SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College has named its first ever vice president of advancement and external affairs.
STCC President John B. Cook announced the appointment of Denise Hurst, of Springfield, in a campus-wide email on Nov. 7.
Since 2009, Hurst has served as an elected member of the Springfield School Committee. She is a member of numerous boards, including the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
Describing the new position, Cook said the vice president will “provide comprehensive leadership for institution-sustaining efforts, including fundraising in partnership with the STCC Foundation, building and sustaining governmental relations, and overseeing branding, marketing and strategic communications.”
Cook said, “Denise brings a unique combination of heart, intellect, and professionalism to a similarly unique institution which serves as the only technical community college in Massachusetts.”
With a career defined by community engagement, Hurst has been a policymaker and legislative advocate at the local, state and federal levels. Hurst’s path began as a social worker and clinician, ultimately rising to area director within the state Department of Mental Health.
More recently, Hurst was appointed by State Treasurer Deb Goldberg as regional manager of the Massachusetts State Lottery in Western Massachusetts, an office with a budget that approaches $90 million.
Frank Quigley, president of the STCC Foundation, said, “The Foundation Board is pleased to welcome Denise Hurst to Springfield Technical Community College. Denise has strong roots in Springfield, and we are confident that her leadership on the Springfield School Committee will be an asset to enhance and support the mission of the Foundation. We look forward to working with her.”
State Rep. Bud L. Williams, D-Springfield, congratulated STCC on the selection of Hurst as vice president.
“The college has made a wonderful choice,” Williams said. “Denise Hurst is as talented and as capable as they come. I look forward to working with her closely. STCC is a gem for the city of Springfield.”
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Hurst also earned a master’s degree from Springfield College and has taught as an adjunct at both Cambridge College and Holyoke Community College.
She and her husband, Justin Hurst, live in Springfield with their two sons. Hurst begins Dec. 3. at STCC.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 7,400 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).
