Dr. Linda Maykel Appointed Chair of QCC Board of Trustees

WORCESTER, MA— September 14, 2023 — Dr. Linda Maykel has been appointed chair of Quinsigamond Community College’s Board of Trustees by Governor Maura Healey as of July 2023. Maykel has been a QCC board member since 2022; was the former QCC Foundation board president from 2018 to 2022 and served as a clinical instructor for QCC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.

Maykel noted that her dedication to the QCC community comes from a deep love of education.

“Education changes people’s lives forever, especially at QCC where much of our population has an amazing number of responsibilities in addition to school, such as families and jobs,” Maykel said. “It’s important to me that we make education available to everybody, especially women and minorities. I would like to see more diversity in the STEM disciplines.”

As the QCC Foundation President, Maykel collaborated with QCC to set up the Student Emergency Aid Fund, which was developed to support students in significant financial need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds helped students with rent, food, medical services, childcare and educational necessities. Since the inception of the Student Emergency Aid Fund over $190,000 has been raised.

Additionally, under Maykel’s leadership the QCC Foundation contributed funds to the QCC HomePlate Food Pantry and Resource Center to supply students in need with fresh food, as well as personal hygiene products. Since its creation, over $350,000 has been raised for the food pantry through Foundation donations and grant funding.

Dr. Maykel and the Foundation Board created the Innovative Fund, which provides up to $5,000 grants to QCC faculty and staff to develop projects and initiatives that directly impact students’ college experience and learning. She also participated in the $30,000 for 30,000 alumni fundraising campaign, the Quinsigabration Gala, and improving diversity within the QCC Foundation Board of Directors.

“Dr. Maykel’s support of the college, its students, faculty, staff, and administration has been a constant throughout the years. From helping with food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic to leading our Foundation Board, Dr. Maykel has already made an indelible impression on QCC and our students. Her unwavering commitment to QCC, coupled with her strong leadership will be invaluable to our college,” said QCC President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D.

After receiving her D.D.S. from Northwestern University, Maykel became the first female dentist in Worcester, eventually opening her own practice. Maykel is a member of many local organizations including the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, Worcester District Dental Society, the Massachusetts Dental Society, the American Heart Association, the American Association of Women Dentists and the VNA Worcester Area Community Cabinet.

“One of my goals is to get the trustees more involved in activities at the college. I’m trying to add a personal touch to this board and make everyone feel welcome,” said Maykel.

“I’m excited to work closely with Dr. Maykel as we begin the new fall semester,” Pedraja said. “The future is bright at QCC.”