July 1
During her undergraduate college years, Dr. Jennifer Mezquita, North Shore Community College’s (NSCC) inaugural Provost, 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.
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.
“I am energized by North Shore’s spirit of excellence and vision to serve as a “beacon of hope and opportunity” for the communities it serves,” said Dr. Mezquita. “As the first Provost, I am eager to work with our faculty and staff to create an integrated student experience focused on academic excellence and innovation that elevates our support services and makes them easily accessible to our students.”
Dr. Mezquita, a resident of Salem, comes to NSCC from Northern Essex Community College, where she served as the Vice President of Student Affairs. 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.
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.
Dr. Mezquita began at NSCC on June 6, 2022.