On Friday, April 24, RCC and community leaders gathered to celebrate the official inauguration of RCC’s 18th President Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson, who took office in July of 2024. During the ceremony Dr. Jefferson was administered the Presidential Oath by Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega and was presented with the Presidential Medallion.
Dr. Jefferson’s presidential address described the future direction of RCC as a path to sustained financial success for its students that builds on the work of the RCC founders who defeated plans to build a highway on the land where the College was created more than 50 years ago. He explained how the RCC strategic plan is based on purpose, people, place, programs, and partnerships.
“Roxbury Community College is a highway to economic mobility.This will be at the forefront of all college initiatives throughout my tenure,” said Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson. “Infusing RCC’s vision, and mission into our everyday work, celebrating our values in action, and creating a culture of empathy, belonging, and community connection are both central to the College’s growth and my personal beliefs.” Dr. Jefferson expressed gratitude for being so warmly received by the RCC community in the 22 months since he arrived at RCC.
Several local political leaders spoke at the ceremony. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll praised Dr. Jefferson for leading RCC with grace and integrity based on his experience and his personal understanding of the journey of so many RCC students.
“RCC holds a unique and essential role,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “For decades it has been at the forefront of expanding opportunities for students who too often have been left behind. That mission is not just important, it’s foundational to who we are as a state.”
The Commonwealth’s support of MassConnect and MassEducate Free Community College for All has helped enrollment at RCC grow by 30%. RCC has taken critical steps to successfully accommodate the influx of students, including launching RCC Connect, which is a one stop location where students can find answers to critical questions about financial aid, course registration, and academic planning. Since it was launched, RCC Connect has presided over 8,000 student transactions.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu spoke of how much she has deeply admired Dr. Jefferson during the time she has known him. “Under Dr. Jefferson’s leadership RCC has doubled down on helping our young people engage with our community to discover their passions and dream even bigger about their futures,” said Mayor Wu. “We can’t wait to keep working together to expand on the opportunities for our city and for this community.”
During Dr.Jefferson’s tenure, RCC has strengthened its relationship with Boston Public Schools (BPS) to close equity gaps in access, retention, and completion. RCC and BPS have developed a unique Early College consortium model that prioritizes multilingual learners and provides flexible entry points designed to meet students where they are.
“RCC is a reflection of who we are,” said Senator Liz Miranda. “It is where dreams are built, where second chances are real and generations of our neighbors have come to find their path forward and up,” Senator Miranda was instrumental in securing a $3M line item for capital upgrades at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.
“It is a pleasure to have Dr. Jefferson lead this college,” said Rep. Chynah Tyler. “During his time here he has demonstrated a commitment to student success and community impact.” Rep. Tyler praised the support the Rox Box food pantry has given to students as an example of that impact.
“One thing is clear. RCC is not just moving forward it is moving with intention,” said Boston City Councilor Miniard Culpepper. “When student well being and success and growth are the center of every decision, the whole institution thrives.” Councilor Culpepper also praised Dr. Jefferson for being a bridge builder who has connected RCC with institutions across the region. “The students are our future. You do not stand alone, we stand beside you and with you and everything you choose to accomplish,” he added.
Under Dr. Jefferson’s leadership, Workforce Development, STEM, Healthcare and Clean Energy programming have expanded.
“Dr. Jefferson is relentless in developing and fine-tuning pathways that launch students into successful employment opportunities,” said Stephen Zrike, Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. “He is the right leader to meet this moment.”
In early February, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education approved RCC’s new Applied Associate of Science degree in Smart Building Technology, which will provide graduates with economic mobility and future-proof skills. The curriculum is based on the programming offered through RCC’s Center for Smart Building Technology. RCC is in the process of creating its first two online programs and a Liberal Arts program offered at night and on weekends.
The Learn and Earn program has been granted $2M in funding to offer paid, credit granting internships for RCC students in high demand fields including healthcare.
“Thank you Dr. Jefferson for your exceptional leadership, and for your commitment to honoring RCC’s legacy while transforming the College into a future-proof, state-of-the- art, work-ready career college,” said Israul Marrero, Interim Chair Board of Trustees, Roxbury Community College “I know you will continue prioritize the student experience and will continue working diligently to provide every RCC student with the personalized support program needed for long-term success.”
A reception was held in the Student Commons following the ceremony.
External Coverage:
From top left: James Whitley, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Izzy Marrero, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees; Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor; Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston; Liz Miranda, State Senator; Miniard Culpepper with Dr. Jefferson; Chynah Tyler, State Representative; Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson delivering the oath of office; Randi Korn, Vice President of Retention and Academic Success; Everest Onwuoha, former English Department Chairperson and Dean of Liberal Arts; Stephen Zrike, Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, and Noe Ortega, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; Lauretta Siggers-Benton, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Vice President of Advancement and the RCC Foundation; Michael Curry, President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers; Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond, Chair of the RCC Foundation; Dr. Jefferson with RCC faculty; Dr. Jefferson with his family; and officials, friends of RCC, and representatives from colleges and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.
