Department of Higher Education Announces New Board Members
Dr. Lisa B. Battaglino is now representing Massachusetts' state university segment, which includes nine public universities. Battaglino is Dean Emeritus of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Bridgewater State University (BSU) and currently serves as Vice Chairperson on the BSU Board of Trustees. Prior to her role as dean, Battaglino spent 20 years as a special education professor and chairperson of the Special Education and Communication Disorders Department where she championed the values of globalizing the curriculum, social justice, diversity, and inclusion.
Michael Hannigan, a student at Greenfield Community College (GCC), is the voting BHE member representing students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Hannigan plans to graduate in spring 2026 with majors in farm and food systems and human services. A MassReconnect student, Hannigan returned to higher education as an adult learner and credits the free college program with his ability to take full advantage of the opportunities available to him at GCC. He has served his college in multiple capacities, advocated for student supports, and is a leader in reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity on campus and across Western Massachusetts.
The BHE includes voting members from each of the three public higher education segments in Massachusetts. Battaglino fills a vacancy left by former Salem State University Trustee Paul Mattera. UMass Boston student Hannah Rosenkrantz, a biology major, also serves the BHE as a student segmental advisor. Rosenkrantz transferred to UMass Boston from Quinsigamond Community College, where she earned a degree in human services.
"Our Board thrives on the input, experiences, and knowledge of leaders from throughout our public higher education system," said BHE Chair Chris Gabrieli. "Board Members Battaglino and Hannigan, and Segmental Advisor Rosenkrantz, have already had a valuable impact on the Board's work, and I look forward to their continued engagement in the New Year. I'm grateful to the students who served last academic year and to former Board Member Paul Mattera, whose years of valuable service have made a lasting impact on public higher education in the Commonwealth."
Battaglino played a key leadership role at BSU and promoted the advancement of applicable technology including Propel-BSU, the first BSU tablet initiative, meaningful inner city public school partnerships, the development of projects focused on increasing science, technology, engineering and math teachers in the region, and service-learning. In addition, she strongly advocated for the initiation and growth of the EXCEL program, dedicated to including college age students with intellectual disabilities in every aspect of the college experience. She also spearheaded international initiatives including a BSU partnership with the Ministry of Education in Belize. Battaglino received a Bachelor of Education in Special and Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University, a master's degree in special education from Boston College, and a PhD from Boston College.
"Being on the BHE allows me to provide a clear and consistent stream of communication between the state universities and the Board," said Battaglino. "My goal is to bring a strong, coherent voice to significant issues and to bridge information sharing in support of the shared objective of protecting the viability, autonomy, and long-term health of our institutions. I am passionate about promoting the continuation of higher education programs that equitably embrace and support individuals from all backgrounds."
Along with his leadership on food sustainability, Hannigan served as the GCC Board's student trustee, which sparked further interest in advocacy. Through his work with the Student Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), Hannigan has traveled from Beacon Hill to Capitol Hill to advocate for student basic needs and affordable textbooks. He has been selected as a 2025 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities that partners with higher education institutions to advance civic and community engagement. He interned at the State House with Senator Paul Mark in summer 2025. Through his role as the voting BHE member, Hannigan is also chair of the Student Advisory Council. He plans to pursue a bachelor's degree after graduation and continue having an impact through a career in government or the non-profit sector.
"I'm incredibly honored to be elected by my peers to serve on the Board of Higher Education," said Hannigan. "Re-engaging with higher education has truly changed the trajectory of my life, and I'm excited to bring the student voice to the board. I look forward to supporting work that has already expanded access to a college degree across Massachusetts and helping ensure we continue to lead in higher education."
"Throughout the fall semester, I've gotten to see the value that Board Members Battaglino and Hannigan, and Segmental Advisor Rosenkrantz, have on representing students, their segments, and higher education across the Commonwealth," said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. "These leaders have shown dedication to centering current and future students of the Commonwealth, and I look forward to how their contributions will grow going forward."
The Board of Higher Education is the statutorily created agency in Massachusetts responsible for, among other things, defining the mission of and coordinating the Commonwealth's system of public higher education and its institutions. In service to its equity goal, the BHE's strategic priorities include Student Success and Financial Aid, Economic Mobility, Public Good, and Innovation.
