Long-time Educator Joins Salem State University Trustees

SALEM, MASS – A. Thomas Billings ’72, ’75G, EdD of Swampscott, has been appointed to serve on the Salem State University Board of Trustees. His appointment comes from the desk of Governor Maura Healey and began on July 1, 2024.

Billings, who taught for 22 years as a Salem State University professor, continues a legacy of service to the Salem State community which runs several generations deep in his family.

Dr. Billings’ familial connection to Salem State University started with his great aunt Esther Billings, a graduate of Salem Normal School. It continued with his mother Patricia O’Leary, who not only attended but served as class president at the Salem Teachers College in 1948. Billings’ father Alvin Billings also worked on campus, serving as chief accountant at what was then called Salem State College.

For his part, Dr. Billings graduated from Salem State College in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in history, received a master’s degree in American studies in 1975, and later married his college sweetheart, Sheila (Farren) Billings ’73, ’91G. He has served many years on the alumni association and received the Outstanding Educator Award in 1999 and the Elizabeth Williams Wade Award from the Salem State Alumni Association in 2004.

Dr. Billings commented, “I see being a trustee at SSU as an extension of service and an opportunity to give back to the school that did so much for me and my family. After all, someone looked out for me when I needed it most, starting off as a student here, and now it is my turn to help keep the tradition of excellence alive at Salem State University.”

In addition to his 22 years as a faculty member at Salem State, Dr. Billings also had 22 years of teaching at Salem High School and St. John’s Prep. During his time as a professor in Salem State’s Education Department, Billings also served on the Executive Board of the Professors’ Union, chaired the Graduate Education Council and Promotions Committee, and chaired Salem State’s Council on Teaching and Learning, among other engagements."