51³ÉÈË

BA in History

Associate Attorney; Cohen Cleary, P.C. 

Kevin currently practices law in Southeastern Massachusetts with a focus on Estate Planning, Estate Administration & Litigation, Personal Injury Law, and Employment Law. Kevin graduated from 51³ÉÈË in 2015 with his BA in History. While at 51³ÉÈË, Kevin served as President of the Student Government Association, Homecoming King, President of the Honors Student Congress, an Orientation Leader, and a brother of Phi Kappa Theta. Upon leaving Bridgewater, Kevin attended Northeastern University School of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2018. Kevin presently resides in Taunton with his wife and fellow BAA member, Gabriella, and their Maltese, Winston. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to continue giving back to this institution which has shaped the person and professional I am today. As a younger alumnus, I hope to contribute my unique perspective to the BAA and serve as a resource for alumni, new and old, who would like to get more involved with their alma mater. 

When I think of 51³ÉÈË, I think of the countless friends, mentors, and colleagues who made my 51³ÉÈË experience truly memorable. 

BS, Industrial Psychology

Nick currently leads First Transit’s Transit Management Services division as Senior Vice President. He has nearly four decades of experience in the public transit industry, including more than 32 years with First Transit and its predecessor companies. He has management experience in all First Transit’s product lines including transit management services, call center operations, and turnkey public transit operations and has lived in seven states since graduating, the last fifteen in Arizona before returning to Massachusetts.

First Transit is a professional transportation management and services company based in Cincinnati, OH with operations throughout North America.

Nick began his career as a sophomore working for Bridgewater State College Transit Service while earning his degree. Nick credits his experience from the front line to managing the BSC transit system his senior year with a successful career as an executive.

Nick’s non-profit board experience includes serving the Arizona Transit Association, the American Public Transportation Association’s Business Member Board of Governors, Vice Chair for About Care, a provider of transportation services for the elderly and homebound through a volunteer network in the Chandler and Gilbert (AZ) area, and lastly, the Dignity Health Foundation of the East Valley which raises funds in the community to advance the facilities and equipment of both of Dignity Health’s local hospitals in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ.

An experienced technology leader, Colleen has worked across multiple healthcare IT vendor and provider organizations. With technology process improvement, customer relationship management and organizational team development as her core skills, she has built and executed mature, successful technology driven teams. 

In her most recent engagement, V.P of Implementation and Support Services with Azara Healthcare, she has built out the client delivery teams to accommodate the significant client growth since 2016. Recognizing the power of technology within the healthcare environment she has excelled in creating organizational structures supporting the growth and clinical success of clients and their patients.

Colleen is a board member for the Boston SIM organization co-chair of the RLF mentor program, co-chair of the National SIM Authors Group and a 2016 SIM RLF graduate. In addition to her volunteer work with SIM she is an alumni board member at 51³ÉÈË (1997) providing internships and mentoring students and recent graduates. 

In her free time, she enjoys watching her three children at their various activities and hiking with her golden retriever ‘Brady’. Her first book, "Planning your career path through Reflection, Skill Gap Analysis and Networking" will be published late 2020.

Jessica McNeill was elected to the Bridgewater Alumni Association Board in 2022. While studying at 51³ÉÈË, she was an active student leader and worked as a student event planner in CESO (now University Events Office). She also interned at WBIM and worked as a Copy Editor for The Comment. She graduated from 51³ÉÈË in 2014 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and minors in Public Relations and Management. In 2019, she earned her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University.

Professionally, Jessica is an Assistant Director of Reunion and Leadership Giving at Harvard Business School. In her role, she manages class-based annual and reunion fundraising campaigns with multi-million-dollar goals. In addition to campaign and volunteer management, she also cultivates, solicits, and stewards leadership-level gifts from a portfolio of class-based prospects. At HBS, Jessica has served on the Dean’s Anti-Racism Task Force, whose work led to the creation of the School’s Racial Equity Plan. She also is a member of the Black Staff Affinity Group and the External Relations Racial Equity Initiative Action Group.

Outside of work, Jessica is active in her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, as a member of the Lambda Kappa Sigma Chapter. She previously served on the Board of Directors at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and was a member of 51³ÉÈË’s Young Alumni Council.

Goal as a BAA board member: Find new creative ways to reengage alumni (especially those of color) and connect them with current students. Also, the fundraiser in me wants to help increase giving to the Bridgewater Fund.  

When I think of 51³ÉÈË: Lifelong connections, many of the people I met there will be a part of my life forever.

BA, MEd

School Counselor at Braintree High School

For the past 23 years I have worked as a School Counselor at Braintree High School. I am an officer in the South Shore Guidance Association and was involved with Boy Scouts (17 years) and Girl Scouts (12 years). 

My goal as a BAA board member is to find a way to meet people where they are in life. Whether you are an almost graduate, bear cub, or seasoned bear, we would like to explore the relationship between ourselves and our beloved alma mater. Not only asking the question, what can we do for you, but also, what opportunities can we create to help you give back, reconnect you with old friends, make new ones and create lifelong memories. 

When I think of 51³ÉÈË, I think of all the things I was involved with, most importantly, SGA, The Comment and me sorority sisters and how they helped me grow as a person. I also think about all of the faculty, administrators and staff who believed in me, helped me when I struggled and were there to celebrate with me in times of joy. 51³ÉÈË is a place like no other and will always be a part of me. It is a living, breathing entity that is alive with possibility. Once a bear, always a bear!

BA and MAT in English

I currently am retired from Bristol Community College, where I served as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean and full-time faculty member from 1999-2013. I continue to teach part-time at Bristol and at other schools. As a result of serving as editor of The Comment, I have written and edited professionally since 1974. For more than 20 years, I taught in Fall River's public school system and advised the student publications at B.M.C. Durfee High School. A native of Fall River, I now live in Swansea with my wife, Audrey. We have two children and two grandchildren. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to support 51³ÉÈË in as many ways as possible and to serve as an ambassador for Bridgewater. When I advise community college students, I am not shy about promoting the University. It was a life-changing place for me and my kids and I am sure it will be for my students. 

When I think of 51³ÉÈË, I think about commuting to classes while working part-time and sleeping on floors in dorms and other places to take part in social events. We would work on the newspaper all night on Wednesday's, then I would drive it to the printers in Mansfield. I would usually make it back to Fall River in time to see my parents heading for work on Thursday morning. Great times. 

BA in English

Business Owner, Tax Preparer, Affordable Tax Service and Sales Representative at Avon, Inc.

I currently am involved on committees of various organizations in my community. I provide annual scholarships to the 51³ÉÈË Sponsor-A-Student Scholarship Program. During tax season, in addition to doing taxes for my own company, I also volunteer to prepare taxes under the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program helping taxpayers with low-incomes file their taxes. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, I became an Avon Representative due to their Breast Cancer Crusade.

My goal as a BAA board member is to help the board achieve their goals and to help deserving students get the financial assistance they need as a member of the Board's Scholarship Committee.

When I think of 51³ÉÈË, I think of the lifelong relationships I formed there. We still keep in touch, meet at least annually and have been friends for over 50 years.

BA

Affiliated Faculty at Emerson College

I currently work as a Communications and Marketing Consultant and have supported clients with their brand building efforts in the education, biotech, and software industries. Additionally, I teach as an Affiliated Faculty at Emerson College in the Communications Studies Department. My courses focus on Digital Storytelling and Online Content and Strategy. Every Fall, I also teach a Social Media in Public Administration course at 51³ÉÈË in the Political Science Department. In the greater Boston community, I volunteer every year at the Massachusetts Conference for Women on the Social Media Street Team. 

My goal as a BAA board member is to develop a passionate community of 51³ÉÈË alumni in support of the University and each other. I want alumni of all eras to come together and celebrate the progress that 51³ÉÈË continues to make in public higher education for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. As a member of the communications committee, I am eager to work with my peers to publicize and promote alumni achievements, events, updates and news. Ultimately, I want to connect 51³ÉÈË alumni and current students with one another and the BAA. 

When I think of 51³ÉÈË, I think of home.

Tim (’82,’86) and his wife, Carol (’82), have been residents of Sherman, TX for the past 32 years, and they are the parents of two Sherman Bearcat alumni (Ashley ’05 and Gregory ’08).  After a nearly 40 year career in higher education education,  in 2020 Tim stepped down from his former role at Austin College where he served as the vice president for Student Affairs and Athletics for 32 years, including 14 years with the dual appointment of athletic director. Tim is currently the inaugural Executive Director of the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team, a collective of 30 stakeholders that addresses mental health issues and substance use. He earned both a B.S. in elementary education, with focus areas of science and reading, as well as an M.Ed. in counseling. He also graduated from the Institute for Education Management program at Harvard University. Since 1994 he has been a certified mediator in the state of Texas, earning his certificate from the National Mediation Academy in Dallas, Texas. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of roles for national organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and the Association of College Personnel Administrators (ACPA). 

Vinda is currently the Community Outreach Manager for Peabody Properties, Inc. Vinda graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and in 2016 Vinda received her MBA from Cambridge College. Vinda served as the past President for 51³ÉÈË Afro-Am Alumni Association.

My goal as a BAA board member is to continue providing support to our students, alumni and to proudly represent my Alma Mater.

In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, visiting lighthouses and picking sunflowers.

When I think of Bridgewater State of University I think of home.

I graduated with my B.S. in Business Administration from 51³ÉÈË in 1995 and am currently the secretary of the 51³ÉÈË Afro-Am Alumni Association.

I have over two decades of executive management experience. As an executive assistant, I have operated as the top confidant, thought-partner, and go-to person for boards and presidents throughout my career. I am currently a Senior Executive Assistant to the President’s Office at Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Not only have I created a professional resume, but from my life experience as a single mother, I have created a personal brand, Single Professional Mother. My world crashed when I got divorced. After experiencing 15 months of unemployment, 2 years of home insecurity, and with two daughters to raise, I channeled my experience into two books, a podcast, and delivered a TEDx Talk, to inspire other single mothers.

When my daughter graduates from 51³ÉÈË, she will be the third generation from our family to do so. As a BAA member I hope to assist current students in a mentor role, because 51³ÉÈË is where I met lifelong friends and is a university I am proud to call my alma mater. 

I received Bachelor’s degree in 1964 and a Master’s degree in 1972 from Bridgewater State. I began working at the college in 1967 as Director of Men’s Residence for the newly opened Great Hill Dorm. In subsequent years, I became Director of Financial Aid, Director of Administrative Services, and retired after 40 years in 2007 as Director of Special Projects. I continued working part time as Levitative Advisor to President Mohler-Faria and President Clark for another 15 years, spending most of my time at the State House in Boston. During my tenure at BSC, I was elected four times as Local Chapter President of the Association of Professional Administrators APA/MTA and was also elected for 12 years as the State President for all nine State College campuses of the APA/MTA.

While employed at the college, I was involved in many aspects of the Town of Bridgewater’s local government. I was elected two terms to the Bridgewater School Committee service one term as chairman and was elected one term to the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School Committee. I was also appointed by the Town Selectmen to several posts including twelve years as a member of the Capital Planning Committee, Town Representative to the Plymouth County Advisory Board, and to the Town’s Youth Study Committee.

I presently reside in the town of Lakeville for the past 22 years with Geri Taylor, ’70, G’81 and together, we attend and participate in many alumni events. The college has been my home for so many years and has had such an impact on my life. From beginning as the starting freshman quarterback of the original 1960 Bears football team, to speaking to legislators today about the benefits of a public college degree to their constituents, I wish to continue serving our Alma Mater as a member of the BAA. Once a Bear, Always a Bear!

I graduated from Bridgewater State College in 2006 with a degree in Physical Education. I then went on to attend the MGH Institute of Health Professions and achieved my Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in January of 2009. I have since practiced in multiple areas of therapy including inpatient rehabilitation, home care, and outpatient. In May of 2016, I opened my own physical therapy clinic, Physical Therapy U, which now has locations in Bridgewater, Buzzards Bay, and Middleboro! I am a mom of 3 amazing kids and wife to fellow bear, Ian (class of ’07). I am also a member of the Physical Education Alumni Council and an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association. I serve on multiple boards and enjoy being an advocate for PT and women’s rights.

My goal as a BAA board member is to serve the 51³ÉÈË students and alumni and to help create connections where able. Bridgewater State gave me so much and I want to be able to give back!

When I think of my time at 51³ÉÈË I am reminded of the strong community of supporters I found. It seemed everyone want to see and help me succeed. I felt safe while still being challenged to become my best self. 51³ÉÈË gave me the confidence to go after the career I had dreamed of.

I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity at 51³ÉÈË and as a part-time instructor in the 51³ÉÈË political science department. As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand the obstacles and barriers faced while attending college. My time at 51³ÉÈË was invaluable, and I felt not only supported by everyone here but also found mentors willing to guide me on my educational journey.

I joined the BAA to give back to the 51³ÉÈË community and to build on the excellent reputation that 51³ÉÈË has developed. I hope to become a source of support for our students and to continue the 51³ÉÈË legacy.

BA in Economics, Minor in Management, Master’s in Public Administration

I currently work for Eversource on the Project Controls team within the Transmission division. I support 9 different project managers, with varying projects related to Eversource’s constantly growing Transmission business. My day to day consists of behind-the-scenes project management, and wearing a hard hat on occasion. In the spring, I coach men’s varsity lacrosse at Dedham Highschool, it’s my favorite thing to look forward to when the weather starts getting warmer! I also have been the president of the 51³ÉÈË affiliated Sigma Pi Fraternity Alumni Association, which is a volunteer position like the BAA board.

My goal as a BAA board member is to unite the younger alumni base with the university in creative but effective ways. Specifically, those students who spent time at 51³ÉÈË during the heat of COVID-19 who may have left with dissatisfaction from their time at 51³ÉÈË. Reaching this base of younger alumni (2019-2023), I hope to grow our donations and engagement. I am also eager to expand alumni events to our massively diverse alumni population and engage those in minority groups. Overall, I hope to engage and tap into alumni populations that may not be as involved as others.

When I think of 51³ÉÈË, I think of connections and commitment.

I am a current junior at 51³ÉÈË. I am studying Special Education and minoring in History. I transferred to 51³ÉÈË in the fall of 2022 and have loved the open embrace this campus and its community has given me. I grew up in Bellingham, Massachusetts, and went to Mount St. Charles Academy in Rhode Island. I work for the Jones Alumni House as an intern and Crimson Ambassador and you may hear my voice over the intercom at 51³ÉÈË's varsity athletics events.

I have found my best moments on campus through involvement with the school and I am very excited to become more involved through the BAA and contribute to this thriving community.