QCC Alum Found Community College a Springboard for Public Service

Will Ramsdell started his higher education journey at Quinsigamond Community College and has been on an upward trajectory ever since. Mr. Ramsdell is currently the Deputy Legislative Director at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, part of the Executive Branch of the Massachusetts state government. 

Mr. Ramsdell grew up in Sturbridge, MA and went to Tantastqua High School. As a senior, he said he didn’t know what he wanted to do next. Since some family friends were professors at QCC, he thought it would be a good place to start. 

The idea of living on a college campus, especially when he wasn’t sure which direction his career would be headed, seemed too overwhelming and stressful, so community college was a perfect setting for him.  

“Those first two years are critical,” Mr. Ramsdell said. “Some people who jump out of the gate and realize, ‘this wasn’t for me,’ end up not as fulfilled. And the financial aspect is great if you don’t want loads of debt.” 

At QCC, Mr. Ramsdell was able to really focus on his studies and figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He started slow, just taking a couple of courses during his first year. He had a job the following summer at a factory and his older coworkers continually pushed him to pursue a degree, so during his second year he committed to a full course load. 

This decision ended up being a positive one.

“It was one of my best years, my introduction to college. I felt really engaged," he said. 

Because Mr. Ramsdell wanted to study something versatile that could take him in many different directions, he chose business administration. The first business class that he took sparked his interest in how different systems work within a society.

He recalls thinking, “‘Wow, this is how a corporation works and this is the difference between a private company and a public company.’ It initiated this new thinking pattern. If one class can achieve that, it’s huge. That’s how we know a school is doing a fantastic job.” 

He noted that some have a view of community colleges as a place where you simply show up, take your class, and then leave; but that’s far from the truth. He describes his professors and labs as very engaging and was involved in the Business Club and would frequently utilize the math tutoring center.

“Take advantage of the opportunities there at a community college. At the end of the day, it’s what you make of it," he continued. 

After graduating from QCC, Mr. Ramsdell continued on to the University of Alabama, then finished at Westfield State, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with a minor in Political Science. Jumping right into the political arena, he joined Governor Charlie Baker’s reelection campaign as an intern in 2018 and has been involved in state government ever since.   

After working as a briefing coordinator for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, followed by time in constituent services, Mr. Ramsdell landed the role of Deputy Legislative Director of Public Safety and Security. He said he loves the fast-paced environment and being able to work with people of all different backgrounds. His favorite aspect is making an impact on his community and “the ability to provide a service every day for the citizens of the Commonwealth to get our systems working better.”  

We know the future will be bright for Mr. Ramsdell and can't wait to see what else he will accomplish in his public service career.