Kenn Anania Named Massasoit Community College’s First Professor Emeritus

Professor of English among first class of graduates in 1968; retired after 49 years of service.

BROCKTON, Mass (Jan. 24, 2025) – The Massasoit Community College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Kenneth Anania as Massasoit’s first Professor Emeritus. A Brockton native and member of Massasoit’s first graduating class in 1968, Anania went on to teach English at the College for nearly 50 years.

Anania joined Massasoit’s faculty in the fall of 1971, when he immediately began to make a difference in the lives of Massasoit’s students. Anania helped launch the Latch Academic Support Program with Dr. Marilyn Maxwell in 1972. A first-of-its-kind program that still exists today, Latch serves a diverse population of students looking for support as they transition into college and develop their reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic skills.

“Over the course of his Massasoit career, Kenn left an incredible mark on our college,” said Bill Mitchell, interim president of Massasoit Community College. “Kenn has contributed more to Massasoit than just his excellence as a Professor of English. His advocacy for his colleagues, commitment to supporting students in need, and playful spirit made Massasoit a stronger College and a better place to learn and work.”

In his role as chair of the English Department, a position he held for seven years, he developed new curriculum and assessment methods, and initiated qualifying exams to ensure that students made satisfactory progress in their studies. Anania retired in 2020 after 49 years of outstanding service to the College and the Massasoit community.

During the Board of Trustees meeting, Professor Catherine Boudreau, a longtime colleague and friend of Anania, presented a thoughtful, intertwined history of the College and Anania’s career. In attendance were over 30 of Anania’s former colleagues, students, friends, and family.  Through Boudreau’s narrative, they heard all about Anania’s passion for education, energetic personality, and drive to make a positive impact on all those he met.

“As I look back on my career at Massasoit, I am reminded of the power of education to transform lives, communities, and societies,” said Professor Emeritus Anania. “This honor not only acknowledges my own dedication but serves as a reminder of the importance of the College’s collective efforts to academic excellence, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge.”

Outside of his work in the classroom, Anania helped create a strong sense of community among faculty and staff at the College. For over 35 years he was involved with Massasoit’s theatre and produced three employee productions.  Additionally, he became an active member and leader in one of the College’s unions, what is now the Massasoit Professional Association, serving as president for 25 years.

“So many great professors and leaders have shaped Massasoit over nearly 60 years, and we are incredibly lucky to have so many hardworking, talented, and caring people who are helping us carry on Kenn’s legacy,” said Mitchell.

Though Anania is the first Professor Emeritus, the College previously honored President Emeritus Charles Wall in 2023. Massasoit’s emeritus program was created by the late President Ray DiPasquale to recognize former employees who made significant contributions to the College during their years of service and continue to support Massasoit and its mission in their retirement.