Fitchburg State University President Hodge announced the appointment of Rebecca H. Newell as Fitchburg State’s new Executive Director of Personnel Services, effective Monday, Nov. 30.
Newell has most recently served as Director of Equal Opportunity and Institutional Compliance in the Office of Human Resources and Payroll Services. She joined the Fitchburg State community in 2024.
“Rebecca has provided critical support to Fitchburg State’s Title IX and Equal Employment Opportunity efforts, which complement her nearly 30 years of experience in a variety of roles in higher education,” President Hodge said. “I am grateful for the skills and perspective she will bring to this position, supporting all members of the campus community.”
Newell will succeed Kimberly Page, who is leaving Fitchburg State after 10 years to pursue another professional opportunity.
“I want to thank Kim Page for her remarkable service to Fitchburg State,” President Hodge said. “Kim has supported the campus with exceptional professionalism, impeccable judgment, and an abiding sense of fairness that strengthened our community. I wish her all the best in her next endeavor.”
“I have truly enjoyed my time at Fitchburg State over the past decade and cherish the memories of working alongside such dedicated employees, staff and leadership team,” Page said. “It has been a privilege to serve the university and lead Personnel Services under the guidance of Stacey Luster and President Hodge. FSU will always hold a special place for me, and I remain confident that Personnel Services will continue to serve as a vital resource for our community moving forward.”
Newell will report to Vice President of Personnel Services and General Counsel Stacey Luster.
“I am thrilled that Rebecca has agreed to accept this vital position in support of our campus community,” Luster said. “In her tenure at Fitchburg State she has already proved herself a valued leader in the division and a trusted collaborator by her colleagues from across campus.”
“I am truly honored to step into this role,” Newell said. “I look forward to building upon the tremendous contributions and strong foundation established before me. Most importantly, I look forward to listening and collaborating with our campus community to ensure Personnel Services is a trusted resource and valued partner, as employees are the heart of a great university. I'm looking forward to cultivating important relationships across our campus community, working together towards our common purpose. I am eager to be a part of the wonderful work ahead as we grow, evolve, and support one another.”
Newell joined Fitchburg State in 2024 after 22 years at Middlesex Community College, where her many roles included service as Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Clark University and a Master of Education in higher education administration at Boston College. She will complete her second master’s degree – a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources – from Fitchburg State next spring.