STCC Board of Trustees chair Marikate Murren steps down
Marikate Murren, center, stands with other trustees at the STCC Commencement on June 1, 2023 in the MassMutual Center. From left: Norman Roldan, Samalid M. Hogan, Elizabeth A. Oleksak-Sposito, Murren, Tonia Butler Perez, Jynai S. McDonald and Jeffrey S. Sattler.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield Technical Community College Board of Trustees on Sept. 25 said farewell to chair Marikate Murren who decided to step down after serving on the board for seven years.
Murren, who has served on the board since 2016, was appointed chair by Governor Charlie Baker in 2019. She submitted her resignation in a letter to Governor Maura Healey on Sept. 8. After a vote on Sept. 25, the Board of Trustees, per their bylaws, chose Vice Chair Jynai McDonald to serve as acting chair. The governor appoints the permanent chair.
Marikate Murren, left, stands with Jynai McDonald after a Sept. 25 Board of Trustees meeting.
“It has been a great honor to serve the college during such a consequential time in our history. Working closely with President John B. Cook over the past seven years, I know STCC has the leadership needed to continue our essential mission of helping students transform their lives,” Murren stated in the letter.
President Cook praised Murren for her leadership and commitment to STCC’s mission.
“We are grateful for the years of dedication and service Marikate Murren has given to Springfield Technical Community College,” Cook said. “She has made a meaningful difference and has helped us achieve a number of successes during her tenure.”
It has been a great honor to serve the college during such a consequential time in our history.Marikate Murren, Chair, STCC Board of Trustees
In her letter, Murren cited several successful projects and initiatives implemented at STCC during her time on the board. They include but are not limited to:
- Securing and managing $50 million for the Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons, which opened in 2018
- Securing and managing $50 million in funding to relocate the School of Health and Patient Simulation
- Taking a lead in the establishment of the Cyber Center of Excellence at Union Station in Springfield
- Receiving re-accreditation for STCC by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic through “a remarkable set of changes”
- Endorsing the next STCC Strategic Plan – Momentum: 2023-2028, which establishes a set of five key strategic goals.
Murren shared that she is leaving her position now in part because the need to focus on her family has grown considerably.
Marikate Murren holds a plaque at the Sept. 25 Board of Trustees meeting. She stands with President John B. Cook, left, and other members of the board.
“I also know this is an opportune time to step down given the successes noted above, the steady leadership STCC has in administration, as well as recent state policy and budget supports,” Murren said.
Murren said Trustees welcome tuition equity for undocumented students, as well as MassReconnect, a version of free community college for Massachusetts residents 25 years of age or older to earn an associate degree or certificate.
“I am grateful to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the opportunity to serve,” Murren said in the letter.
The college’s Board of Trustees includes nine members whom the governor of Massachusetts appoints to a maximum of two five-year terms, as well as an alumni-elected member who also serves a maximum of 10 years and a student trustee elected by the student body.
The Board of Trustees with authority derived from state statute, establishes policies, sets fees, awards tenure, provides fiduciary oversight including approval of the annual budget and delegates powers and responsibilities to the college president.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu