2025: A Year of Bold Vision and Creative Growth at Montserrat

A vibrant year has come to a close at Montserrat! 2025 was a year of “firsts,” transformative gifts, and a bold new vision for the future of creative education. From guaranteed employment to historic expansions and new leadership, we are redefining what an art education can achieve.

As we look toward 2026, let’s celebrate the milestones that made this past year so special.

A Dedication to Student Success: The Creative Employment Initiative

Perhaps the biggest headline of the year was the launch of our Creative Employment Initiative. Starting with the incoming class of 2026, Montserrat will become the first college in the nation to guarantee every student a paid, career-focused job during their four years on campus.

This initiative is fueled by a $1.6 million gift from the family of Anne and Steve Dodge—the largest private donation in our history. As highlighted by The Local News, Montserrat is “flipping the script” on the traditional college model, ensuring students graduate with years of professional experience in the $900 billion creative economy.

Reshaping Our Footprint: The Launch of The Bower

In November, we officially unveiled The Bower, a 36,000-square-foot creative complex at 248 Cabot Street. This three-story hub anchors the Beverly Arts District and houses over 40 local artist studios, student-led design firms, and performance venues.

The Boston Business Journal noted how this facility significantly expands Montserrat’s economic footprint, providing a “creative ecosystem” where education and entrepreneurship flourish side-by-side.

New Leadership: Strengthening Our Foundation

This year, Montserrat welcomed fresh perspectives to its leadership teams:

• Board Chair Oliver Parker: In September, the college unanimously elected Oliver Parker as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees. A respected business executive and owner of Sistine Solar, Parker brings deep expertise in strategic planning and brand strategy to help guide the college through its next phase of growth.
• Dean Meg Rennie: The campus community gained a powerful advocate this December when Meg Rennie was named the New Dean of Students. A longtime member of the Montserrat family, Dean Rennie is focused on accessibility, inclusion, and fostering a culture where every student has a seat at the table (and a cup of tea!).

Alumni Excellence: From the Garden to the Gallery

Our alumni continued to dominate the creative world in 2025:

• Massiel Grullón ’14 was named the 2025 TD Garden House Artist. Her vibrant “Women in Sports” murals now welcome thousands of fans to one of Boston’s most iconic venues.
• Immersive Art: At the Essex Art Center, alumni transformed the gallery with the “Worlds to Life” exhibition, proving that Montserrat artists are at the forefront of community-based storytelling.

Real-World Readiness & Industry Recognition

Our commitment to excellence was recognized nationally as Montserrat earned high rankings from U.S. News & World Report. We were specifically lauded for Social Mobility and named a top Regional College (North), reflecting our continued improvement in graduation rates and student success. Additionally, Montserrat is one of only 31 colleges in the nation ranked 5 out of 5 stars by Campus Pride.

Internship Highlights

From Dylan Maher ’25 serving as a graphic design intern at The Edinburg Center to Kaylee Blandin ’25 hosting the “BevCam Kids” podcast, our students proved that a Montserrat education is deeply rooted in professional practice. These opportunities are further supported by the federal Strengthening Institutions Program grant, which continues to fund our expansion of career-focused student employment.

From the Blog: Resources for Aspiring Artists

Our blog remains a hub for advice and professional tips. Catch up on our top stories from the past year:

• The Portfolio Puzzle: What Art Colleges Really Want to See
• The Power of the Sketchbook: Why Observational Drawing Matters
• The Liberal Arts Edge: Why History and Theory Make Better Artists