Amherst resident at GCC serving on state Board of Higher Education

January 25, 2026 - 19:52

Michael Hannigan, a dedicated student at Greenfield Community College (GCC), has been elected to serve on the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. The Amherst resident, 44, is recognized for his strong advocacy for food security and affordable education.

Hannigan began his studies at GCC in the summer of 2023, utilizing the state's MassReconnect program. This initiative provides a tuition-free community college education for residents aged 25 and older who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. His initial academic focus was agriculture, driven by a personal goal to cultivate his family's land.

His involvement on campus, particularly with the college's permaculture club, deepened his commitment to systemic issues. This engagement helped broaden his focus from farming to encompassing wider advocacy for food security and educational access. In his new role on the state board, Hannigan aims to bring the perspective of a non-traditional student directly into statewide policy discussions, emphasizing the critical importance of accessible higher education for all Massachusetts residents.