Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge Delivers Inspiring State of the University Address 2024

Fitchburg State University, founded in 1894, a public institution located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies, celebrated a momentous occasion as President Dr. Donna Hodge, the university’s 12th and first female president, delivered her inaugural State of the University address on Wednesday, September 4th. Situated on the campus main square with hundreds in attendance, Dr. Hodge outlined a bold vision for the future of the institution - one focusing on service, community engagement, and academic excellence.

During the address, President Hodge notably introduced 2024-2025 as the “Year of Service,” emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of service to students, the community, and alumni in the region and from around the world. She noted that this initiative would be a driving force in transforming Fitchburg State into “its next best version.”

“It is an absolute honor to stand before you as the first woman to hold this role in our 130-year history,” Dr. Hodge said, reflecting on the institution’s long legacy of dedication to education and inclusivity. “Together, we will explore what it means to serve one another and meet the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world.”

Dr. Hodge highlighted several key achievements, including the university’s successful fall enrollment, surpassing budgeted goals, and its sustained excellence in research, teaching, and service. She also recognized the importance of community partnerships, notably with the Fitchburg Art Museum and the City of Fitchburg, which have played a critical role in revitalizing the region.

She additionally announced significant new initiatives, including the opening of an admissions center at Fitchburg High School as part of the university’s commitment to strengthening local recruitment and becoming the first-choice institution for students in North Central Massachusetts.

President Hodge also shared a forward-looking vision for the university, focusing on:

• Financial transparency and the introduction of a revamped campus budgeting process.
• A focus on enrollment growth through innovative programs and international student engagement.
• An emphasis on improving campus morale, with new employee programs and enhanced collaboration efforts across departments.

Reflecting on the challenges of the past decade, Dr. Hodge underscored the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing higher education landscape while remaining steadfast in the university’s mission to serve diverse student populations, including first-generation students, adult learners, and international students.

“We will continue to prioritize academic excellence, student success, and community engagement,” she said. “Together, we will build trust, grow our community, and demonstrate the courage to innovate for our students.”

The address concluded with President Hodge rallying the Fitchburg State community to embrace the opportunities ahead. “If we do this right, Fitchburg State will not only feel like the number one state university in Massachusetts—it will be known as such.”

To view a live stream of the address, visit: https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/yycCAZPb0NN3zj2o5qio-YFMNC43NjCG/playlists/3135/media/898091?autostart=true&showtabssearch=true&key=yycCAZPb0NN3zj2o5qio-YFMNC43NjCG&fullscreen=false

Media Inquiries:

For more information, please contact: Matthew Bruun in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at Fitchburg State University, at mbruun@fitchburgstate.edu

Contact Information

Matthew Bruun

Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Fitchburg State University

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