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Health & Fitness

Meet our New Trustee

Framingham resident Emmett G. Price III was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to serve on the MassBay Community College Board of Trustees on August 12th, and he attended his first Board meeting on August 13th.

Dr. Price is one of the nation’s leading experts on African American Music, African American Culture, the Black Church, Christian Worship, Black Popular Culture, Hip Hop Culture and Youth Culture.  His most recent work includes writing, lecturing and conducting cutting edge research on bridging the generational divide. He currently serves as an associate professor of music at Northeastern University and is the former chair of the Department of African American Studies (2008-2012).

Dr. Price has edited or written numerous publications including The Black Church and Hip Hop Culture: Toward Bridging the Generational Divide (Scarecrow Press, 2012), the Encyclopedia of African American Music (Greenwood/ ABC-CLIO, 2011), and Hip Hop Culture (ABC-CLIO, 2006). On the Northeastern campus Dr. Price has established himself as one of the most popular professors among students.  His course on Jazz (MUSC 1112) routinely attracts upwards of 500 students since he first instructed it in 2003, and he has frequently been nominated by his students for the coveted “Excellence in Teaching Award.” He has also served on the Faculty Senate, the College of Arts and Sciences College Council, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Council of Chairs and many other departmental, college and university-wide committees.  A professional musician, Dr. Price has also performed for audiences throughout the region and abroad.

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Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dr. Price received a B.A. in music from the University of California, Berkeley and earned both his M.A. and Ph.D. in music (ethnomusicology) from the University of Pittsburgh. He also studied theology and urban ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston.

“Dr. Price brings a unique blend of academic, cultural and business perspective to our Board,” said MassBay President John O’Donnell.  “At this pivotal time in our College’s history, we are delighted to welcome such an accomplished scholar and enlightened community member to our Board.”

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“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Price to the MassBay community,” said Board of Trustees Chair Pam Richardson.  “He is an exceptionally talented individual and his experience and knowledge will strengthen the Board.  We are delighted to have him as a member of the team.” 

“I fully embrace the important role community colleges play for people in Massachusetts who are trying to make better lives for themselves and for their families,” said Dr. Price.  “I am eager to get started in advancing the mission of MassBay, and I am grateful to Governor Patrick for the faith in me he has shown with this appointment to the Board of Trustees.” 

MassBay awards associate degrees and certificates in over 70 academic programs in a wide range of career-driven subjects ranging from accounting and automotive technology to forensic DNA science and early childhood education.  The College’s facilities in Wellesley Hills, Framingham and Ashland house day, evening and weekend classes that meet the needs of degree-seeking students and career minded life-long learners. Online options provide convenience and allow faculty to facilitate the learning process.   Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and strives to meet the needs of the diverse local communities it serves.

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