Top 5 MassBay News Stories of 2020

As 2020 comes to an end, we looked back on some of the biggest MassBay news stories of 2020. Here are the top 5 news stories from MassBay.edu and our social media channels.

5 MassBay Graduate Brendan Morais Makes Final Four on The Bachelorette

Photo courtesy of ABC MassBay doesn’t just produce workforce-ready scholars, we also produce high-profile bachelors! Brendan Morais, who played basketball while studying at MassBay from 2009–2011, is a roofer from Milford and part-time actor. After winning a spot on ABC’s popular reality show, The Bachelorette, he is now a celebrity.

On the show, Brendan competes with other suitors for the heart of Tayshia Adams. While Brendan made it all the way to the final four, he chose to return home rather than pitching the rock. Nevertheless, his appearance on the show opens many doors for potential modeling and acting work for the 30-year-old former Buccaneer hoop star.

READ MORE! MassBay Graduate Brendan Morais Makes Final Four on The Bachelorette →

4 MassBay Research Links Food Scholarships with Academic Achievement

Free Food Market at MassBay Everybody knows the Snickers commercial, “You’re not yourself when you’re hungry.” But until MassBay released research in fall 2020, not everybody knew you’re not your best student when you’re hungry.

Data collected in fall 2019 by MassBay show that the average GPA of the 48 students who received food scholarships increased from 3.09 to 3.13 after receiving the scholarship. Students who were eligible for a scholarship but did not receive one because of a lack of available funding saw a decrease in their average GPA from 2.90 to 2.53 GPA. More recent data from spring 2020 showed similar results. The 70 students receiving a scholarship maintained their 3.33 average GPA. The GPA of the six students the College was unable to fund dropped from 3.2 to 2.7.

“I can think of no more important nor impactful pursuit than the work being done on our campus to combat food insecurity,” said MassBay President, Dr. David Podell. “Many of our students are overcoming financial and homelife obstacles, coming to college to forge a better life for themselves and their families. We can all understand how being unable to afford food and going hungry can derail a dream. The Meal Scholarship Program helps alleviate food insecurity for many of our students, enabling them to succeed in the classroom, to complete their studies with us, and to feel pride in their achievements.”

READ MORE! MassBay Research Links Food Scholarships with Academic Achievement →

3 Inspired by Students riding his Bus, the Driver Goes Back to College at MassBay

Clayton Ward “During the bus routes,” explains Clayton Ward, “[Students and I] would chat about their classes. As a history buff I would share lessons that I learned in school, and we talked a lot about academics. After several of these discussions, some of the students would tell me they wanted me to be their teacher… it stuck with me and gave me the motivation to complete a goal I had started years ago.”

In just one year, Clayton completed his Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts at MassBay. He earned Highest Honors, the All-College Award for his 4.0 GPA, and the All-Divisional Award for having the highest GPA in the Humanities and Social Sciences division and for having the highest GPA in the Liberal Arts program.

Clayton’s story earned national media attention, including being featured on ABC-TV’s Good Morning America. He is currently enrolled at Framingham State University, pursuing his bachelor degree in History, with a minor in Secondary Education.

2 MassBay’s Nursing Programs Rank #1 in Massachusetts

We’re Number One!

MassBay Nursing Program In March 2020, registerednursing.org, a nursing advocacy organization, announced MassBay as having the #1 Registered Nursing (RN) program in the state. Then, in September 2020, MassBay’s other nursing program gave the College a clean sweep, as the Practical Nursing (LPN) program was ranked #1 in Massachusetts by a second nursing advocacy organization, practicalnursing.org.

“After carefully analyzing RN programs throughout the state of Massachusetts, it became apparent that MassBay Community College not only prepares students for success on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, but equips students with the skills needed to confidently enter the fast-paced healthcare industry,” said RegisteredNursing.org Outreach Coordinator, Sally Worthington. In its evaluation of the LPN program, PracticalNursing.org states, “Students learn both theory and practice as part of the program, with clinical experiences taking place at area health care facilities to emphasize best nursing practices as they relate to direct patient care.”

“This is the fourth consecutive year our LPN students earned a 100% first-time pass-rate on the NCLEX licensure exam and the third year the Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) program has had a 100% pass-rate for our graduates, which speaks to the excellent education students receive at MassBay,” said MassBay Health Sciences Dean, Dr. Lynne Davis. “Our nursing students are prepared and ready to work on the frontlines and we applaud their hard work and dedication.”

1 MassBay Transitions Classes to Remote Learning

MassBay Campus Remote Procedures What else could be the #1 story in 2020?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Monday, March 30, 2020 MassBay Community College pivoted hundreds of courses from in-person learning to remote. Faculty and staff rapidly and effectively made adjustments mid-semester to transition existing offerings to the new normal remote environment. President David Podell said, “Our priority is the health of our students, faculty, and staff, which is why we are moving as many courses and support resources online to promote social distancing. I have no doubt our students, faculty, and staff will rise to the occasion and succeed under these unprecedented circumstances.”

Following the transition to remote learning during the spring 2020 semester, MassBay extended the limited on-campus study for the summer, fall, and spring 2021 semesters.

READ MORE! MassBay Transitions Classes to Remote Learning →