2022 District 1 Pacesetter

2022 District 1 Pacesetter

Dr. Laura L. Douglas
President
Bristol Community College
Fall River, MA

President Laura L. Douglas, Ph.D., is an agent of positive growth and change, dedicated to working with students, faculty and staff to foster an inclusive environment with a ‌rich diversity of beliefs, cultures, languages, abilities and lifestyles.   

Taking the helm as Bristol Community College’s fourth president in 2017, Douglas is dedicated to guiding a college-going culture. Driven by her dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion, she has led the development of a strategic plan that weaves equity into all aspects of Bristol’s mission, vision and values. During Douglas’s tenure, the college has become a regional leader for social justice, a voice for underrepresented students and an advocate of equitable access to affordable higher education.  

She works tirelessly on initiatives that support student success, including collaborations with K-12 schools and four-year institutions, innovative business partnerships, creative social media tactics and connections with a regional delegation. She led the college safely through the COVID-19 pandemic while enacting a new four-year strategic plan, and she prioritizes making thoughtful connections with faculty and staff.

“From remembering to celebrate birthdays, frequently utilizing her famous birthday cake eyeglasses, to sending a thank-you note for a job well done, President Douglas works hard to build connections,” Joyce Brennan, Bristol’s marketing and communications vice president, writes in Douglas’s nomination. 

She also understands the importance of media relations and a communications strategy. Douglas runs her own presidential Twitter account, promoting the Bristol region and engaging with the community. Since starting with the college, her followers have grown from 373 to 1,080. She also supports marketing and communications through videos, including welcome back messaging and carpool karaoke.

Under Douglas’ leadership, Bristol Community College has taken the international stage: It is on the forefront of the United States’ emerging offshore wind industry, demonstrating the community college’s value as an economic driver in New England and beyond. 

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