friend. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many colleagues who will miss his love and friendship.” read more

Supporting Equity and Inclusion: The Mount’s Inaugural Chief Diversity Executive

By editorialteam on September 11, 2022

Equity and Inclusion: Mount Wachusett’s Inaugural Chief Diversity Executive

By Maddie Willigar | Editor-in-Chief

Newly appointed Chief Diversity Executive, Stephanie Williams, started her position at the Mount on April 4. Though the pandemic delayed this position from being created sooner, President Vander Hooven and Williams believe this role will foster an inclusive environment where students can be successful.

            Before Williams started in April, Vander Hooven said that the biggest quality he was looking for when searching for someone to fill this position was someone who had “significant experience in leading in complex organizations.” read more