Paul Beaudin’s educational journey began as a kindergartener in Manchester the day his mother took him by the hand and walked him to the Straw School at 608 Chestnut Street. Over the years, his journey as a student, professor, and administrator brought him to various regions of New York and, eventually, back to New England. The Board of Trustees of the Community College System of NH (CCSNH) on Dec. 12 unanimously confirmed Dr. Beaudin as the next president of Manchester Community College (MCC), bringing his life in education full circle and back to his Manchester roots.
“His commitment to educational excellence, removing barriers, and creating a sense of belonging to support student success came through in all phases of the search process," says Katharine Shields, chair of the CCSNH board of trustees. "We were especially impressed by the scope of his professional experience, from teaching in the South Bronx, to leadership in a variety of community colleges and graduate level institutions, making him an exciting leader for the college and a valuable addition to the education community here in the Granite State.”
Beaudin most recently served as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill and Lawrence, Mass., where he promoted greater access for student enrollment, supported the launch of several new certificate and degree programs, and helped modify policies to support student success and retention.
Beaudin also served within the State University of New York (SUNY) system from 2015-2021 as vice president for academic affairs, interim vice president of student affairs, and dean of instruction at SUNY Suffolk on Long Island, a tri-campus community college of over 20,000 students. From 200 to 2015, he worked at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, a private, graduate-level institution where he served as associate sean, directed advisement for graduate education students, and was an associate professor of education. He has additional graduate teaching experience at Manhattan College in Bronx, NY, Fordham University in Bronx, NY, and Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. Beaudin also served as district superintendent for the Bronx Catholic Schools, with responsibility for 62 elementary schools enrolling 25,000 students.
“When we began this search, we knew it would be important to find a leader who could step into a dynamic environment in stride, to ensure that Manchester Community College continues to serve its students and the community well, and that MCC is contributing to the renaissance in Manchester,” says Dr. Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH Chancellor. “Dr. Beaudin has demonstrated that ability throughout his career, and in asking him to accept this role with MCC in his hometown, I am confident that he will provide that leadership to enable his talented faculty and staff to ensure that Manchester’s students thrive.”
“It is a privilege to be invited to leadership at MCC, situated in the same city where I live and where my grandmother and her siblings made shoes in the mills along the river,” Dr. Beaudin says. “I was drawn to this position because of the caring reputation that MCC faculty and staff enjoy within the community and the college’s commitment to workforce development and the economic growth of our area. I intend to start by spending time listening to those administrators, faculty, and staff who have dedicated so much of their lives to this college and its students. I want to hear from students about how the college is helping to support their dreams and how our community partnerships can best provide living-wage jobs for our graduates and their families.”
Beaudin holds a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Education from Fordham University, a Professional Diploma in School Administration and Supervision, also from Fordham, and a Master of Science in Education from Iona College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Iona College.
Manchester Community College has more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs and enrolls approximately 3,000 students annually plus more than 2,000 high school students who enroll through CCSNH’s Early College program. Interim President Charles Lloyd had led the college since August and in January will resume his role as vice chancellor of the Community College System of NH. Beaudin will start at MCC on January 13, 2025.
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