//
Select Page

Mitchell College Receives Autism Community Impact Grant

The STAIRs Program (Skills Training, Advancement, and Individual Readiness) at Mitchell College recently received the Autism Community Impact Grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The funds support and enhance the “Experience Generation” program, giving participants work opportunities to bolster resumes and build professional networks. Awarded through an application process, the Autism Community Impact Grant historically supports traditionally underserved, underfunded, and culturally diverse communities reflected in the Flutie Foundation’s areas of impact.

The STAIRs Program at Mitchell College provides high-impact, individualized independence and advancement training for neurodivergent individuals who have college experience. Experience Generation will enhance current professional development through part-time, intentionally guided professional experiences (including a small stipend). Participants will work in local nonprofit organizations and within the STAIRs program in the areas of administrative support, communications and promotion, and operations/planning.

“Between 30 and 40% of neurodivergent adults are unemployed, three times higher than other disabled populations and nearly eight times higher than that of the non-disabled population. Experience Generation will equip our participants with resume-boosting skills and experience to become profession-ready, confident job seekers. As they navigate a competitive job market, they can access supportive networks, references, and professional guidance through this program,” said Noah Blocker-Glynn, coordinator of the STAIRs Program.

Nick Savarese, executive director of The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, said, “The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community. Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

About the Flutie Foundation
Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son Dougie was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Their experience of raising a son with autism inspired them to help others on the challenging journey. Over its history, the Flutie Foundation as distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, recreational programs, social skills training, and more for people with autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.

2nd Annual ‘Letting OUR Voices Be Heard’ Celebrates Black Culture

Mitchell College invites the community to attend the 2nd Annual Letting OUR Voices Be Heard, a free event celebrating Black heritage and culture, on Sunday, February 23, 1:00–5:00pm in the Clarke Center at Mitchell College. As an added twist, this year’s event encourages attendees to come wearing ‘90s-style clothing.

The Black History Month event will feature dozens of Black performers and Black-owned businesses, including live music, dancers, vocalists, instrumentalists, inspirational Black speakers, poets, visual artists, and others. DJ Tim Allen will infuse the event with the music of Black culture, and drawings for giveaways will take place throughout the day.

Performers (subject to change)
1:30pm Show

Shiloh Baptist Youth Choir (Musical Group)
Kevin Booker, Jr. (Spoken Word/Rap)
Lynwood Cogdell (Spoken Word)
Mikayla Kennedy (Spoken Word)
Donte Looney (Rap)
New London High School Dance Team (Hip Hop Dance)
2:30pm Show
Shamica Frasier (Speaker)
Dance Ministry of Shiloh Baptist Church (Gospel Liturgical Dance)
Sarah Serenity (Spoken Word/Poet)
Crystal Christie (Singer)
Nadya Maria Hudson (Spoken Word/Poet)
Shaelene Berrio (Spoken Word/Poet)
3:30pm Show
Alton Skinner (Instrumentalist)
Jordan Bostick (Singer)
Hope Kisakye (Spoken Word)
Caleb Cobb (Spoken Word/Poet)
Elite Dance Team/TVE Dance Studio (Group Dance)
Ni-Tasia Sutton/Braid Hive (Speaker/Hair Show)
Tim Tallent (Gospel Rapper)
4:30pm Show
Blooming Into Greatness (Group Dance)
Deion Kelly (Singing)
Emmanuella Prempeh (Spoken Word/Poet)
Maurice Steele (Gospel Rapper)
Hartford Proud Drill and Drum (Drill and Drum)
Osaretin Erhunmwunse (Pianist/Spoken Word)

Vendors & Organizations (subject to change)
African Adornments
African American Society
Classic Jackson Arts
CMON Enterprises LLC
Exemplify to Edify, LLC
I Am Moisture
InondaWrites, LLC
Intervarsity
Jane Doe No More
Learning Advantage Network Diversified
Magnolia Wellness, LLC
Marvin Espy Gallery of Fine Art
Michael Watts Apparel
MR Creekburn Studios
Nailah’s Naturals
NCNW (National Council of Negro Women)
New London NAACP
NO_ONE
Sweet Lil Details LLC
The Samaritan House Inc.

Food Trucks
Mamado-Caribbean
Uncle D’s Blazin’ BBQ
Ta’Deliciozo

Nursing Program Welcomes Inaugural Director

Mitchell College recently welcomed Dr. Martha Kershaw as the inaugural director of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The first cohort of nursing students begins in Fall 2025.

Kershaw most recently served as associate professor and chair of nursing in the Scott Beiler College of Health Professions at Daemen University. She oversaw multiple undergraduate and graduate nursing degree and certificate programs and was instrumental in charting a growth trajectory for the nursing program.

She holds a BSN from Niagara University, a master’s degree in nursing education from Daemen College, and a doctorate in education from Concordia University (Portland). A registered nurse for more than 30 years, she specialized in critical care, oncology, and nursing education.

“It is an honor to lead the new nursing program at Mitchell College and ensure that the culture of student support for which Mitchell is known carries through to this program. In addition to our brand new, state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and access to our standout clinical partners, our program emphasizes academic support through several resources, including accessible faculty and highly educated nursing-specific tutors. When completing the program, our students will be equipped to provide excellent nursing care to diverse populations in a variety of settings,” Kershaw said.

Mitchell College President Tracy Y. Espy, Ph.D., said, “We are thrilled to have Dr. Kershaw leading our new nursing program. She is committed to celebrating and developing unique nursing students in cultivating ethical values, quality care, a spirit of intellectual inquiry, and a readiness to serve others. Her decades of clinical and classroom experience provide an outstanding foundation and model excellence for the program and our students.”

About the Program

The Edward and Mary Lord Nursing Simulation and Skills Laboratory (SIM Lab) will be the hub of learning for the BSN program. In the SIM Lab nursing students will practice a variety of healthcare techniques and procedures using medical equipment and training manikins.

Several community partner organizations will serve as clinical placements and provide a variety of patient care experiences in various healthcare settings. Yale New Haven Health/Lawrence + Memorial Hospital will be a lead clinical partner. Other clinical partners include Colchester and Waterford public schools, Shoreline Therapy Center, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction.

Admission to the BSN program is determined after successful completion of first-year prerequisites in the health sciences. For information about the Mitchell College Nursing Program, including how to apply and financial aid options, go to mitchell.edu/academic-programs/nursing.

Fall 2024 Academic Honors Recipients

Congratulations to the following Mitchell College students named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List (3.50+ GPA) or Commendable Scholars List (3.0-3.49 GPA).

Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

1. Must be a matriculated student.
2. Part-time students are eligible for commendable scholar status for every 12 calculable credits completed.
3. Must have a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.49 for the given semester (Commendable Scholar) or 3.50 and 4.00 for the given semester (Dean’s List).
4. May not have any Incomplete, Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U), Withdrawal or Failing grades for the given semester.

Dean’s List

Adrian Alicea | Miami, FL
Fatimah Alkubaisi | New Haven, CT
Jocelynn Allen | Clinton, CT
Jenny Alvarez | New London, CT
Julia Alves | Portsmouth, RI
Kiara Ampuero | New London, CT
Nicholas Anderson | Madison, CT
Avery Appiah | East Haddam, CT
Gabriela Aquino | New London, CT
Isabella Avalos | Chino, CA
Jaileen Barber | Waterford, CT
Joshua Bar-Nadav | Narberth, PA
Samuel Bellos | Waterford, CT
Sean Bergel | North Stonington, CT
Brad Bessette | Lisbon, CT
Taylor Bialowas | Jewett City, CT
Sabrina Bloise | New London, CT
Allison Blum | Garden Grove, CA
Aubrey Borden | San Jose, CA
Paige Broadbent | Binghamton, NY
Sean Brooks | New London, CT
Daniel Brycki | Uncasville, CT
Ella Caplet | Bozrah, CT
Grace Carey | Providence, RI
Rachel Casasnovas | West Haven, CT
Andrew Ceriello | Lincoln, RI
Andrew Champagne | Pawcatuck, CT
Ethan Chavez | New London, CT
Brooke Clancy | East Haven, CT
Phillip Clark | Jensen Beach, FL
Jessica Cochran | Waterford, CT
Madison Cole | Westbrook, ME
Alexander Confarotta | Attleboro, MA
Lauren Cordero | Selden, NY
Paige Cornetta | Huntington, NY
Eleanore Corson | Ithaca, NY
Christopher Costa | Bayport, NY
Karissa Cotoia | North Scituate, RI
Kaila Crawford | Pleasanton, CA
Joseph Criscuolo | Branford, CT
Thomas Daly | Wethersfield, CT
Lyliana Daly | Teaneck, NJ
Olivia DeCicco | Haverhill, MA
Ryan DeCosta | Niantic, CT
Luke Demsey | Cheshire, CT
Chase Donahue | Shirley, MA
Zhangir Dyussenov | New London, CT
Kevin Ellis | Clinton, CT
Mahra Engdall | Waterford, CT
Jacob Faigel | Natick, MA
Louis Fazio | White Plains, NY
Ransley Ferreras | Haledon, NJ
Michael Ficocelli | North Providence, RI
Matthew Fingal | Port St Lucie, FL
Jameson Foster | Salem, CT
Mauricea Francis | Windsor, CT
Morgan Frost | Norwalk, CT
Crystal Gangi | New Fairfield, CT
Anissa Gardiner | New London, CT
Adam Gardner | North Charleston, SC
Amya Gibbs | Middletown, CT
Joelle Goetz | Niantic, CT
Keeano Gonzalez | New London, CT
Marybeth Gonzalez | Waterford, CT
Katelynn Goodman | Virginia Beach, VA
Charles Gragg | Stamford, CT
Jack Green | Niantic, CT
Wilmer Grullon | New London, CT
Nicholas Gyra | Wenham, MA
Cameron Haefs | Cary, IL
Benjamin Harrison | Yardley, PA
Malaki Hart | Milford, CT
Maren Harwood | East Lyme, CT
Joseph Hayes | Stonington, CT
John Hayes | New Milford, CT
Elda Hernandez | Groton, CT
Madeline Hill | New York, NY
Melanie Hintz | Bristol, CT
Christina Housley | Virginia Beach, VA
Juliana Huber | Columbia, SC
Zoe Hull | Quaker Hill, CT
Jade Hypolite | Rosenberg, TX
Ava Iwasko | Sterling Heights, MI
Chelsea Jackson | East Hartford, CT
Oscar Jacquot | Brooklyn, NY
Noah James | New London, CT
Collin Jefferson | St Lucie West, FL
Chloe Jennings | Ledyard, CT
John Jerrild | Fairfield, CT
Joshua Jones | Hampstead, NH
Matthew Keatley | Waterford, CT
Ronnie Keays | Salem, NH
Asya Kerr | Groton, CT
Sean Khan | Wethersfield, CT
Mehr Khattar | Avon, CT
Corrine Khoussa | Staten Island, NY
Anna Kochansky | Bronxville, NY
Gavin Kovacs | Wallingford, CT
Dennis Kurucu | Matthews, NC
Emma LaBreck | Rollinsford, NH
Matthew Ladd | Griswold, CT
Gemma Landry | Lewiston, ME
Sarah Latch | Hampstead, NH
Luca Laurence | Greenwich, CT
Julia Lent | Miller Place, NY
Evan Lipski | Melbourne, FL
Nicholas Litke | North Stonington, CT
Yesenia Lovaton | New London, CT
Kyrsten Lucas | Manchester, MD
Marissa Luna | Houston, TX
Michael Marchetti | Waterbury, CT
Gillian Mathre | Council Bluffs, IA
Jenica Mccauley-Logan | New London, CT
David Meiliken | Rye, NY
Gaia Mourad | Venice, CA
Alexander Nardone | Wellesley Hills, MA
Shaylla Neto | Groton, CT
Max Netto | Derby, CT
Hannah Nota | Marshfield, MA
Kristina O’Hanlon | White Plains, NY
Timothy O’Hayre | Hull, MA
Aliannys Ortiz | Groton, CT
Diamara Pagan | Norwich, CT
Savier Paige | Wethersfield, CT
Luke Pavia | Bolton, MA
Jennifer Peck | Glastonbury, CT
Hannah Penn | New Fairfield, CT
Autumn Pepin | Jewett City, CT
Inonda Peterson | Missouri City, TX
Hannah Pogoda | Boston, MA
Sofia Prada | New York, NY
Thomas Progano | East Hampton, CT
Emily Reynolds | Somers, CT
Austin Rhodes | Branford, CT
Mason Rockmore | Westfield, NJ
Santiago Rodriguez | Old Lyme, CT
Cassandra Roman | New London, CT
Maeve Ronan | Fairfield, CT
Charlotte Rowley | Bedford, NY
Zia Sandefer | Goshen, CT
Matthew Schwartz | New City, NY
Tessa Seesock | Jacksonville, FL
Thai-ler Sestokas | Danbury, CT
Ta’Naya Shaw | Edgewater, NJ
Natalie Smith | Massapequa Park, NY
Emma Stahl | Waterford, CT
Arrianna Stark | Schenectady, NY
Alisha Sutton | Morton Grove, IL
Grant Swick | Houston, TX
Brooke Taylor | Uncasville, CT
N’Tai Teague | Richmond, TX
Haley Tedeschi | Mystic, CT
Cole Terni | Oakdale, CT
Charles Terni | Oakdale, CT
Marissa Thiel | Killingworth, CT
Micheal Thompson | Rio Rancho, NM
Sofia Turpin | Waterford, CT
Duneshka Vazquez | Westerly, RI
Cole Verrelli | Beacon Falls, CT
Brittney Wheeler | Southbury, CT
Brooke Whitmarsh | Portsmouth, RI
Jordan Williams | Taftville, CT
Theodore Wolf | Bayonne, NJ
Jacob Yoensky | Groton, CT
Francesca Zamarripa | Lithia, FL
Cassidee Zollinger | Roy, UT

Commendable Scholars List 

Aidan Acor | Gales Ferry, CT
Braiden Alaimo | Enfield, CT
Gabriel Ansani | Trumbull, CT
Walker Baillargeon | Norwich, CT
Jamya Beddoe | New London, CT
Harry Bernard | Goleta, CA
Chase Bonnin | Colchester, CT
Marc Boorady | New York, NY
Corbett Brassaw | Mansfield Center, CT
Olivia Bump | Columbus, OH
Alex Burrell | Oakdale, CT
Jadon Canelli | Northford, CT
Alberto Cantalini | Torrington, CT
Preston Cheng | Staten Island, NY
Andrew Colwick | Plantsville, CT
Kevin Connelly | Scarsdale, NY
Nathan DaCruz | Seymour, CT
Madelaine D’Amour | Tolland, CT
Oscar DaSilva | Shaker Heights, OH
Katharine Dell | Ridgefield, CT
Jacob Ditscher | Danbury, CT
Madison Dunn | Brooklyn, NY
Isaiah Figueroa | Woonsocket, RI
Logan Finn | Cohasset, MA
Joseph Garry | New London, CT
Christopher Gibbs | New Britain, CT
Jared Hague | Cranston, RI
Jonathan Hecker | Falls Church, VA
Genna Hyde | Cypress, TX
Aidan Jacobson | Branford, CT
Halie Jennings | New London, CT
Edward Kaftan | Old Lyme, CT
Sarah Keefe | Cheyenne, WY
Oliver Kerrigan | West Hartford, CT
Sean Kresge | Waterford, CT
Mia Larson | Sutton, MA
Cassandra Lattarulo | Bristol, CT
Brandon Lee | Stockton, CA
Alessio Liberti | Glen Rock, NJ
Dylan Lucey | Lebanon, CT
Nathan Mahoney | Stonington, CT
Stephen Mallaney | Madison, NJ
Abdul Mansaray | Ponte Vedra, FL
Nasiah Martinez | Bristol, CT
Hunter Martocchio | Riverton, CT
Kenia Mateo | New London, CT
Lindsy McFarlane | Plainfield, CT
Kingsley McHale | New London, CT
Andrew McKenna | Essex, MA
Shamus McLean | Groton, CT
Emma McNamara | Westfield, NJ
Kenneth Miller Jr | New London, CT
Chloe Morrissey | Hingham, MA
Thomas Moynahan | Fairfield, CT
Matthew Mullaney | Salem, MA
Jose Pacheco | New London, CT
Jonathan Parra-Tobey | New London, CT
Ileana Perez | North Arlington, NJ
Morgyn Perkins | Bristol, CT
Austin Polak | Ambler, PA
Tyler Powell | Middletown, CT
Jacob Quiles | Wallkill, NY
Jackson Rappel | Fairfield, CT
Angelia Rheaume | East Lyme, CT
Hana Rihani | Washington, DC
Emily Rizzo | Southbury, CT
Liam Robb | Rockaway, NJ
Alysson Schuyler | Gales Ferry, CT
PJ-Elijah Sebastian | New London, CT
Tyler Sebor | West Sayvill , NY
Adam Soliman | Milford, CT
Julia Stasiowski | Manchester, CT
Jordyn Streitmatter | Dennis Port, MA
Christina Thompson | Oswego, NY
Casey Tichy | Easton, CT
Melissa Tucker | Wilton, CT
Bryan Uredi | Lagos, Nigeria
Adam Vartanian | Cumberland, RI
Joseph Volkerts | New London, CT
Haley Westfal | Lakewood, CA
Ricardo Williams | Bridgeport, CT
Molly Wordell | East Haddam, CT
Aliyana Wright-Thomas | New London, CT
Grace Yeung | Belle Mead, NJ

Radio Mitchell Earns College Radio Award

Radio Mitchell recently won the Spirit of College Radio Awards 2024, ranked #5 best college radio station globally by the organizers of World College Radio Day. One of 10 winners out of hundreds of stations that participated in the outreach event of the College Radio Foundation, they were chosen as embodying “the passion and mission of college radio.” The College Radio Foundation supports student radio including online, cable, carrier current, and FM and AM outlets.

According to sophomore Joshua “Jay” Bar-Nadav, president of operations for Radio Mitchell, the Radio Mitchell team used project management skills and business strategies learned in their business management courses at Mitchell. The team worked extensively on downloading thousands of songs and promoting and marketing the event through social media, flyers, and mass emails.

“The award highlights our hard work and dedication to the brand, business, and radio,” he said.

College Radio Day was founded in 2010 to “harness the combined listenership of hundreds of thousands of radio listeners throughout the world and to celebrate the important contribution of college radio by uniting for this one day,” according to the organization’s website collegeradio.org.

Radio Mitchell has also been featured in The Day newspaper and in an article by Gretchen A. Peck, an E&P Editor and Publisher journalist, titled “Broadcasting Beyond Boundaries.”

Listen to Radio Mitchell at radiomitchellonline.com or on the RadioFX mobile app.

The 2024 Spirit of College Radio Award winners include:

  1. Aggie Radio 92.3 KBLU(LP) — Utah State University (USA)
  2. Conexión Abierta — Universidad Abierta Interamericana (Argentina)
  3. Juice FM — Cork (Ireland)
  4. 9 KWSC(FM) “The Cat” — Wayne State College (USA)
  5. Radio Mitchell — Mitchell College (USA)
  6. Unica Radio — Università degli Studi di Cagliari (Italy)
  7. 5 WERG(FM) — Gannon University (USA)
  8. 3 WESS(FM) — East Stroudsburg University (USA)
  9. WOLF Radio and WOLF Sports Network — University of West Georgia (USA)
  10. WXBC — Bard College (USA)

 

Nursing Program Added for Fall 2025

To address a critical shortfall of nurses in today’s healthcare system, including in our home state of Connecticut, Mitchell College has added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program to our roster of career-focused majors, providing exciting new opportunities for those considering work in a health-related field. Built on our abilities-based model—which teaches adaptability and resiliency throughout the curriculum—the Mitchell B.S.N. is designed to empower and support students from different backgrounds and experiences to pursue work in this rapidly growing, in-demand field.

Unique to this program is the opportunity to study nursing in a learning community focused on accessibility and neuroequity, which have direct impacts on health equity. The program aligns with Mitchell’s core of mission to offer opportunity and possibility by supporting learners and community members who are often underserved in the nation’s education system and in broader society.

Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, president of Mitchell College, said, “Within Connecticut, there is a strong demand for nursing professionals and a waitlist for seats in nursing programs. Making the nursing profession—one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States—accessible to our students meets both their needs and workforce demands. It also offers a pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses to complete their B.S.N. Mitchell College is especially proud to serve the wider community in Southeastern Connecticut by preparing our students to fill healthcare needs. We are located just one mile from Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, our lead clinical partner, and within close proximity to our other clinical partners. Mitchell is excited to leverage these community resources for learning and practice opportunities for our students.”

“Lawrence + Memorial Hospital is thrilled that Mitchell College is adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to its degree offerings,” said Mitchell College board member and L+M Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Shannon Christian. “There is a critical need for nurses at L+M, at Westerly Hospital, and across all the Yale New Haven Health hospitals. Programs like this that will help reduce the shortage of nurses is a win-win for everyone. We look forward to collaborating with Mitchell College on clinical opportunities for these students.”

In addition to Yale New Haven Health/Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, other clinical partners include Colchester and Waterford public schools, Shoreline Therapy Center, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. In each of the six semesters of the program, students will participate in a clinical placement, a patient care experience designed to expose them to a variety of healthcare settings and patient populations.

Learning in an environment that embraces, celebrates, and supports differences will directly benefit the experience and success of students in the nursing program. It will also foster an awareness and understanding to develop sensitivities in delivering healthcare. The nursing program embodies person-centered care with respect to diversity, differences, preferences, values, needs, resources and the determinants of health unique to the individual.

Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Beaulieu, vice president for academic affairs, said, “The mission of the nursing program, which embodies the foundational principle of person-centered care, is to celebrate and develop unique nursing students who will cultivate ethical values, quality care, a spirit of intellectual inquiry, and a readiness to serve others. The program is also equipped to address the needs of our students. While in the program, nursing students can take advantage of a flexible make-up policy to participate in extracurricular activities and individualized accommodation planning that will meet students where they are. Transfer students are also welcome to apply, as previous college credits are given thoughtful consideration during the admissions process.”

Mitchell College recently completed a simulation lab on campus for student nurses that is fully equipped with medical equipment and training manikins, thanks to funding from the Edward and Mary Lord Foundation. The lifelike manikins span all ages, including an infant, a youth, and a maternity manikin, and reflect a diversity of skin shades. Students will use both high- and low-fidelity manikins in the SIM lab to practice a variety of healthcare techniques and procedures. Successful completion of the B.S.N. program will authorize students to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (R.N.).

New London Mayor Michael Passero said, “I am thrilled about the new nursing program at Mitchell College and the extraordinary opportunities that it brings to our city and region.  The program is not only a path to a great career, but simultaneously answers the rising demand for healthcare professionals, right here in New London.”

The nursing program also received funding the CT Health Horizons.

The first cohort of nursing students will begin in Fall 2025. Admission to the B.S.N. program is determined after successful completion of first-year perquisites in the health sciences. For information about the Mitchell College Nursing Program, including how to apply and financial aid options, go to mitchell.edu/academic-programs/nursing.