Urban College of Boston Announces Board Chair Transition
Joan Becker replaces Peter Ebb who served as Urban College’s Board Chair for nearly 15 years; Amelia Manning appointed Vice Chair
Boston, MA. – After nearly 15 years of impactful leadership, Peter Ebb has stepped down as Board Chair at Urban College of Boston. Ebb, who will remain on the board, will be succeeded by Joan Becker, retired vice provost for academic support services and undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Amelia Manning, chief operating officer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), will serve as Vice Chair.
During his tenure as Board Chair, Ebb oversaw the College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its official approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education to offer online courses.
“Peter has given so many of his talents, skills, passion, and heart to Urban College and the academy for decades as a Board Chair and Commissioner for our regional accreditation body,” said Urban College of Boston president, Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernandez. “He has made college possible for so many students. I look forward to collaborating with both Joan and Amelia. They are extraordinary leaders."
Becker, who currently serves as a consultant to the Council for Opportunity in Education and UMass Boston, has a long career history of advancing educational equity. She has provided leadership and administrative oversight for numerous academic programs and student services including general education, advising, career services, disability services, tutoring, and supplemental instruction.
Throughout her 20-year career at SNHU, Manning has ensured the institution delivers its vision and mission to advance strategy through execution. She currently oversees a team comprised of academics, student advancement, business strategy, and global operations.
“It has been an honor to serve in this role. Joan and Amelia, together with our remarkable president Dr Yves Salomon-Fernandez, are the ideal leaders at an exciting time as the College expands existing pathways, and creates new pathways, for its students,” said Ebb. “Both have an unwavering commitment to the idea that higher education must create meaningful and affordable opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly for those who too often see higher education as unattainable.”
Becker and Manning’s new roles come at an important time for Urban College, as the institution continues to tailor its programs to serve an ethnically- and racially-diverse student body with evolving needs. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Urban College provides students with access to associate degree and certificate programs in several languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
"As I step into the role of Board Chair, my vision is firmly focused on the future and the critical role Urban College plays in providing overlooked and underserved populations with the resources they need to thrive,” said Becker. “We are not just opening doors to education; we are creating pathways to upward mobility that will uplift entire communities. Together, we will continue to innovate and expand our efforts, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to build a brighter, more prosperous future for themselves and their families."
“By continuing to align our programs with workforce needs in industries such as early childhood education and human services, we are not only preparing our students for meaningful careers but also contributing to the economic future of our city and state, said Manning. “I look forward to working with our faculty and industry partners to ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and drive positive change in our community."
Becker received a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and later a master’s and doctorate in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. A graduate of Saint Michael’s College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Manning earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of New Hampshire.
For more information about Urban College of Boston’s Board of Trustees, please visit: Urban College of Boston Board of Trustees