BCC Announces New Faculty, Staff, Promotions, Title Changes

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the addition of three faculty/staff members, four promotions and three title changes. 

New faculty/staff

Grace Jull joins BCC as Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences. She holds a master's of science degree in Anatomy Education and Education for Health Professionals from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, a master's degree in Adult Education from the University of Toronto, and a bachelor's degree in Humanities from Dalhousie University, Halifax. Jull grew up near the Canadian Rockies, and her formative time in that vast terrain informs her love of teaching the vast inner terrain of the body. She has trained over 3,000 allied health professionals in anatomy and is a licensed massage therapist specializing in neck and shoulder solutions and aquatic bodywork. The Berkshires has been her home for 30 years, and she loves hiking, art, poetry writing and exploring hot springs around the world.  

Jim Mancall joins BCC as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement. Mancall's extensive experience includes most recently serving as Chief of Staff at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado, where he led strategic planning and institutional reorganization efforts. His leadership has consistently focused on engaging communities and aligning institutional initiatives with long-term goals. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Trinity College, a master's degree in English from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in English from New York University. In addition to his role at Pikes Peak State College, Mancall's career includes leadership roles at Wheaton College and Harvard University. He is a published author with work nominated for Edgar and Silver Falchion awards. 

Chongxian (David) Zhao joins BCC as Senior Financial Aid Counselor, bringing two years of financial aid experience from Leech Lake Tribal College at Cass Lake, Minnesota. Born in ShenYang and raised in Shanghai, China, his journey brought him to the United States, where he completed high school before pursuing higher education. He earned a dual degree in Psychology and Economics from Trinity College, followed by a master's degree in finance with a specialization in risk management from Case Western Reserve University. Currently living in Pittsfield, he is an avid NBA fan and enjoys playing cello and chess in his free time.      

Promotions

Toni Buckley is now Special Assistant to the President for Mission, Values, and Community Impact. Previously, she was Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She joined BCC in 2017. 

Dylan Carman is now Technical Assistant II. Previously, he was a part-time Tech Assistant in Chemistry as well as Adjunct Faculty for the Science and Business Division. He joined BCC in 2019. 

Michelle Mellace is now the Director of Auxiliary Services and Procurement. She had been the Administration and Finance Division Manager since joining BCC in 2024. 

Jessica Pemble is now a Program Manager for Workforce and Community Education.  She had been the Administrative Assistant II for Workforce and Community Education since she joined BCC in July 2024. 

Title changes

Shea Callahan is now the permanent Administrative Assistant II for Student Engagement/Dean of Students.  She had been the Interim Administrative Assistant II for Student Engagement/Dean of Students.  She joined BCC in January 2023.  

Natalia Eddy is now Administrative Assistant II for the Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement division. Previously, she was the Administrative Assistant II for Enrollment Management. She joined BCC in January 2010. 

Abby Powers is now Student Engagement and Communications Specialist. Previously, she was Interim Student Engagement and Communications Specialist. She joined BCC in April 2021. 


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Use of Slurs Sparks Community Conversation in Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After a Herberg Middle School teacher was placed on leave for allegedly repeating homophobic and racial slurs used by a student, the district is gathering the community for a conversation about how to move forward. 

The discussion will be held Monday, May 11, at 6 p.m. at Conte Community School in partnership with the public schools, Westside Legends and the Berkshire chapter of the NAACP.

On Thursday, interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips said the district recognizes the seriousness of concerns from students, families, and staff members in a statement to the school community.

"As interim Superintendent, I have a broad view across our school system and am hearing experiences and concerns from many corners of our community. From my 26 years in education, I know these challenges are not unique to our district. That said, this is our opportunity to do this work within our own schools and strengthen our public education system and culture," she wrote over Parent Square, which was posted on social media and the district website. 

"I want to be clear that there is no place for derogatory or discriminatory language in our schools, whether in classrooms, hallways, on athletic fields, buses, or anywhere in our learning environments. We must address individual situations thoughtfully, fairly, and with care for everyone involved, while also committing to the long-term work of shaping school environments where every student experiences dignity, belonging, safety, and respect." 

At this meeting, they will discuss how to best move forward together. 

"Our students are watching how we respond," Phillips wrote. 

"We have an opportunity to model what it looks like to address difficult issues with fairness, dignity, honesty, and care, and in doing so, strengthen our schools for the long term." 

Last week, the Pittsfield Public Schools Human Resources Department confirmed that an 8th-grade teacher at the middle school was placed on leave. The teacher was reportedly describing a classroom incident when the slurs were repeated.

The complaint was publicly made by parent Brett Random, who is the executive director of Berkshire County Head Start. 

On her personal Facebook page, she said her daughter reported that her math teacher, "used extremely offensive language including both a racial slur (N word) and a homophobic slur (F word) and then reportedly tried to push other students to repeat those words later in the day when students were questioning her on her behavior."

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