Haverhill, MA (May 14, 2025) – After a comprehensive search process that engaged students, faculty, and staff, Northern Essex Community College announced that it is filling two key positions in institutional leadership, selecting Dr. Joanne Landers as Vice President of Student Affairs and Dr. Austin Gilliland as Vice President of Academic Affairs, respectively.

“Dr. Landers and Dr. Gilliland both represent strong additions to the Northern Essex Community College team,” said NECC President Lane Glenn. “Their energy, background, experience, and values will be tremendous assets to NECC and the students we serve.”

Dr. Joanne Landers, Vice President of Student Affairs

Landers currently serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Communications at Plymouth State University, a role she has held since August 2023. While at Plymouth State, Landers oversaw undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid operations, and recruitment strategies. Additionally, she led initiatives that increased collaboration between faculty, staff, and administrators through the development of their Enrollment and Retention Committee.

The first in her family to graduate from college, Landers earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University, her graduate degree from The University of Akron, and her PhD in Education Specialization in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University. She described her passion for supporting first-time students as a driving force throughout her career.

“I’ve been a first-generation student, and so I know firsthand what it’s like to experience college without any guidance or little direction,” said Landers. “Under President Glenn, Northern Essex has earned a reputation for providing such thoughtful guidance to their students, from admissions to graduation. I’m eager to bring my experience to NECC and advance this mission, which is so near and dear to my heart.”

“Dr. Landers brings a strong understanding of how integral student, faculty, and staff coordination is to the success of our student body,” said Glenn. “Importantly, she also has considerable experience with strategic enrollment management, and has demonstrated the type of commitment to excellence that we strive for at Northern Essex.”

Dr. Austin Gilliland, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Gilliland joins NECC after spending 13 years at Bunker Hill Community College, holding various positions that include her current position as Dean of Professional Studies – a role she has held since March 2020. She comes to NECC following a strong career of program development, facilitating academic opportunities that had meaningful impacts on their student population.

“Dr. Gilliland stood out as a candidate who not only identified opportunities, she acted on them,” said Glenn. “Her experience at Bunker Hill Community College, in particular, and with academic oversight in general, leaves me confident that she can continue to keep NECC at the forefront of curriculum development  and academic innovation.”

As Dean, Gilliland worked with faculty and staff to develop quality industry and transfer-aligned programs to better connect students with opportunities. Her career highlights include launching and directing the Federal TRIO Grant Program in Chelsea Public Schools, providing services and resources to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“I’m really motivated by building bridges across organizations, connecting teams, and supporting staff and faculty,” said Dr. Gilliliand. “It seemed like a perfect opportunity to bring this passion to Northern Essex, which already has such innovative, exciting work happening across campuses. That NECC paved the way as the first Hispanic Serving Institution in New England really speaks to how the college values student backgrounds, cultures, and everything they bring to the institution.”

Gilliland earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at The University of Texas at Austin, before earning her PhD in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Dr. Landers will be joining NECC on July 1, 2025, while Dr. Gilliland will be joining on July 28, 2025.