April 6
Dr. Jennifer Mezquita has been selected to be North Shore Community College’s first Provost.
NSCC President Dr. William Heineman chose to create the Provost position after extensive discussion with faculty and staff at the college. A Provost has responsibility for both academic and student affairs, and is designed to provide more integrated, comprehensive and seamless services to students.
Dr. Mezquita currently serves as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) where she provides leadership and oversight of the programs, functions and services for Enrollment Services, PK12 Partnerships, Student Development, Registrar, Student Affairs Business Systems, and Compliance.
Prior to joining Northern Essex, Dr. Mezquita worked at College of the Desert Foundation, Valencia College Foundation, Valencia College and the University of Central Florida (UCF) where she held leadership roles within alumni relations, student development, enrollment services, Federal TRIO Programs and also served as an adjunct instructor.
During her undergraduate college years, Dr. Mezquita was introduced to the higher education profession. She developed a passion for breaking the barriers of access into higher education for underrepresented and underserved populations which led her to pursue her career in higher education. She believes in access to higher education with equal outcomes for all. “Education completely changed my life and I am committed to serving as the vehicle for others to reach their educational and career goals,” she said.
Dr. Mezquita is a proud first-generation graduate of Valencia (Community) College, the University of Florida, and the University of Central Florida where she earned her Associate of Arts degree, Bachelor’s degree in Food and Resource Economics, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership: Student Personnel Administration and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Higher Education and Policy Studies.
“I am excited Dr. Mezquita will join us at NSCC as she is a team builder who knows how to catalyze the talents and passions of the people around her to create a whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts. I eagerly anticipate the improvements in the NSCC student experience she will help us develop together,” said President Heineman.
“I am energized by North Shore's spirit of excellence and vision to serve as "a beacon of hope and opportunity" for the community it serves,” said Dr. Mezquita. “I look forward to working alongside our NSCC faculty and staff to continue to cultivate a student-centered environment which focuses on access, equity, and student success.”
Dr. Mezquita will begin at NSCC on June 6, 2022.