After 20 of the best years of my professional and personal life, it’s time that I step down from my role as President of Southern New Hampshire University.

When I came to SNHU in 2003, I found a home. In this small New Hampshire campus, I found a rock-solid commitment to mission, a dedication to students, and a hunger to do more and be more. At the time, I never envisioned we’d be the university we are today, but I knew that at this university I would find purpose and joy.

Throughout my tenure, our students have always been an inspiration to me. One of my favorite moments each year is standing at the end of the clap line after Commencement and meeting students eager to tell their stories. Those are often stories of triumph over loss or illness or other obstacles. They are about making their kids proud or keeping a promise to a parent no longer with us. They are veterans, parents juggling work and family and study, and front-line workers seeking better work and careers. They include parents and children marching together, grandparents fulfilling a long-held dream, and graduates who were long told they couldn’t now proving to the world that they indeed could.

Our students have fueled my passion and love for this university, and one of my greatest joys over the last two decades has been seeing our students join the alumni community – which has grown by more than 200,000 graduates since 2003. Our alumni are diverse and accomplished, enriching the student experience in so many ways and building authentic connections amongst students, alumni, donors, faculty and staff, and community partners. I love seeing alumni reunite at Homecoming each year or make new connections at the regional events we’ve held around the country. It seems that no matter where I’m traveling, near or far, I meet someone with a connection to SNHU and a story about how their education has profoundly impacted their life.

During my time at SNHU, we have navigated a global pandemic, achieved unprecedented enrollment figures, ensured financial stability, and assembled a formidable team to carry this work forward. I am so excited for Lisa Marsh Ryerson, and for the entire community, as she steps into the role of President. Lisa and I (pictured above) have been professional colleagues for years, throughout her leadership roles at Wells College and the AARP Foundation. As a former SNHU Board member and our current University Provost, she knows our people, our systems, and our students, and she is a passionate educator to her core. There is so much to look forward to for SNHU, and I can’t wait to see how our students and alumni continue to make their impact.

I’ve always said I’d never work anywhere but SNHU, but I’m not well built for retirement. Starting July 1, I will embark on a sabbatical researching AI, human systems, and the future of higher education, and of course I’ll continue to be an ambassador for the university. As my wife, Pat, and I eagerly look forward to embracing the roles of grandparents, it’s even clearer to me that education is the most powerful tool we have for positive social change, and AI is a tool for improving education for all. I look forward to the work ahead and embracing new roles and opportunities, and I offer my profound gratitude to the SNHU community for these many years of partnership in our shared mission of empowering students to transform their lives.

Be well,
Paul

By Lauren Maynard and Paige Cooke

Over 40% of SNHU learners identify as ‘first-generation,’ meaning they are the first in their families to attend college. The University views this as an opportunity to understand the unique needs of this population and identify ways to support them to help them succeed. As a result, the University has developed first-generation specific training resources for employees, as well as programming and resources available for learners.

Many first-generation learners don’t know what to expect when coming to college. Joie Gibson ’15 ’18G – an SNHU alumna, staff member, and faculty member – recalls her experience as a student: “I couldn’t ask my parents to help me with my homework because my dad dropped out of school in seventh grade.” As Helena Iaquinta – user experience researcher, DEI, and one of the First-Gen Workgroup representatives – states, “There often feels like there is a rule book for college that not all students receive. So the more we can illuminate confusing acronyms, terms that don’t make sense, and be explicit about how to get help with assignments, that is really important to make sure first-generation students do not fall behind.”

In order to help our faculty and staff support this unique population of learners, SNHU has joined the First Scholars Network, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and The Suder Foundation, demonstrating the university’s commitment to improving outcomes and success of first-generation college students. The network includes 350 colleges and universities and helps institutions support first-generation students to gain knowledge of resources and establish peer networks and communities of practice.

“As SNHU continues its commitment to access and social mobility, earning the First Scholars Network designation is a testament of our dedication to providing the support and resources that are so vital to the success of our first-generation learners,” said Dr. James Winfield, SNHU’s associate dean of first-year experience, general education, and retention strategies.

“Over the past four years, we’ve really prioritized empowering our first-gen students through a pilot sponsored by the SNHU Social Justice Fund and an ongoing resource group,” said Iaquinta. “This NASPA designation aims to spark a ripple effect across departments, uniting all staff in these efforts. We anticipate this intentional support for our first-gen population will help boost retention and success and we cannot wait to see those results.”

During the first year of membership in the First Scholars Network, member schools commit to building an understanding of first-generation student success by participating in a series of workshops, networking, and professional development opportunities, as well as participation in a peer community.

“Being named as a First Scholars Network member is an exciting opportunity for these institutions to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA, said in a release.

The designation as a First Scholars Network member is the first of four phases culminating in achieving the status of First Student Champion Campus.

During the week of Nov. 6, 2023, SNHU celebrated National First-Generation College Student Celebration Week. On campus, about 100 first-gen students attended events such as a first-gen celebration lunch, Big Money Bingo, and a Mario Kart tournament, all of which were developed to cultivate a sense of belonging and deep care for these students, and to raise awareness about supports available to them. Many continuing-gen students also joined, supporting their friends and learning more about the first-gen experience.

“I hope this continues growing,” said Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski, senior director of campus student retention and success. “It’s important for SNHU to host events for first-gen students because we have a high percentage of first-gen students on our campus, and they need to see how proud we are of them. We want them to make connections with other first-gen students and with the faculty and staff who are here to cheer them on and support them.”

As a resource for first-generation campus students, the First-Gen Lounge on campus, located in the Academic Center, room 107, was opened in the beginning of the fall 2023 semester. The lounge provides students with a place to relax, do homework, and develop friendships with others sharing the same lived experience. Abigail Mason, a campus sophomore, says that “the First-Generation Lounge makes me feel like I have a community with other first-generation students who understand what it’s like to be first in your family to come to college. Having students that also relate, and we can discuss and then help further generations down the road, is really special.”

In the online space, the First-Generation Learning Resource Group hosted a virtual panel featuring SNHU employees who were the first in their families to graduate from college: Academic Advisor Joie Gibson ’15 ’18G, Career Services Advisor David Munn, and Academic Advising Team Lead Hannah Hodes.

The panelists shared their journeys as first-generation college students – how they overcame challenges, what they learned along the way, and what they are doing now with their degrees. There were more than 130 students, faculty, and staff in attendance.

Panelist Hannah Hodes agreed and said that faculty and staff can play a critical role in supporting first-gen learners. “It’s essential for faculty and staff to continue (or start) getting involved and support first-generation students because they need the support. First-gen students are often left to navigate the maze of higher education on their own, and they simply don’t know what they don’t know. If we have a way of making these students more visible to student-facing departments, and we couple that with providing proper resources for supporting first-gen students, then we can provide real, proactive, in-time support without having to wait for the student to ask.”

Hodes said she encourages students to connect with their advisors and get involved. “Students can join the First-Generation Learning Resource Group on SNHUconnect, our virtual student union, and mention their first-gen status in their discussion posts each term. Branch out and make connections. We mean it when we say there is an army of people supporting them and cheering them on!

At Southern New Hampshire University, our commitment to transforming lives has never stopped at the boundaries of our campus in New Hampshire – we work worldwide to provide access to education to learners. There is no better example of this mission than SNHU’s Global Education Movement (SNHU GEM).

SNHU GEM launched in 2017 as the first higher education program to offer refugees the opportunity to earn high-quality, U.S.–accredited degrees and gain real-world skills that open pathways to employment and self-determination.

Globally, 110 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes by war, climate change, and other conflicts. It’s a troubling reality that many displaced people face barriers that prevent them from learning or working in their host communities. Creating pathways to education and employment can be transformative not only for our graduates’ lives but also the lives of their families and communities as well.

SNHU GEM has grown so much since its earliest days – our program has expanded from one site to span six countries and 13 locations. We have served more than 3,500 students in Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, Lebanon, Turkey, and South Africa.

Partnership is at the heart of SNHU GEM’s growth and success. At each site, we work with in-country organizations that provide vital wraparound support services to help students succeed. Whether they choose to continue their education, start their own businesses, or find career opportunities across the globe, SNHU GEM graduates have the tools they need to embark on the next steps of their journeys.

In November, President Paul LeBlanc and I had the opportunity to visit our SNHU GEM sites in Rwanda and Kenya, where we work alongside our on-the-ground partners – Kepler in Rwanda and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Kenya. During our visit, we met with faculty, staff, and students to learn more about how we can better support the unique needs of displaced learners. We made powerful visits to the Kibera slum in Nairobi and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where we heard stories about the many challenges that these communities face. And we had the immense pleasure of celebrating graduation with the SNHU GEM Class of 2023.

We often say that no one does Commencement better than SNHU, but watching refugee learners from SNHU GEM accept their diplomas is always a special joy. This fall, SNHU GEM and our in-country partners gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, and Nairobi, Kenya, to witness 163 displaced learners receive their diplomas and celebrate their accomplishments with their classmates, friends, and families.

During our trip, I connected with many refugee learners who were generous enough to share their personal stories with me. Two of the alumni I spoke with, Alexia Umugwaneza ’23 and Mupenzi Niyomugabo ’23, described journeys that I believe embody the dedication, talent, and skill of our graduating class.

Alexia Umugwaneza, a Class of 2023 alumna and refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), graduated with an associate degree in General Studies and is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Business from SNHU GEM and JRS Kenya.

Like many SNHU GEM students, Alexia is the first person in her family to graduate with a university degree. Her father was passionate about Alexia continuing her education, but her parents did not have the funds to support her university education. Alexia was thrilled to receive a scholarship to attend SNHU GEM and JRS Kenya.

Prior to graduation, Alexia accepted a job as a program assistant for a non-government organization (NGO) in South Sudan. She attributes her success in the role to her degree and the practical experience she gained in the SNHU GEM program.

Alexia’s goal is to become an advocate for displaced people – “a voice for the voiceless” who reminds international decision makers of an important truth: “that refugees are also human beings; that refugees can have access to education, and equal rights.”

Mupenzi Niyomugabo, a Class of 2023 alumnus and refugee from the DRC, accepted his bachelor’s degree in Management with a concentration in Logistics and Operations at the graduation ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda.

When he discovered that he had been accepted into the program, Mupenzi seized the opportunity to pursue his education, and leveraged his education to pursue new employment opportunities. Today, he works as a Business Associate at Inkomoko, a Kigali-based organization that provides training, advisory, and low-cost financing to entrepreneurs. He credits his education at SNHU GEM and Kepler for his quick advancement at the organization.

According to Mupenzi, a first-generation graduate and father of two: “Graduation is a big milestone for me. It provides hope for the future, that I can achieve more things. I hope to show my two boys so much with my degree – including that hard work pays off, and nothing is impossible.”

Our work at SNHU GEM is not done, and 2024 promises to bring more exciting developments. Recently, SNHU GEM opened a new site in the city of Gaziantep, Turkey. Together with our longtime partner Multi Aid Programs (MAPS), we will provide refugee students in Turkey with access to fully accredited degrees and wraparound academic and livelihood supports that pave the way for brighter, more secure lives.

In the new year, SNHU GEM will continue to increase its impact and reach, and remain committed to supporting refugees as they become leaders in their own communities and drive conversations about refugee rights around the globe.

We will also continue to increase the number of students we serve – at the UNHCR Global Refugee Forum in December, SNHU GEM made a commitment to serve 5,000 refugee learners in higher education by 2030.

We do this work because we know that while talent abounds, opportunity does not. Education has the power to level the playing field, and we are committed to providing refugee learners worldwide with the support and opportunities they need to pursue brighter, more secure lives.

Roberto King-Williams ’24 is an Army veteran and father of five from Maryland. He managed to finish his psychology degree while juggling two jobs and launching his very own nonprofit organization. Combining his education and personal experience, Roberto hopes to support other service members facing difficulties with substance abuse and mental health. 

Josh Tolentino ’23, a U.S. service member, completed his SNHU studies while deployed in the Middle East, wrapping up both his deployment and IT program at the same time. Josh immigrated from the Philippines as a child, and crossed the stage as a first-generation graduate, with a very proud family as his cheering squad. 

Luis Nieto Benitez ’23 immigrated from Columbia at age 10 in pursuit of the American Dream. After completing high school, he underwent a brain surgery that temporarily halted his plans to attend college. After two unsuccessful attempts in higher ed, he finally found the right fit at SNHU. With his business degree, he secured a new position and is now using his studies to improve his company’s bookkeeping and marketing strategy. He also aspires to start a nonprofit to support the LGBTQ+ community at home and abroad.

Marisa Fertitta ’23 and Michael Fertitta ’23G are fraternal twins from Massachusetts who opted for different modalities at SNHU to suit their individual needs. Michael pursued his degree on campus, focusing on communications with a minor in esports. As a broadcast technician for SNHU’s esports team, he aims to build a career in the esports industry. Marisa, on the other hand, prefers online learning and hopes to pursue a career in book publishing with her communications degree.

By Siobhan Lopez

In its commitment to supporting learners in all areas of their higher education journey, Southern New Hampshire University is always looking for ways to improve the student experience: whether it be through updating programs to fit workforce needs or to help address any barriers our learners may face on their path to a degree. Launched in 2022, SNHU’s Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP) seeks to advance higher ed policy for all students, not just at SNHU, by collaborating with policymakers to develop scalable, sustainable policy solutions from a learner-centered perspective. One area CHEPP is focused on is the importance of students having their basic needs met to stay enrolled and succeed in their studies. In a two-part series, CHEPP examines the use and impact of federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants at SNHU during the pandemic and the national challenge of accessing basic needs for today’s learners.

Released in the fall of 2022, the first report in the series, Basic Needs Funding for College Students: What Southern New Hampshire University Learned During the Pandemic, detailed SNHU’s findings that students’ most identified basic needs in 2020 were housing, food, and transportation. SNHU received a total of $107 million in HEERF support and distributed the funding in three waves as emergency basic needs grants to over 50,000 students. While HEERF funds could be used for institutional needs, SNHU chose to pass all the aid directly to students. SNHU students who received support reported the emergency funding came just in time and helped them persist in their academic programs.

While the federal funding helped students stay enrolled during a national crisis, many of the learners SNHU serves continue to have similar needs as we have emerged from the pandemic.

“Just as these needs existed before the pandemic, they are certainly existing post-pandemic, particularly as individuals feel the cost of living continue to rise,” the report said. “Reducing barriers to access and creating more efficient means for learners to access funds, such as through automatic eligibility across programs or through applying for financial aid, will be essential to ensuring funds are reaching those who need them.”

The latest paper released in October 2023, Does Basic Needs Funding Improve Persistence Among College Students? Findings on How HEERF Dollars Impacted Student Persistence at SNHU, examined whether HEERF funding had a significant positive impact on learner persistence, and found SNHU students who received grants during the second round were 15.5% more likely to still be enrolled eight months later than those who didn’t get emergency funding. While the difference decreased following the third round of funding, recipients were still 8.6% more likely to be enrolled.

As a result of these findings, SNHU approved funding to pilot an emergency grant program for learners in need. Findings from the pilot conducted during the 2023 spring and summer terms will be used to inform future projects related to this topic at SNHU. CHEPP’s advocacy around improving basic needs funding for learners continues through additional research and educating policymakers and the public on the issue’s link to student persistence.

CHEPP also recently launched a new 50-state map outlining SNHU’s “new traditional” learners across the country. Higher education learners look very different than they did decades ago, with fewer traditional-aged high school graduates and more older adults balancing work and family with their education. The map will be a helpful resource for the CHEPP team, policymakers, the media, partners, and more to understand the complexities facing adult learners today and how we can help more students succeed.

To learn more about the work being done by The Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice, visit chepp.org.

The SNHU Athletic Hall of Fame honors those individuals who, through participation, support, or interest have made outstanding contributions in the field of intercollegiate athletics and have brought recognition, honor, distinction, and excellence to Southern New Hampshire University. The SNHU Athletic Hall of Fame was originally created in 1967 and revived in 1988. Learn more about the Class of 2023 and all 125 inductees at alumni.snhu.edu/athleticHOF.

Jonathan Lupinelli ’14 ’16G
Men’s Soccer Team 2012-2015

Ali Maloof ’15 ’17G ’18G
Softball Team 2012-2015

Junior Mendez ’17
Baseball Team 2011-2013

Rodney Sanders ’16
Men’s Basketball Team 2012-2016

Stan Spirou
Men’s Basketball Head Coach 1985-2018

Derrick Sylvester ’14
Baseball Team 2010-2014

Ariel Teixeira ’12 ’15G
Women’s Soccer Team 2008-2011