Alumna Benefits from Partnership Between MCC & William James

Growing up in Wareham, Dr. Jennifer Burns moved to West Springfield when she was young and attended boarding school in Lenox until the age of 12. A victim of sexual violations, she ran away from school and experienced homelessness for a number of years. At Middlesex Community College, she started her journey to studying and working in the field of psychology.

“My overall experience was amazing,” Burns said. “The faculty and staff are invested in students’ successes. MCC faculty and staff supported my educational needs, especially the TRIO program. This resource was instrumental in helping me to succeed as an older student.”

At Middlesex, Burns also benefitted from dedicated professors such as Robert Fera and engaging in Service-Learning Experiences. In one instance, Burns was part of a cohort who went to Boston Commons to engage in service with the homeless population. “This experience ignited a passion within and I wanted to continue my education beyond MCC,” she said.

Burns continued on to UMass Lowell to earn a bachelor’s in Psychology and Legal Studies and a master’s in Community Social Psychology. She completed her doctorate from William James College (WJC) in Organizational Leadership Psychology AoE Neuropsychology. At a recent event marking the colleges’ new articulation agreement, Burns spoke of her journey from starting at MCC to graduating from WJC.

“Speaking from the heart and being vulnerable in front of my colleagues was uncomfortable at first,” Burns said. “However, being authentic is part of my core and I would not be the woman I am today if I did not embrace my shadow side and persevere through life lessons.”

Now an external consultant with the Lawrence Police Department, Burns runs trainings for the Recovery Coach Academy and Trauma and is an adjunct faculty member at both MCC and WJC. Her goal is to “teach and empower others to become their best versions of self” – something she has learned from her experiences at both colleges.

“MCC embodies a sense of community and encouraged me to value the importance of higher education,” she said. “WJC embodies the values that I believe in: social responsibility, experiential learning, personal growth and development, and fosters sense of belonging for all students.”

The articulation agreement between Middlesex and WJC is meant to provide a stronger bridge for students completing their psychology, human services and liberal arts and sciences requirements at Middlesex. Students can then transfer their credits to William James to earn a bachelor’s and advanced degrees through a cohort model, peer mentoring and professional development.

“This partnership between Middlesex and WJC will help to provide easier access points and a trajectory for students in a variety of disciplines,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “Our missions are completely aligned to make a difference for today’s students, Leading to a highly prepared and more diverse mental health workforce.”

“The work that we do as educators is not to ‘provide to’ or to ‘impose upon,’ but it is to bring out the greatness that exists in a person,” said Nicholas Covino, WJC President. “You form community, you find the brilliance that exists in that student, even in the students who may doubt themselves, and you help it to emerge. We’re eager to welcome more dedicated, talented students from MCC into the WJC community, and to provide the training and support they need to advance their education and to launch an important career at a time when behavioral health professionals are needed more than ever.”

Founded in 1974, William James College is an independent, non-profit institution and a leader in educating the next generation of mental health professionals to support the growing and diverse needs of the mental health workforce. Integrating field work with academics, the College prepares students for careers as organizational leaders and behavioral health professionals who are committed to helping the underserved, multicultural populations, children and families, and veterans. William James College alumni can be found making an impact in a variety of settings, including schools, the courts, clinical care facilities, hospitals, the community, and the workplace. To learn more about the College, please visit williamjames.edu.

With MCC, students of all experiences, backgrounds and needs can access options, resources and support that set them up for success from day one. By starting at MCC, students save thousands on tuition costs, complete general requirements that transfer to four-year schools, and learn skills that make them competitive in the job market. Offering an immersive community experience on-campus, online and in a hybrid format – and 70+ degree and certificate options – MCC provides flexible and accelerated courses that fit into students’ busy lives. In removing barriers that often prevent students from pursuing higher education, MCC makes attending college more affordable and equitable. With MCC, education is possible!