Keene State College will honor its former president, as well as a U.S. senator, at next month’s commencement ceremony.
Melinda Treadwell, who left Keene State in October to lead SUNY Geneseo in New York, will receive the Granite State Award, while U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree, the college announced Wednesday.
“Senator Hassan and Dr. Treadwell exemplify the very best of public service, leadership, and commitment to New Hampshire,” Donald L. Birx, Keene State’s interim president, said in a news release. “Through their work, in government, higher education, and civic life, they have strengthened communities across our state and inspired generations of students. We are proud to recognize their lasting contributions.”
Treadwell, who was Keene State’s first alumna president, joined the college’s faculty in 2000 and later was dean, interim provost, vice president for academic affairs and president, according to Wednesday’s news release.
The release called her a “champion of public higher education” and touted how she modeled “resilience and collaborative leadership during the COVID‑19 pandemic and amid shifting demographic and financial realities.
“Her vision emphasized student success, regional workforce partnerships, and lifelong learning, strengthening both Keene State College and the broader Monadnock Region,” the release said. “Her leadership extended nationally through service with organizations including the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, the NCAA Division III Management Council, and the New England Commission of Higher Education.”
The Granite State Award recognizes people for “outstanding achievement” and major contributions to the state’s welfare, and is the top non-degree honor bestowed by Keene State.
Wednesday’s news release also lists several accomplishments by Hassan, including serving New Hampshire residents in the N.H. Senate, in the U.S. Senate and as New Hampshire’s governor.
“As governor, Hassan presided over a period of stable economic growth, launched the award‑winning Live Free & Start program to support startup businesses, expanded access to healthcare through Medicaid expansion, and led efforts to combat the opioid crisis,” the release said. “She was also a strong advocate for public higher education, restoring funding to the University System of New Hampshire and enabling an in‑state tuition freeze.”
In the U.S. Senate, the release said she has “continued her bipartisan leadership” through a variety of achievements.
Keene State’s graduation is May 9.
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