Springfield College Announces New Trustees and Trustee Emeriti

Springfield, MA (06/17/2026) — Springfield College is proud to announce the election of five new members to its Board of Trustees following action taken during the College's annual Board of Trustees meeting on June 5, 2026.

The following individuals have been elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Trustees:

Dawn DiStefano is president and chief executive officer of Square One. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from the University of Massachusetts, completed certification studies in early education and special needs at Boston College, and earned both a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management and a Master of Public Administration degree in nonprofit management and finance from the University of Massachusetts and Westfield State University, respectively.

Nathanael Harris '08 is general manager of The Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management from Springfield College.

Valli Meeks '77 is an emeritus professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Springfield College; a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene from Thomas Jefferson University; a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery; and a Master of Science degree in oral pathology from the University of Maryland Baltimore.

Carlton Pickron '79, G'82 is the retired vice president for student affairs at Westfield State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, a Master of Education degree, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Springfield College. He also earned a Doctor of Education degree in organizational development and social issues training from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Stacey Hall '91 will serve a two-year term on the Board of Trustees as part of her role as the President of the Springfield College Alumni Council. Hall, who recently retired from University of New Hampshire where she was an assistant vice president for student life, earned a bachelor's degree in sport management from Springfield College, and a master's degree in recreation and sport administration and a doctorate in leisure behavior from Indiana University Bloomington.

In addition, Springfield College recognized four distinguished former trustees for their exceptional commitment to the institution by conferring upon them the title of Trustee Emeritus. Recognized during the June 5 meeting were:

Denise Alleyne '73, G'74

William A. Burke III

John A. Odierna '64, H'05

Robert M. Sullivan, Jr.