Mount Wachusett's president Asquino to retire

Courtesy Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel Asquino stands in front of wind turbines he helped bring to the school and now supply the school with nearly all of its power needs. Asquino will be retiring next year.

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By Sam Bonacci

Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel Asquino announced that he will step down from his position in 2017.

Asquino has served as president of Mount Wachusett Community College since August 1987 and is currently the longest-serving public higher education president in Massachusetts, according to college officials. During his time there, academic programs and the student population have grown, and development has taken off.

“I can say without reservation that it has been a joy to come to work each and every day. For that, I thank the hard-working students, faculty, staff and alumni of Mount Wachusett Community College and our many community partners for their inspiration and support,” Asquino said in a statement.

Enrollment has grown to over 12,000 credit and non-credit students, satellite campuses have been established in Leominster, Fitchburg, and Devens, and the number of academic programs has expanded to over 75 associate degree and certificate options. The college has also extended its reach in the areas of workforce development and economic development; dual enrollment and K-12 partnerships; civic engagement and service learning; veteran services; and renewable energy and sustainability.

“What was a one-campus college with fewer than 1,500 students when he arrived 30 years ago, is today a thriving four-campus college deeply connected to the communities we serve,” Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees Chair Tina Sbrega said in a statement. “President Asquino not only cared deeply about his students and the college, but he worked closely with countless community partners to ensure that the college and its offerings were relevant. This entire community is better for his leadership and he will leave a pair of very big shoes to fill.”

A nationwide search for a new leader will be undertaken by the MWCC Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. President Asquino will continue to lead the institution through January of 2017 and until his successor is selected.