Dr. Michelle Pierce is Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and Executive Director of Early College Programs. She earned her BA from Wellesley College, an MAT in Foreign Language Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and an Ed.D. in Literacy, Language, and Cultural Studies from Boston University. A former public high school teacher, Dr. Pierce served as a faculty member in the Salem State School of Education for 15 years before moving into her administrative role in 2015. She was co-author of the Early College Designation proposals for the public schools of Salem and Lynn and has overseen both programs since 2020.
Leah Brundige is a higher education professional with a strong commitment to equity, access, and student success. In her role as Assistant Director for Early College Student Success, she leads inclusive, data-driven initiatives that support persistence and degree attainment for Early College students in our designated partner communities of Salem and Lynn. With a background in multilingual education and international teaching experience, Leah brings a culturally responsive and globally informed approach to her work. Leah is proud to be a “Double Viking,” holding both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Salem State University—an institution that shaped her passion for inclusive education and lifelong learning.
Eileen FitzGerald is Early College Coordinator at SSU, handling administrative tasks related to our Early College partnerships with Salem High School, Lynn English High School, and Lynn Classical High School. Prior to her work at Salem State, Eileen was an elementary school librarian for public schools in Lynn and Salem. She lives in Salem with her husband and loves the beach at Winter Island and the community garden at Mack Park.