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NECC Bids Farewell to President David Hartleb

Submitted by on July 5, 2011 – 3:16 pm

Close to 300 people gathered in the newly named David Hartleb Technology Center in Haverhill on Wednesday to say farewell to David Hartleb, who has been president of Northern Essex Community College for the past 15 years and will retire as of June 30 of this year.

President Hartleb’s successor, Dr. Lane Glenn, the college’s current vice president of academic affairs, hosted the event which featured remarks and gifts, a slide show featuring Hartleb’s tenure as president, and the naming of the Technology Center in his honor.

Glenn credited Hartleb with creating innovative new programs in high demand fields such as sleep technology, paramedic technology, computer forensics, lab science, and education; opening new and renovated facilities in Haverhill and Lawrence; initiating public/private partnerships in the face of a down economy as a way of not just surviving, but thriving in hard times; and significantly increasing enrollments, especially among minority students.

“I have been told not once, but many, many times over the past few months that I have some very large shoes to fill, and I agree,” said Glenn. “The best advice I have received so far is to be yourself (and wear extra socks).”

Dr. Richard Freeland, the commissioner of higher education in Massachusetts, called Hartleb “the genuine article…thoroughly decent and thoroughly caring in addition to being a highly effective administrator.”
A highlight of the event was when Joseph Edwards, chairman of the NECC Board of Trustees, announced that the Technology Center, which opened in September of 2005, will be named in Hartleb’s honor.  “This project would not have been possible without the support of our donors and our legislative delegation, of course, but David provided the leadership and vision that made it all happen,” he said.  Edwards unveiled new lettering on the building which now reads The David Hartleb Technology Center and a plaque honoring Hartleb which is located in the lobby of the building.

Hartleb, who has lived in Haverhill, came to Northern Essex after a 28-year career at the University of Cincinnati and will return to Ohio after retiring from Northern Essex.

A resident of Amesbury, Glenn currently serves as vice president of academic affairs at Northern Essex, a position which he has held since 2006.  Prior to that, he was dean of academic and student services at Oakland Community College in Michigan.  He has also served as director of learning services at Lansing Community College, also in Michigan.  Glenn holds a Ph.D. in theater from Michigan State University.
In his four years at the college, Glenn has focused on student success, including increasing support for underprepared students.  He has also expanded the college’s relationships with local high schools and partnered with local employers, such as Raytheon, to develop programs that deliver the skills most needed in the job market.

Hartleb received warm wishes from the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association, the NECC Foundation, the Women of NECC, the All College Assembly, the NECC Administrators Association, and the NECC Professionals Association.

Calling his position as president of Northern Essex “the best job I ever had,” Hartleb credited others for what has been accomplished during his time at the college.  “Upon reflecting about my career, I am struck that none of my accomplishments would have happened without tremendous support from many, many people, quite a few of whom are here today.  My only claim for success is that I have always been surrounded by wonderful, energetic, bright, fantastic friends and colleagues.”