The Alumni Association of Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts has honored Vermont Technical College President Philip Conroy with the Nicholas P. Tillinghast Award for Achievement in the Field of Education. An annual tradition, the Bridgewater Alumni Association Awards are presented to deserving alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university, who have positively impacted the community through their work or service to others. Dr. Conroy graduated from Bridgewater State with a degree in education in 1972 and later served as the school’s Director of Development and Executive Director of its charitable foundation.
“Named in honor of Bridgewater State’s first president, the Nicolas P. Tillinghast Award is given to honor an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, excellence in performance, and outstanding personal achievement in the field of public education,” explained Shana Murrell, Director of Alumni Relations at Bridgewater State University. “Dr. Conroy’s appointment as the 18th President of Vermont Technical College, a notable career accomplishment, illustrates his lifelong commitment to higher education and embodies the very spirit of this award.”
Dr. Conroy came to Vermont Tech as president in 2010 from Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts, where he served as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing. In addition to Bridgewater State, Dr. Conroy also held positions at two other state universities: the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and in Boston. He is an internationally recognized expert in higher education management, particularly in the areas of strategic enrollment management and institutional advancement.
“It’s an honor for me to receive this award from my alma mater,” said Dr. Conroy. “As I return to Massachusetts and Bridgewater State to receive this award, I look back and see the building blocks that created a foundation that has brought me great professional fulfillment and tremendous gratitude.”
The award was presented at the Bridgewater State Rondileau Campus Center during the 2012 Alumni Awards Dinner on Saturday, April 28.
Vermont Technical College is the only public institution of higher learning in Vermont whose mission is applied education. One of the five Vermont State Colleges, Vermont Tech serves students from throughout Vermont, New England, and beyond at its two primary campuses in Williston and Randolph Center, and at nine nursing campuses located throughout the state. Our academic programs encompass a wide range of engineering, agricultural, health, and business fields that are vital to producing the knowledge workers need most by employers in the state and in the region.