Under the chairmanship of Mr. Michael Taylor, the 11-member board is a blend of veterans and future leaders forming a uniquely diversified, yet coherent mix dedicated to advancing the mission of public higher education at 福利天堂专注精品福利.
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Michael Taylor began his career as a Community Organizer in a public housing project in Boston and until recently was President of the Urban College of Boston (UCB). UCB鈥檚 student population is over 90% minority making it one of the most diverse private (non-profit) two-year colleges in New England. Prior to UCB, Michael served as the Commonwealth鈥檚 Director of Workforce Development and as President of the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. Earlier in his career, Michael was the Executive Director of the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). Under his leadership, the PIC established Project Pro-Tech which became the model for a $250 million-dollar national school to work transition initiative established by President Clinton鈥檚 administration.
Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Boston State College and a Master of Education from Harvard University. Michael was an adjunct faculty member at Boston College/Woods College of Advancing Studies. Michael has received numerous awards and recognitions, among those are the: Balfour Foundation Fellowship, Boston State College鈥檚 Education for Service Award and Robert M. Coard Distinguished Leadership Medal.
Dr. Battaglino is Dean Emeritus of the College of Education and Health Sciences at 福利天堂专注精品福利. She played a key leadership role promoting the advancement of technology in education, urban school partnerships, projects focused on increasing science, technology, engineering and math teachers, and international ventures geared at improving conditions for individuals with disabilities. The focus of her recent research is the impact of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease on individuals with Down Syndrome.
Dr. Battaglino spent 30 years as a special education professor promoting the values of social justice, diversity, and inclusion and conducted numerous workshops nationally and internationally. She was invited to a White House Summit for her leadership in improving technology training for teacher preparation. Also, she accepted the 2017 National Best Practice Award in Support of Global and International Perspectives on behalf of the College of Education and Health Sciences at 福利天堂专注精品福利 at the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. Dr. Battaglino has been part of international educational exploratory teams to Belize, Moscow, Singapore, Cape Verde, and China.
She has contributed to scholarly journals and written book chapters in 15 Letters on Education from Singapore (Lulu Publishing Services) and Remembering Massachusetts State Normal Schools: Pioneers in Teacher Education (Institute for Massachusetts Studies).
Dr. Battaglino currently serves on Governor Baker鈥檚 Rural School Commission. In addition, she serves on the 福利天堂专注精品福利 Foundation and is active on both the Investment and Student Engagement Committees.
Dr. Battaglino received a Bachelor of Education in Special and Elementary Education (B.S.) from 福利天堂专注精品福利 in 1979, a master鈥檚 degree in Special Education (M.Ed.) from Boston College in 1981, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Boston College in 1991.
Ms. Carolyn (Van Buskirk) Turchon鈥檚 philanthropic leadership at 福利天堂专注精品福利 is highlighted by her long-term commitment to donate $1 million to the University, which continues to be one of the largest gifts ever received by BSU. As a past member of the BSU Foundation for two decades, former two term president of the Bridgewater Alumni Association, and co-chair of the Class of 1962 50th Reunion Planning Committee, Carolyn continues to be actively engaged in University life by participating in the Shea Scholar Committee as well as the Jordan Fiore Fund Committee. The Bridgewater Alumni Association (BAA) has recognized Carolyn鈥檚 leadership by bestowing upon her its 2003 Dr. George A. Weygand Award for Outstanding Service to the BAA.
In her professional capacity, Carolyn was president of Homes Incorporated. The company was a real estate management firm based in Newton that owned and operated a number of large rental properties throughout Newton and Metro West. Carolyn took ownership of the company upon the passing of her husband and served as chief executive officer for eighteen years until she sold the company in 2007.
Carolyn's volunteer leadership is in her community by taking responsibilities within town government and local organizations in the Boston Metro West region, including six years on the Sherborn Finance Advisory Committee. She also spends time being an active member of two civic organizations: the Daughters of the American Founders and Patriots and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Carolyn currently resides in Yarmouth Port, MA, and Estero, Florida where she enjoys spending her time with her children and grandchildren as well as golfing and water sports.
Dr. Robert V. Antonucci is a lifelong educator widely recognized for his expertise in all facets of public education. He began his career as a teacher and administrator in Lunenburg. Dr. Antonucci has also served as assistant superintendent of the Leominster Public Schools, superintendent of schools in Falmouth, president of the school group at Cambridge-based Riverdeep 鈥 The Learning Company, president and chief executive officer with Harcourt Learning Direct and Harcourt Higher Education, state education commissioner, and president of Fitchburg State University.
During his 12 years of service as FSU president, Dr. Antonucci was a tireless community advocate and spokesperson for public schools and colleges. He also significantly increased the university鈥檚 visibility in Boston and the local region. He served on local, regional and national boards, met with officials at all levels of government, and worked to revitalize North Central Massachusetts. He also drafted a new strategic plan, completed a record-setting capital campaign, and oversaw major capital projects.
Dr. Antonucci has served as the chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, trustee at Eastern Bank and a director at Unitil and Reliant Medical Group. He also held leadership positions at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Our Father's House, Cape Cod Healthcare and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. He is an elected town meeting member in Falmouth.
Dr. Antonucci graduated from Fitchburg State with two degrees and holds a doctorate in education from Boston University. He has honorary degrees from Fitchburg State, Endicott College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Tiffany is a well-diversified, highly qualified, and compassionate individual who has many interests and professional relationships which makes her a unique person to interact with as she continues her efforts to improve herself while helping others. Some present affiliations are highlighted below.
She has served in many different capacities during her 15-year tenure with the Plymouth Old Colony YMCA Board of Governors and is presently the Chairman of the Board of Governors for the past 7 years. For the past 15 years her fundraisings strategies and passion to help families/children in need has resulted in her raising approximately $270,000 this past year. She continues to reach out to make long-term connections to ensure this impressive progression.
Another volunteer effort that is near and dear to her heart is sitting on the Board for the local Plymouth Sunrise Rotary Club. She joined in 2014 and over the years has served as Treasurer, Vice President and most recently nominated as President which she is now actively serving. She lives their motto to a Tee which is "Service Above Self".
Tiffany is proud to be a member of the Salvation Army Board of Governors for 3+ years. "Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination." This requires her to meet with fellow Board members to discuss, agree, and implement how to best serve the community they represent.
She currently serves on the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce sitting on the Board of Governors.
Although the aforementioned are an impressive snapshot of her passion and are a testament of her selfless nature, the following are her other endeavors: President and CEO of K-9 Mercantile Protection - Woman/minority owned security company since 1999; co-owner of ST Materials & Equipment Supply Company; and owner of various investment properties.
Tiffony received her Associate鈥檚 Degree, Liberal Arts & Sciences, from Massasoit Community College.
Mr. Francis Giles is a freelance photojournalist who was a White House accredited photographer. He has held positions at CBS Radio, Inc. as editorial director; The Washington Post as general assignment reporter and Veterans Affairs sub-beat; as well as adjunct professor of photography at Rhode Island School of Design, Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, University of Vermont and others.
Mr. Giles is an Eagle Scout and longtime Boy Scouts leader and thoroughly enjoys his volunteer opportunities.
Francis holds a BA in photography from Burlington College, Certificate in Digital Photography from Rhode Island School of Design, Graduate Studies in the history of photography from Goddard College and Graduate Invitational Photography Studies with Minor White from MIT.
Dhareen Jean-Michel is a Haitian American and second-year student at 福利天堂专注精品福利 pursuing a double major in Physics, with a concentration in Astrophysics, and Biology, with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology. He currently serves as the Student Trustee on the 福利天堂专注精品福利 Board of Trustees.
In addition to his governance responsibilities, Dhareen is actively involved in scientific research and community engagement. He works under the mentorship of Dr. Adams in the Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, contributing to research on the NAB2 protein and its role in gene regulation. He also serves on the BEAR Team and the BSU Observatory Outreach Team, presenting the night sky to the public and helping foster curiosity in astronomy among community members.
Beyond campus, Dhareen expanded his research experience at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where he worked in the Central Microscopy Facility (CMF) under Director Louis Kerr, assisting in advanced microscopy research, imaging projects, and the maintenance of high-resolution instruments.
As Student Trustee, Dhareen is motivated by a desire to enhance transparency, elevate student awareness of university initiatives, and strengthen the connection between students and the Board of Trustees. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a career in astrobiology, exploring the origins of life beyond Earth鈥攐r how life from Earth might one day exist among the stars.
Sheriff Peter Koutoujian graduated from Bridgewater State College in 1983 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology. He went on to earn his law degree at New England School of Law and his master's degree in public administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
Peter is a visionary leader, public administrator, and policymaker with over three decades of government experience. After a successful career as a prosecutor and a public defender, he successfully ran for state representative. He served his hometown of Waltham as well as Newton and Watertown for eight terms. In 2011, he was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to serve as Middlesex Sheriff. He has been elected to the office three times since, most recently in 2022.
As sheriff, his BSU values have been on display through his dedication to improving lives through public service and establishing innovative programs and public-private partnerships using evidenced-based research and data-driven approaches. His efforts as sheriff led him to be elected by his peers to serve as President of both the Massachusetts Sheriff鈥檚 Association and Major County Sheriffs of America, the national organization representing the largest sheriff鈥檚 offices. He was honored by his peers as the 2023 National Sheriff of the Year.
Throughout all this, Peter has remained a vocal and passionate advocate for BSU. As a legislator, he led the charge to have our institution designated as a university. And as sheriff, he has regularly made himself available for BSU programs as well as any student looking to conduct research or learn more about public service. His commitment to being a Bear even extends to his family 鈥 his son Peter is currently enrolled in the undergraduate college and his mother Connie takes classes at BSU鈥檚 Senior College.
Walter Prince is a partner at the Boston law firm Prince Lobel Tye LLP. Mr. Prince has more than four decades of experience in transportation, commercial law, and civil and white-collar criminal litigation. He鈥檚 worked as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney, conducted internal investigations for Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions and sports programs, served as the MBTA鈥檚 general counsel, and participated in committees that recommended and reviewed candidates for state and federal judgeships.
Walter has received many prestigious recognitions. A few include: 2021 Boston鈥檚 鈥淟awyer of the Year,鈥 Criminal Defense: General Practice, Best Lawyers in America漏; 2019 Boston 鈥淟awyer of the Year,鈥 Litigation 鈥 Banking & Finance, Best Lawyers; and 2017 Recipient of the American Board of Trial Advocates鈥 Robert Morris Trial Lawyer Award for his contributions to the legal profession.
Mr. Prince is a former president of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association, the former vice president of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Conference of Black Lawyers and the former vice president of the Ford Hall Forum.
Walter studied history and education at Boston State College, which later merged with the University of Massachusetts Boston. As a junior, he decided to attend law school and ultimately earned his Juris Doctor from Boston College.
Ann M. Ulett is a seasoned recruiting manager with over two decades of experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in Boston, MA. Currently serving as the Northeast Entry Level Trust Business Recruiting Manager, Ann excels in delivering a diverse and high-quality talent pipeline, fulfilling tax business hiring goals, and managing the candidate experience from application to onboarding. Her expertise in leveraging technology and maintaining data integrity ensures efficient and effective recruitment processes.
Ann's career at PwC has been marked by her leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in the creation and implementation of the PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Bryant University and has managed the Start Internship Program and INROADS for the Northeast region for over a decade. Her commitment to diversity is further demonstrated through her proactive involvement in national conferences such as NABA & ALPFA and her leadership in the Accounting and Careers Leadership Institute Program at Bryant University.
In her previous role as Campus Talent Recruiting Manager, Ann managed strategic sourcing schools, facilitated internal and external campus events, and supported social media initiatives. Her ability to build strong relationships with faculty, colleagues, and industry leaders has been instrumental in her success.
Ann holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Science with a concentration in Accounting from Bridgewater State College. A certified advanced learning facilitator, Ann also holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace. Ann's dedication to her field and her community is further evidenced by her appointment to BSU. Since 2013, she has been an active member of the 福利天堂专注精品福利 Foundation Board, contributing as Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee, and serving on the Executive and Investment Committees. Additionally, she is involved with the School of Business Advisory Board and is a past President of the Afro-American Alumni Association.
Ann is deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion, learning facilitation, and creating opportunities for college students. Her personal interests include photography, exploring nature trails, spending quality time with family, and engaging in community service.
Michael J. Vieira鈥檚 professional career has been in the field of education for most of his life. Dr. Vieira worked at B.M.C. Durfee High School as an English/Journalism Teacher and Publications Advisor for 20 years. He also had a distinguished career at Bristol Community College (serving as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean for Business and Information Management as well as other roles during the time period 1999 through 2013). Michael has also served as an adjunct/part-time instructor for Wentworth Institute of Technology, Eastern Nazarene College, 福利天堂专注精品福利, Roger Williams University, and UMass Dartmouth.
Dr. Vieira has several published books and journals; has international education experience (participated in student educational trips to Barcelona, England, Ireland, etc.; Disquiet Writing Conference in Lisbon and the Azores; the annual Community Colleges for International Development Conference, etc.) and has received numerous awards, honors and certifications.
Michael has been an active member of BSU鈥檚 Alumni Board since 2015, most recently serving as its secretary.
Dr. Vieira earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in the Teaching of English from BSU; Certificate of Advance Graduate Study in Educational Administration from Rhode Island College and his PhD in Education, Leadership for Higher Education Specialization from Capella University.