Two Fitchburg State University distinguished academic leaders, Associate Provost Jannette McMenamy and Psychological Science Department Chair Laura Garofoli, have been selected for prestigious 2026 leadership programs hosted by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
McMenamy will join the Becoming a Provost Academy (BAPA), a program designed to prepare high-potential administrators for the complexities of the chief academic officer role, while Garofoli will participate in the Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI), which focuses on enhancing the essential management and advocacy skills required for departmental excellence.
These selections underscore Fitchburg State’s commitment to fostering a culture of executive growth and ensuring the university remains at the forefront of higher education leadership.
McMenamy, who recently transitioned from her acting role into a permanent appointment as Associate Provost, was chosen for the prestigious program following a rigorous application process aimed at preparing the next generation of higher education leaders.
The academy provides structured mentorship and operational training designed to bridge the gap between traditional academic leadership and the complex, systems-oriented responsibilities of a chief academic officer.
Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge, herself an alumna of the program, expressed strong confidence in McMenamy’s leadership and the impact this opportunity will have on the university's academic mission.
"Jannette is a rare leader who balances deep experience with a bold vision,” said Hodge. “Like my own transformative experience with AASCU, Jannette is ready to move beyond traditional academic roles toward a more expansive, systems-focused leadership style. She has the judgment and values to excel."
McMenamy said that it’s an honor to have been selected for the AASCU's Becoming a Provost Academy.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent Fitchburg State University and to learn alongside higher education leaders from across the country,” said Associate Provost McMenamy. “I look forward to applying what I learn to support our ongoing work in Academic Affairs."
Garofoli was chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants from across the country. The Institute is specifically designed for department chairs at regional public universities who aspire to be dynamic, strategic, and empathetic leaders.
"This recognition is a testament to Laura’s leadership, her commitment to our students, and the respect she’s earned among her colleagues," said Hodge. "We are proud to have Laura representing Fitchburg State in this distinguished cohort. I have no doubt she will bring back insights and strategies that will strengthen her department and our entire campus community."
Since joining the Fitchburg State community in 2005, Garofoli has demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to the institution, beginning her tenure in the Education Department before transitioning to Behavioral Sciences and ultimately to the Psychological Science Department upon its founding in 2015. Over the past two decades, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the university's academic landscape by revising curriculum, developing innovative courses, and designing a robust internship program.
“I am truly honored to have been selected for the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute, and I am especially grateful to Dr. Hodge for nominating me,” said Garofoli. “This opportunity reflects not only a personal milestone, but a commitment to strengthening the academic community I have the privilege of serving every day. I look forward to deepening my leadership skills alongside colleagues from across the country and bringing those insights back to benefit our students, faculty, and institution.”
The 2026 Department Chair Leadership Institute provides participants with a national perspective on the evolving role of the department chair. The curriculum focuses on:
- Aligning departmental goals with the university’s broader vision.
- Strategies for delivering value and ensuring high-quality student outcomes.
- Leading with an inclusive and equitable approach to academic administration.
The program will run from September through December. It features a blended learning format, including a two-day intensive residency at AASCU’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., followed by a series of interactive virtual workshops.
Garofoli’s selection continues a tradition of leadership excellence at Fitchburg State. She follows Professor Erin Rehrig, Chair of the Biology and Chemistry Department, who was selected for the institute’s inaugural cycle.
By participating in this national learning community, Garofoli will collaborate with peers from across the country to address the unique challenges facing modern higher education.
Garofoli’s leadership roles at Fitchburg State include being selected this spring as Special Adviser to the President for the coming academic year, during which she will oversee the next cohort of Presidential Fellows. She replaces Professor of Behavioral Sciences David Weiss, who coordinated last year’s Presidential Fellows Program. Weiss has stepped into a new administrative position as Dean of Institutional Advancement, effective July 1.
President Hodge launched the Fellows program in 2024, designed to support leadership development among faculty and librarians while strengthening connections between faculty expertise and institutional priorities.
Presidential Fellows 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.