 |  |  |
 2008 National Pacesetter of the Year
Daniel M. Asquino, Ph.D.
Daniel Asquino is often described as a “visionary leader,” and in his 20-plus years as president of Mount Wachusett Community College, he’s set his sights on a number of inventive initiatives that have had far-reaching effects locally, regionally and nationally. On his own campus, Dr. Asquino has centralized marketing efforts to ensure a consistent image and message. Twelve years ago he established an external affairs office, now called the Division of Advancement and Community Relations, and in 2004, he championed a market research and integrated marketing process that became part of the college’s strategic plan. Between 2001 and 2006, Mount Wachusett recorded a 28 percent credit enrollment growth rate, the highest in the state. During the 2006-07 academic year, the college’s enrollment jumped 13 percent, climbing to more than 10,000 credit and noncredit students, the largest in the college’s history. Under Dr. Asquino’s watchful eye, academic programming has emphasized the importance of meeting the workforce needs of the state and region. Recently added programs include those in biotechnology, clinical lab science, practical nursing and dental hygiene. The dental hygiene program last year received full accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation and two commendations for excellence. Dr. Asquino has led the college to the forefront in online courses and services. In 2001, he founded the Massachusetts Colleges Online Consortium. Last spring, Mount Wachusett was named one of the country’s top tech-savvy community colleges by the Center for Digital Education and the American Association of Community Colleges. Dr. Asquino, a member of the Leadership Circle of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, has also helped establish Mount Wachusett as a national leader in renewable energy. In 2002, the college converted its all-electric main campus to a biomass heating system with impressive results: a 38 percent reduction in electricity at a cost savings of $2.4 million; a 52 percent reduction in water usage; and a 24-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. To date, the college’s efforts have resulted in $1.6 million in energy rebates, more than $5 million in grants for energy conservation initiatives and numerous awards. During his tenure, Dr. Asquino has consistently demonstrated his belief that “community” is the most important part of the college’s name. Six years ago, he launched an initiative called the “Decade of Civic Engagement” to infuse a new spirit of community service within the college. In 2005, he created the Center for Democracy and Humanity, which is now responsible for a number of unique outreach programs, including the Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety, which provides learning and support services to families throughout the state; the Institute for Nonprofit Development, which offers training and assistance to area nonprofit organizations; and the Citizenship Academy, a free college credit program for high school students emphasizing civic engagement and community service. Just last year, Dr. Asquino established the Community Scholars program, which is enabling 12 recent high school graduates from north central Massachusetts to earn an associate degree at Mount Wachusett at no cost while being employed for two years at a partnering nonprofit organization. Their education, including free textbooks, is valued at more than $10,000. The Mount Wachusett Foundation will cover 80 percent of their salaries and will provide leadership training and $1,000 toward a bachelor’s degree at any four-year college or university. A longtime colleague of Dr. Asquino’s says NCMPR’s national Pacesetter award is most fitting: “It is my sincere belief that Dr. Asquino has consistently been at the forefront of educational, economic and civic engagement initiatives throughout his 20 years at Mount Wachusett Community College.” The Pacesetter of the Year Award recognizes a community college chief executive officer who has demonstrated special leadership and support in college communications and marketing. It is awarded annually in each of NCMPR?s seven districts, and district recipients automatically qualify to compete for the national award.
2007 District Pacesetters of the Year District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7
|
 |
And the Winners are...
|