I was impressed with the degree of collegiality and respect that the community had for each other and for President Clark, and also the pride and joy that people had about being a member of the Bridgewater community. It was so striking and clear.
The son of a blacksmith, Michael Taylor became the first person in his family to earn a college diploma. For this, he thanks the high-quality, affordable degrees available via the state’s public higher education system.
It’s also one of the reasons he feels it’s been important for him to always give back.
Taylor, the newest trustee at 51Թ, credits his undergraduate years at the former Boston State College with preparing him for a career of community service.
“Boston State College was my Bridgewater,” he said. “What Boston State represented to me was that beacon of opportunity. I think Bridgewater represents the same to many of the students who attend.”
That’s one reason why Taylor is honored to have been appointed by former Gov. Charlie Baker to serve on BSU’s Board of Trustees. A lifelong Boston resident, he was president of the Urban College of Boston for about a decade before retiring in 2022. The college is a non-traditional institution serving diverse and under-represented students. Taylor helped the college increase enrollment and improve its financial picture.
He served at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development during former Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration and began his career working in public housing.
“We are fortunate indeed to have Trustee Taylor at BSU, as he brings decades of experience and exemplary service in higher education and government, with a focus on workforce development, social services and creating economic opportunity for all,” said BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr., '83.
Taylor attended his first trustees meeting in December. During a tour of the campus with Clark, he was amazed at how often students stopped to converse with the president. He also appreciated that staff sit at the same table as trustees during meetings. That seemingly simple gesture speaks volumes about the culture at Bridgewater, he said.
"I was impressed with the degree of collegiality and respect that the community had for each other and for President Clark, and also the pride and joy that people had about being a member of the Bridgewater community,” he said. “It was so striking and clear.”
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