Three Named to 2026 Emeritus Class at Massasoit

President Emeritus Burke and Professors Emeritus Blanchette and Bowers have shaped the College over six decades

BROCKTON, Mass (Jan. 22, 2026) – The Massasoit Community College Board of Trustees voted unanimously yesterday to name Gerard Burke as president emeritus and Roland Blanchette and Robert Bowers as professors emeritus.

“This year’s emeritus honorees have dedicated their lives to the success of thousands of students and colleagues over the course of their long careers at Massasoit,” said Bill Mitchell, president of Massasoit Community College.

Established in 2023, Massasoit’s emeritus program honors former faculty and administrators who have made notable contributions to the College over the course of their careers. Nominations from peers are voted on by the Board of Trustees. Trustees heard nominations from Massasoit President Bill Mitchell on behalf of Burke; Professor Emeritus Kenn Anania on behalf of Blanchette, a fellow 1966 classmate; and Massasoit’s Director of TV and Media Services Ed Krasnow on behalf of Bowers.

“I am just one of many who can speak to their characters as leaders and friends,” Mitchell said of all three nominees. He continued, “Dr. Burke offered me a job at Massasoit and changed the trajectory of my professional career; Prof. Bowers was not only my speech professor, but he taught me confidence; and Professor Blanchette’s competitive and caring spirit helped me become a better leader.”

President Emeritus Gerard “Gerry” Burke served as Massasoit’s third president from 1983 to 1996, having previously served as dean of the College beginning in 1982. During his time at Massasoit, Burke successfully grew and transformed the College. In 1985, he facilitated the merger with the Blue Hills Technical Institute, which became Massasoit’s Canton Campus. Additional accomplishments include the creation of the Academic Resource Center, the development of new academic programs, the expansion of student services and counseling, the addition of daytime continuing education courses, and investments in Warrior Athletics – helping lead to three NJCAA national championships during his presidency. In the face of economic challenges, the College under his leadership secured two federal Title III grants that infused the College with much needed funding that further shaped Massasoit’s future.

Before joining Massasoit, Burke was a professor of history at Boston State College, his alma mater. During his 16-year tenure at Boston State, he served in several faculty leadership and governance positions. His career began in the Boston Public School system before serving in various roles for the U.S. Congress and U.S. Department of Labor while pursuing a master’s degree from Georgetown University and Ph.D. from American University. Burke valued community and civic service, having been elected to the Brockton School Committee and the Plymouth County Commission, and served on the boards of several other organizations.

Professor Emeritus Roland “Rolly” Blanchette joined Massasoit as a full-time faculty member in 1982, having served as an adjunct instructor since 1980, beginning a decades-long career teaching sociology, anthropology and several other subjects. Blanchette was heavily involved in the College’s academic community, including as chair of the Sociology Department, a member of several College committees, and a participant in the College’s teacher exchange program in Holland. In 2000, he was named a Distinguished Teacher by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. He played a significant role shaping life on campus for many, including as coach of the Warriors softball team for 13 years, coordinator of the College’s Open Museum, and a frequent participant in the College’s theatre and radio productions. He retired in 2020 after 40 years of service to the College community.

Blanchette’s connection to Massasoit began long before he was a professor. He was a member of Massasoit’s first class of students in 1966. Before completing his Massasoit degree, Blanchette enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Florida. After completing his service, he earned degrees from the University of Florida before later returning to Massachusetts. While teaching at Massasoit, he transferred credits to officially earn his Massasoit degree in 1984.

Professor Emeritus Robert “Bob” Bowers joined the faculty at Massasoit in 1979, as a professor of English, speech, and radio broadcasting after a career teaching high school English in Boston. He brought his lifelong love of radio – which began while enrolled at Boston College – to Massasoit, where he revitalized the College’s media arts program while serving as chair of the Communicative Arts Department. Bowers prioritized providing students with real-world training opportunities and worked closely with area radio stations including WATD and WKKL. As technology changed the media landscape, Bowers helped Massasoit adapt, ensuring the program provided well-rounded training in audio production and podcasting.

One of his most remarkable achievements was the creation of Radio Classics Live, a stage and broadcast series that brought historic radio dramas back to life. Each of his 41 productions held over 20 years brought together students, local artists, and original radio and Hollywood stars to raise scholarship funds for Massasoit students.

Bowers’ emeritus status is bestowed posthumously. He passed away in April 2025 after a courageous battle with ALS. After his diagnosis, he continued to teach classes and work with his colleagues to advance the College’s radio program.