SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College held its Professional Day on Jan. 16, bringing faculty and staff together to focus on professional development, collaboration and innovation.

Themed “Leading the Educational Ecosystem,” the day emphasized STCC’s pivotal role in shaping education and workforce development in the region.

The event featured breakout sessions covering a range of critical topics, divided into four tracks: Ecosystem Partners, Equity, Innovation, and Skills and Practice. Highlights included:

  • Practicing Equity: Strategies for Classroom and Student Support
  • Clean Crop & STCC: Bridging Students to Green Jobs
  • Empowering Women in STEM: Insights from Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
  • Know Your Gen A’s to Z’s: Engaging Early College Students in the Classroom

Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp highlighted the purpose of the sessions, stating, “Today’s Professional Day offers insights and perspectives about the innovative programs, relevant courses, classroom experiences and industry exposure that provide opportunities for applied learning.”

Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs, delivered opening remarks, focusing on STCC’s adaptability and growth. “In thinking about our ecosystem leadership both internally and regionally, certainly this institutional ability to adapt is key,” Thuot said.

He shared data reflecting significant year-over-year growth, crediting the momentum to Massachusetts’ free community college initiative. This spring’s enrollment is approximately 5,000 students, slightly lower than the fall but promising for the future.

During the lunch break, Dr. John B. Cook, STCC’s President, outlined ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond. He emphasized the college’s leadership in advancing STEM education and workforce development, with a focus on quantum computing and green jobs.

President Cook discussed the state’s $40 million investment in a quantum accelerator to be located in Springfield, positioning the region as a hub between Boston’s biotech and Albany’s nanotech industries. “It’s exciting for this college to be the driver of a lot of this work,” Cook said. “We’re on the ground floor for investment in an industry that could come to define the Pioneer Valley.”

He also spoke about upcoming initiatives, including the relocation of the School of Health and Patient Simulation with a $51.5 million investment. The groundbreaking is scheduled for October 2025.

STCC’s Professional Day underscored the college’s commitment to equity, access and innovation. Sessions such as “Equity in Action: The Power of Early College and Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity” highlighted the institution’s efforts to foster inclusivity and student success.