GCC student serving on state Board of Higher Education – recorder.com

Report on Michael Hannigan’s Appointment to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education

Introduction

Michael Hannigan, a student at Greenfield Community College (GCC) and an advocate for food security and affordable education, has been appointed to the 13-member Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. His appointment underscores the alignment of his work with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Quality Education (SDG 4), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).

Background and Education

1. Michael Hannigan, aged 44 and resident of Amherst, enrolled at GCC in summer 2023 through the MassReconnect program, which provides free community college education to students aged 25 and older without bachelor’s degrees.
2. He majors in farm and food systems and human services and is expected to receive his associate degree in spring 2024.
3. His initial focus was agriculture, inspired by plans to farm his family’s land.

Engagement in Food Security and Advocacy

• Hannigan revitalized the GCC Permaculture Club, promoting sustainable agriculture and community involvement, directly supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• He interned at Stone Soup Cafe in Greenfield, contributing to community food initiatives.
• He helped organize free farmers markets and participated in gleaning activities to rescue surplus vegetables for distribution to nonprofits.

Leadership and Political Involvement

• As president of the Permaculture Club and elected student trustee, Hannigan advocated for campus resources such as a greenhouse, enhancing educational infrastructure (SDG 4).
• His experience working at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in food supply logistics inspired his interest in agriculture policy and economic sustainability for farmers (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• He testified before the Joint Ways and Means Committee on the importance of the MassReconnect program and engaged with Congress members on agriculture and food insecurity issues in Franklin County.

Recognition and Fellowship

In 2023, Hannigan was selected as a 2025 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, recognizing his commitment to social justice, civic engagement, and addressing inequality (SDG 10). GCC President Michelle Schutt highlighted his leadership in combating food insecurity on campus and in the community.

Role on the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education

1. Hannigan replaces the previous community college representative and will serve through the 2025-2026 academic year.
2. The Board of Higher Education is responsible for defining the mission and coordinating the state’s public higher education system, prioritizing student success, financial aid, economic mobility, public good, and innovation.
3. Hannigan aims to advocate for increased state funding for educational resources such as free online reading materials and textbooks, supporting equitable access to quality education (SDG 4 and SDG 10).
4. He also supports the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, which seeks funding to address student food insecurity, linking directly to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Statements and Future Outlook

• Hannigan expressed enthusiasm about bringing the student perspective to the Board and supporting expanded access to higher education across Massachusetts.
• Board Chair Chris Gabrieli emphasized the value of diverse leadership experiences in advancing the Board’s work.
• Hannigan highlighted the correlation between funding for food security services and student retention and success, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in these areas.

Conclusion

Michael Hannigan’s appointment to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education represents a significant step toward integrating student advocacy, food security, and educational equity within state higher education policy. His work aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development through education and community engagement.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses food security advocacy, gleaning to rescue vegetables, free farmers markets, and the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative addressing student food insecurity.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • MassReconnect program providing free community college education for adults without bachelor’s degrees.
   • Advocacy for increased funding for educational resources such as free online reading materials and textbooks.
   • Student success and retention through addressing food insecurity.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Efforts to improve economic mobility through education and food security.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing inequality through expanded access to education and combating food insecurity among students.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Gleaning activities to reduce food waste by rescuing vegetables after harvest.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.3: Halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Prevalence of undernourishment or food insecurity in the student population (implied through food insecurity advocacy and Hunger-Free Campus Initiative).
   • Number of food rescue activities such as gleaning and free farmers markets organized.
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Enrollment rates in community college programs like MassReconnect.
   • Student retention and graduation rates, particularly linked to food security support.
   • Availability and usage of free educational resources such as online reading materials and textbooks.
3. SDG 1 and 10 Indicators
   • Access to education and social services by vulnerable populations (implied through expanded access to education and food security programs).
   • Economic mobility measures such as employment or income improvements post-education.
4. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Amount of food rescued or reduced food waste through gleaning and farmers markets.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: recorder.com