Massasoit Community College News

At end of the academic year, Mitchell will leave an institution that he first entered as a student

BROCKTON, Mass (Sept. 9, 2026) – Massasoit Community College’s Interim President William “Bill” Mitchell announced today that he will retire at the end of the 2026–2027 academic year. The announcement was first shared with the Massasoit community during an All-College meeting Tuesday afternoon.

“For me, this is a full-circle moment. Massasoit is where my college education began, where my career in academia took root, and now, where my next chapter—spending more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren—will commence,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell has served as interim president since April 2024, deferring his planned retirement following the passing of President Ray DiPasquale after a brief battle with cancer.

“Nearly three years ago, Bill stepped up to provide invaluable support to Massasoit during a period of profound loss,” said Tom Carroll, chair of the Board of Trustees. “While this is a bittersweet milestone, Bill has provided the College with much-needed stability and established momentum that will continue to carry Massasoit forward into its next 60 years.”

Today, the strength of Massasoit is clear:

• The College is halfway through its Transformation Through Renovation Project, a $52 million capital initiative delivering state-of-the-art facilities that will equip students with hands-on career training and readiness like never before;
• Massasoit has increased external grant funding by 38% in a single fiscal year, meaningfully diversifying revenue streams at a critical time, while maintaining strong reserve funds of $52 million.
• The school has opened its doors wide to regional partners, hosting many events for neighbors while showcasing the vibrant, welcoming spirit of its campuses.
• Massasoit earned the prestigious Military Friendly® School Gold Designation [and Military Spouse Friendly School designation], reflecting its commitment to those who have served.
• The College has made significant progress on a strategic plan that is anchored in equitable enrollment, academic innovation, an inclusive community, and operational excellence.
• The school refined its administrative standards by streamlining the enrollment pipeline with robust communication, helping prospective students move from inquiry to enrollment in a fraction of the time.
• Massasoit continues to welcome every learner, standing firm in its conviction that diversity makes all stronger.

First coming to Massasoit as a student in 1980, Mitchell continued his studies while pursuing a professional baseball career in the St. Louis Cardinals system, eventually transferring to Bridgewater State University and earning his undergraduate degree. At Massasoit, he took on diverse responsibilities spanning finance, student activities, adjunct teaching, and coaching. In 1994, he joined UMass Dartmouth as Assistant Controller and became Associate Vice Chancellor for Financial Services, serving in the role until 2012. He returned to Massasoit as Vice President for Administration and CFO, serving as Interim President from September 2017 through July 2018 before stepping back into the Interim President role in April 2024.

Originally from Brockton, Mitchell often credits Massasoit President Emeritus Dr. Gerard F. Burke with being the encouraging mentor who helped him go from struggling student to college president. After taking classes at Massasoit, Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Framingham State University. His lifelong commitment to Massachusetts public higher education is reflected not only in his own career, but in his family—his children earning degrees from state universities.

In the coming weeks, Massasoit’s Board of Trustees will share more information about the presidential search process and timeline.

Massasoit Community College is commemorating its 60^th anniversary during the 2026-2027 academic year. The community is invited to join us throughout the year as we celebrate our history and look to our future. Learn more at massasoit.edu/60th.