Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZIDE JOINS CENTRAL LINKS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(WORCESTER, MA – November 27, 2006)  Michele Moran Zide, a longtime educator who has held a number of positions in the region, has been appointed to serve as the executive director of Central Links, the Central Massachusetts public higher education alliance.

The four-year-old Central Links alliance includes Worcester State College, Fitchburg State College, Quinsigamond Community College, and Mount Wachusett Community College. Its purpose is to collaborate as public institutions of higher learning to save to share resources, to make it easier for residents to transfer credits between institutions and to reap the benefits of shared positions.

Collectively, the colleges have a $217 million economic impact in Central Massachusetts and serve 38,000 students per year. Past Central Links projects have included an economic impact report, articulation agreements, educational programs, community outreach, joint volunteerism, and shared purchasing. 

“We’re thrilled to have attracted a professional with Michele’s experience,” said Gail Carberry, president of Quinsigamond Community College and the chair of Central Links for 2006-2007. “She will serve as the liaison between the four colleges and will oversee our joint initiatives toward successful outcomes.” 

Zide has more than 35 years of professional experience in higher education serving public higher education in a variety of roles. She worked at Fitchburg State College as a faculty member in the Special Education Department, principal of the McKay Campus School, dean of Graduate and Continuing Education, as interim vice president, and dean of students and retired after working as associate vice president of Academic Affairs.  Zide’s experiences in public higher education honed her leadership and management skills, including her ability to collaborate, facilitate and build on the strengths of the people with whom she works. 

Zide holds a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She earned a master’s degree in urban studies from Boston College and holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary College. She participated in the senior management and leadership program at Harvard University’s School of Government and completed a leadership program in higher education at Harvard University. Additionally she was a Board of Higher Education fellow, and completing the board’s executive leadership program. 

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