General Overview and Overseer Listing
In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth and regulations enacted by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the composition, duties and powers of the Salem State University Board of Trustees are articulated within the university's bylaws. The board is charged with the fiduciary management of the institution, including determination of fees, establishment of personnel management policy, staff services, and the general business of the institution. Among its responsibilities, the board elects the president with the approval of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, adopts an annual plan of financial operation, awards degrees in approved fields, and develops the mission statement for the university consistent with the mission of the Commonwealth's system of public higher education.
The board of trustees consists of 11 voting members. Ten members are appointed by the governor, at least two are alumni of the university and one of whom is elected thereto by the university alumni association. Elected alumni members shall be elected every five years. Members are appointed to serve for five year terms, but no member shall be appointed for more than two consecutive terms. Student members are elected by the student body and serve one year.
Regular meetings of the full board are held four times annually and are open to the public with the exception of executive sessions. Committees of the board convene prior to each open meeting and on an as-needed basis. The board currently has five standing committees: executive, academic affairs and student life, risk management and audit, finance and facilities, advancement, marketing and communications. Meetings usually take place on the Salem State University campus.
- A. Thomas Billings '72, '75G, EdD
- Elizabeth Cabral '17
- Alyce Davis '75, EdD
- Dino DiPalma
- Angel A. Garcia, '25
- Stephen Immerman, EdD
- Thatcher Kezer '88
- James Lampassi '81, vice chair
- Yalile Maldonado '09, '20G
- Paul Mattera
- Samanda Morales '98, chair
SSU Trustee Community Open Forum Topics: If you'd like to suggest a question or topic for an upcoming full Board of Trustees meeting, please do so here.
Board Meeting Calendar
Academic Year 2025 (all meetings are remote)
Trustee Committee Meetings—begin at 3 pm unless otherwise noted
Wednesday, October 16, 2024—Audit Committee
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Regular Board Meetings—begin at 5 pm unless otherwise noted
Thursday, October 16, 2024—early start follows Audit Committee
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Special Meetings
Friday, December 6, 2024 at 9 am—Trustee annual off-site meeting
Other meetings will be announced when scheduled
Posting of Meeting Agendas and Meeting Format
Except in cases of emergency, final agendas with anticipated discussion topics are posted 48-hours in advance of the meeting.
Remote meetings – Please note that Governor Healey has extended provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2025. Login information will be provided within the posted agendas.
By-laws of the Board of Trustees
All BOT minutes are now in records. Policies and other such information are located on the university's records page.
Public record requests should be sent to Rita Colucci, general counsel, at publicrecords@salemstate.edu. Rita Colucci is also the designated records access officer (RAO) for Salem State University.