Presidential Search
About the Search
After 10 successful years and the anticipated conclusion of a $30 million Pathways Comprehensive Capital Campaign, Dr. James F. Birge has announced his intention to retire as the 12th President of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. The Board of Trustees and the MCLA community are seeking a bold, visionary leader to guide the institution into its next chapter. Our President will champion the value of the liberal arts, strengthen enrollment and student success, advance our reputation statewide and nationally, and foster partnerships that enhance the vitality of the Berkshires and the Commonwealth.
Presidential Search Committee
The Presidential Search Committee is composed of a diverse group of individuals who reflect MCLA’s collaborative and inclusive spirit. Their charge is to identify and recommend outstanding candidates who align with MCLA’s mission, values, and aspirations. The following members of our community have been appointed to serve on the Presidential Search Committee, representing the broad range of voices that make MCLA strong: trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners.
| NAME | TITLE | COMMITTEE ROLE |
| Dr. Yvonne Spicer | Trustee | Co-Chair, Trustee Rep |
| Brenda Burdick | Trustee | Co-Chair, Trustee Rep |
| Tom Bernard | Trustee | Trustee Rep |
| Ben Downing | Trustee | Trustee Rep |
| Allie Bayer | Student Trustee | Student Rep, Trustee Rep |
| Judy Roy | Admissions Administrative Assistant | AFSCME Union Rep, Alumni |
| Brendon Goodridge | Director of Housing | APA Union Rep |
| Dr. Emily Maher | Professor, Physics | Faculty Union Rep 15+ years |
| Dr. Ruby Vega | Professor, Psychology | Faculty Union Rep 10-15 years |
| Dr. Jerome Socolof | Professor, FPA | Faculty Union Rep <10 years |
| Brenda Stokes | Executive Director, Human Resources | Non-Union Rep, HR liaison |
| Bryana Bayly | Graduate Alumni - MBA | Graduate Alumni Rep |
| Crystal Adelt | President of Alumni Board | Undergrad Alumni Rep |
| Mike Barbieri | Foundation Board | Foundation Rep, Alumni |
| Dr. Nicole Johnson | Director of Board Relations, DHE | DHE Rep |
| Buffy Lord, Esq. | Chair of Board of Trustees | Liaison, Alumni |
| Kelli Kozak | Executive Assistant to the President | Clerk, Logistics, non-voting |
Contact: presidentialsearch@mcla.edu
Communication
Search Timeline
Introduction to MCLA
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is the state’s public liberal arts college;
a distinction that underscores both our mission and our impact. For more than a century,
MCLA has offered students an affordable, high-quality education grounded in the liberal
arts tradition.
We are proud that U.S. News & World Report has recognized MCLA as a Top Ten Public Liberal Arts College in the nation for the 11th consecutive year. We also earned the #6 spot nationally for Top Performers on Social Mobility among public liberal arts colleges, affirming our commitment to providing access and opportunity to students of all backgrounds
At MCLA, students benefit from:
- Affordability: Lowest average student debt among Massachusetts colleges.
- Personalized Education: Small classes with professors who know students by name.
- Experiential Learning: Opportunities for research, internships, and global experiences.
- The Berkshires Advantage: A serene, culturally rich setting near MASS MoCA, Tanglewood, and Mount Greylock.
- Supportive Community: A close-knit campus where every student has a path to thrive
As we embark on a new strategic plan, a comprehensive market research study, and a brand refresh, this is an exciting time to join MCLA as its next president.
This is a pivotal moment in MCLA’s history. Together, we will identify a leader who will guide our college, strengthen our community, and help shape the future of public liberal arts education in Massachusetts.
