The Presidential Fellows Program was launched in 2024 with the goal of fostering leadership growth among faculty and librarians by providing a unique professional development opportunity. The fellows represent President Hodge and the President’s Office and contribute to university- and community-wide initiatives that further Fitchburg State’s mission, vision and core values. The program is overseen by Special Assistant to the President Dr. David Weiss.
The application window for Presidential Fellows in 2026-27 is now open.
Opportunity
Presidential Fellows will engage regularly with the President’s Office and senior university leadership on issues relevant to Fitchburg State and the broader landscape of higher education. The fellowship is intended to recognize and amplify the meaningful work faculty and librarians are already doing across the university.
Rather than requiring a large independent project, fellows are encouraged to build upon existing areas of scholarship, teaching, service, or campus engagement. Through conversations within their cohort, and collaboration with university leadership, fellows may choose to further develop or highlight work that contributes to the continued growth and visibility of Fitchburg State.
Throughout the academic year, fellows will also have opportunities to hear from and better connect with cabinet-level leaders—including President Hodge, Acting Provost and VPAA Barricelli, General Counsel Luster, and other senior administrators—through program meetings, discussions, and informal gatherings focused on university priorities and emerging issues in higher education.
Fellows may additionally serve as an important faculty and librarian perspective in conversations with leadership and may represent the President’s Office at selected campus or community events.
Participation
Fellows will participate in periodic program meetings, discussions with senior leadership, and occasional university events. The fellowship is designed primarily as a leadership engagement and professional development opportunity, providing space for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration across campus.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026
- Notification by no later than May 15, 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: September 1, 2026
- Term: Academic Year 2026–2027
Application Process
Interested faculty and librarians should submit the following materials by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, to presidentsoffice@fitchburgstate.edu:
- A letter of interest describing how participation in the program aligns with your professional goals and how your work or interests may contribute to the continued success of Fitchburg State University
- A current curriculum vitae (CV)
Applications will be reviewed by the President and select members of the leadership team in consultation with the acting provost.
The Presidential Fellows Program represents a valuable opportunity to engage with university leadership, strengthen collaboration across the institution, and help shape the continued success of Fitchburg State University. I encourage interested faculty and librarians to apply.
The 2025-26 Presidential Fellows are:
- Professor DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld (English Studies Department);
- Associate Professor Jonathan Harvey (Humanities Department);
- Professor Denise Sargent (Education Department);
- Associate Professor Deborah Stone (Nursing Department); and
- Connie Strittmatter (Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library).
Re-appointed Fellows include Professor Katharine Covino (English Studies Department), Professor Laura Garofoli (Psychological Sciences Department), Assistant Professor Dustin Halterman (Education Department) and Associate Professor Lindsay Parisi (Exercise and Sports Science Department).