Observer Department: News
Barrett breaks the glass ceiling in Haverhill mayoral election
The city of Haverhill made history November 7, 2023. The voters of Haverhill voted Melinda Barrett to become the Mayor, the first female to lead the city. It took over 153 years to break theglass ceiling. In 1640 the city was incorporated as Pentucket and in 1870 was incorporated in…
MassReconnect: A second chance for education
On August 28, in a step towards redefining accessibility to higher education, a state-funded program was launched and is set to reshape the learning landscape for college students aged 25 years and older. This program provides two years of free college to such students, working to break down financial barriers…
Professors and staff speak out about ‘fair pay’
Professors and staff are under “Work to Rule,” as of press time for the Observer, on Tuesday, Nov. 14. They say they are protesting being underpaid, not receiving a raise since 2021 and currently working without a contract. Faculty and staff members of the Massachusetts Community College Council – MCCC…
Presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson visits NECC
NECC students, staff and faculty were invited on Oct. 18 to meet presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson. Hutchinson, who is a former federal prosecutor, congressman, Bush II administration official and two-term governor of Arkansas, spoke in TC103. He is a 2024 candidate for the Republican presidential nomination. Hutchinson with his Southern…
Kindness Rocks in liberal arts
The Center for Liberal Arts, located in C209, is a space reserved for liberal arts students to study, do homework, and even just chat. The comfortable chairs placed around the room and the free snacks, as well as the Coordinator, Sarah Regan-Kelly, make the environment quite welcoming. So, it is…
AI exploration during STEM week: Is artificial intelligence a reliable source?
STEM week at NECC began on Oct. 16 and went through Oct. 20. STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, during STEM week the academic centers at NECC provide an opportunity for students to brainstorm and discuss their future academic plans, explore career opportunities, and gain exclusive…
Artificial intelligence: Friend or Foe?
AI promises to revolutionize the way we do everything, including coursework, but NECC faculty and some students have concerns about this future. With a new semester underway, and new developments in generative AI technology made public at a regular pace, these concerns are renewed around our campus. Professor Devan Walton,…
Simple fermentation for better health
A speaker recently vistied NECC to share how she left her office job and dove into the fermenting world for good. Probably you have tried pickles or had a salad with a vinegar-based dressing like Italian dressing. If so, you have already enjoyed the taste of fermented vegetables on your…
Fall semester begins
Welcome and welcome back to Northern Essex Community College! As we begin the fall 2023 semester, we are excited to welcome both new and returning students to our campus. This semester promises to be an exciting one, filled with new opportunities and challenges. As you begin your studies, we encourage…
Possible government shutdown is looming
The possibility of a government shutdown is looming as the deadline to pass a funding bill is approaching. The deadline to pass a funding bill is Sept. 30, giving Congress just a week to agree on a path forward. Both Democrats and Republicans have said they’ll try to advance a…
