BOSTON – Governor Deval Patrick today announced the appointment of Fred W. Clark as Chairman of the state’s Board of Higher Education.
Clark, Vice President of Mirrione Realty Corporation, is a former Executive Officer of the Massachusetts State College Council of Presidents. He is also a former trustee of Bridgewater State College and served as District Chief of Staff to the late Congressman John Joseph Moakley.
“Fred Clark’s experience in higher education, business and public service make him an excellent fit to lead the Board of Higher Education,†said Governor Patrick. “Fred’s understanding of and commitment to the vision of a public education system that is built on a bedrock of coordination, cooperation and collaboration distinguish him as the right person to help usher in a new era of education improvement in the Commonwealth.â€
Governor Patrick outlined his vision for the future of public education in Massachusetts earlier this summer, highlighting the link between education and the economic, social and civic prospects for individuals, communities and the Commonwealth. The Governor has called for unprecedented levels of communication and interaction among all areas of the state’s public education system, and last week, he announced the members of the Leadership Council of the Readiness Project who will develop a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan to achieve the vision.
“In business, we know that the success of any vision or strategic plan depends upon strong leadership and the people tapped to implement and execute the plan,†said Alan G. Macdonald, Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Roundtable. “The Governor is wise to appoint leaders at every level that have the skills and experience to help make that vision real. Fred is one of those leaders, and we are pleased to be part of this effort.â€
Clark, an Easton resident who received his BA from Bridgewater State College and his JD from Suffolk University Law School, is well-known for his collaborative leadership style and his consensus-building approach. Clark will fill the Board of Higher Education seat vacated by Stephen Tocco.
“For the first time in a long time, Massachusetts has a Governor with a long-term vision for what education means not only to students but to the health and vitality of the state,†said Bob Antonucci, President of Fitchburg State College. “Appointing Fred Clark to lead the Board of Higher Education suggests that the Governor’s commitment is not just to articulating a bold vision, but also to ensuring action.â€
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
Gracelyn Wright struck out eight, and Genevieve Lagess went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in as the Hurricanes beat Monson, 17-3, to claim their first Western Mass title in four years. click for more
