Salem State VP Named 2024 Black Excellence On The Hill Honoree

SALEM, MA — Salem State Vice President of Student Services Dr. Nate Bryant was among the 70 Black leaders in Massachusetts recognized as a 2024 Black Excellent on the Hill during a State House event last week.

State Rep. Manny Cruz (D-Salem) nominated Bryant for the honor, which is presented by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus.

"I am proud to nominate Dr. Nate Bryant for this prestigious recognition of Salem's 2024 recipient of the Black Excellence Award," Cruz said. "Dr. Bryant is a beacon of leadership, commitment, and community service. Dr. Bryant's illustrious career at Salem State, spanning over three decades, has been marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence in student success and propelling the university towards an even more equitable trajectory.

"Moreover, as the interim president of North Shore Community College in 2021, Dr. Bryant demonstrated his ability to lead with vision, adaptability, and empathy. Nate, served as my
direct predecessor on the Salem School Committee and my leadership on the committee would not have been possible without his groundbreaking leadership. His academic achievements, coupled with his groundbreaking role in community service — notably as the first African-American to serve on the Salem School Committee and as its Vice Chair — underscore a career dedicated not only to education but to meaningful community engagement and progress."

Bryant has over 35 years of experience working in higher education. He oversees the areas of Enrollment Management, The Center for Academic Excellence, Marketing and Communications, Public Relations, and Student Life.

Bryant has also served as the Vice President and Chief of Staff at Salem State University and Interim President of North Shore Community College. Bryant holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master’s in education from Salem State. He received his doctorate in higher education from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

A resident of Salem, he has served his community in various capacities, including a two-term City of Salem School Committee member, and currently sits on the boards of Mass General Brigham/Salem Hospital, Northeast ARC, Essex National Heritage Commission and The Salem Pantry.

"I am truly humbled by receiving such an honor and particularly from Rep. Cruz, a person, who
in a short period of time, has made a significant positive impact on the city of Salem and the

Commonwealth," Bryant said. "I also want to give praise to my wife Joy, who has been my biggest supporter and without her, none of this would have been possible."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)