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February 3, 2010
Board of Higher Education Unanimously Approves Application
by UMass Dartmouth to Offer Law Program
Massachusetts becomes 45th state to offer a public option for the study of law
At its meeting held yesterday at Bridgewater State College, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education voted unanimously to approve the application by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to award the Juris Doctor, the first professional degree in the study of law.
The approval comes one week after discussion of the application at the Board's Assessment and Accountability Committee meeting in Worcester, including public testimony from approximately 30 individuals, most of whom spoke in favor of the application, and after a positive recommendation from staff at the Department of Higher Education.
Press Release (.DOC)
December 8, 2009
Task Force Recommends Broadening Outcomes Of Higher Education To Meet Needs Of The 21st Century Workplace
Group composed of leaders of business, non-profit, government, higher education, and community organizations present vision to Board and Commissioner of Higher Education
As the Commonwealth works to continuously improve public higher education and toward implementing the Commissioner’s Vision Project to produce the country’s best-educated citizenry, the Board of Higher Education received a report today that strongly encouraged them to ensure that all college graduates master not only strong academic knowledge but also the applied skills necessary for success in the knowledge-driven 21st century. The Commissioner’s Advisory Group on Undergraduate Education presented their report to the Board after six months of research, meetings and deliberation.
Press Release (.DOC)
January 15, 2009
Department of Higher Education Awards $445,000 for Nursing Education Patient Simulation
Part of statewide initiative to address nursing shortage in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) today announced it will award a total of $445,000 for human patient simulation projects across the Commonwealth as part of a larger effort to better prepare nurses and nursing educators. These awards are part of the Commonwealth’s ongoing Nursing Initiative which seeks to expand the capacity and quality of public and private higher education nursing programs in order to better meet the workforce needs of the health care industry, a vital sector of the state’s economy.
Press Release (.DOC)
December 5, 2008
Board of Higher Education Unanimously Approves Dr. Richard M. Freeland asCommissioner of Higher Education
Nomination forwarded to Education Secretary Paul. Reville for final consideration
At a special meeting held earlier today, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education voted unanimously to recommend Dr. Richard M. Freeland as the next Commissioner of Higher Education. The decision followed a public meeting and interview with Dr. Freeland, which provided an opportunity for the full Board to ask questions and get a sense of his vision for higher education in the Commonwealth.
The Commissioner Search Task Force presented a unanimous recommendation to the Board of Higher Education at their meeting on Nov. 21 to consider Dr. Freeland for the position. Today’s interview and vote by the Board was the next step in the process. With the vote, the Board forwards the recommendation to Education Secretary Paul Reville, who, as part of the Governor’s reorganization of education in the Commonwealth, has the final authority in appointing Commissioners at the three education departments – Early Education and Care, Elementary and Secondary Education, and Higher Education.
Press Release (.DOC)
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