QCC Employee Named President of New England Association of Higher Education and Disability

The New England Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) has announced that Terri S. Rodriguez, associate director of Student Accessibility Services at Quinsigamond Community College, has been elected president for the 2023-2024 academic year.  Rodriguez served on the board of New England AHEAD since 2015 as the community college representative, moving into the role of vice president/president-elect last year. The president sets New England AHEAD’s direction and provides oversight for all activities of the association and is a liaison to the national AHEAD organization.

“I am pleased to see Terri recognized and be the first New England AHEAD president from a community college,” said Director of Student Accessibility Services Kristie Proctor.

New England AHEAD members are comprised of postsecondary disability services professionals, ADA compliance officers and accessibility support staff from two-year and four-year colleges and universities, including graduate and technical schools, across six New England states.  Currently, 140 professionals representing 70 institutions are members of New England AHEAD.  New England AHEAD provides disability service professionals with a network of local colleagues and accessible consultation and professional development opportunities.

A lifetime educator, Rodriguez began her career as a high school history teacher, moved to residence life and academic support, then found her passion for students with disabilities. Terri earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Regis College and a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Arizona. Rodriguez first joined Quinsigamond Community College in 2001 and has held several roles supporting the college’s efforts to provide access and academic opportunities to students with disabilities. For the past year, Rodriguez has served on the PACE Committee, the Equity Council, Mentoring Advisory Committee, Governance Steering Committee, NECHE Standards 1 & 3, and as an advisor for the Fun on The Spectrum Club. Rodriguez has presented locally and nationally on issues of disability, recently in June at the Postsecondary Disability Institute in Boston. Rodriguez is a certified Life Design Catalyst Coach and presents for the alumni monthly Think Again workshop series.  

“Terri is a tireless advocate for students with disabilities and supports individual colleagues here at the college in their understanding of disability resources and what access means on many levels. She has been an invaluable asset in preparing the college for the MAIHE students (Massachusetts Inclusive Higher Education legislation allowing students with developmental disabilities, severe autism, and other disabilities to attend college) and leading the project planning team. Terri brings her voice to conversations about inclusive campus culture and supports disability and belonging in her various roles at the college,” Proctor added.

For more information about Student Accessibility Services, visit the SAS website or visit the office in the Administration Building, Room 246A.