In the summer of 2023, Middlesex Community College hired Molly Hayes as the full-time Student Access Specialist for the college’s rebranded Office of Student Access and Support Services (SASS). In her role, she supports and provides services to eligible students with permanent or temporary disabilities. She came to Middlesex to pursue her goal of working with a diverse population of students in and outside of the classroom.
“The students that are enrolled at MCC are here because they want to succeed,” Hayes said. “I am truly passionate about being able to build trusting relationships and provide support for students of diverse backgrounds, ages, learning profiles, and more. This work has not only been essential to their experience, but for me and my personal fulfillment. MCC students, faculty, staff and community as a whole have been so welcoming.”
A first-generation college student, Hayes graduated from Emmanuel College with a bachelor’s in psychology and minor in education. She completed a master’s in education, school counseling at Merrimack College, where she realized her passion for working in higher education as a career advisor for the college’s O’Brien Center for Career Development while earning her degree.
“I am truly passionate about being able to build trusting relationships and provide support for students of diverse backgrounds, ages, learning profiles, and more. This work has not only been essential to their experience, but for me and my personal fulfillment. MCC students, faculty, staff and community as a whole have been so welcoming.” - Molly Hayes, MCC's Student Access Specialist
While receiving her education, Hayes worked in support services at public, private and specialized K-12 schools and programs throughout Massachusetts. At the community college level, she helps students develop and use their knowledge and skills in different environments in the classroom, at work, and within their lives.
“We create a climate of inclusiveness for various learning profiles and abilities,” Hayes said. “Doing so has been a key aspect of success for students. Students deserve to feel welcomed, heard and understood. There are such a wide range of needs, and I appreciate that I am able to support those needs in whatever way that means.”
As MCC’s Student Access Specialist, Hayes is a resource for students, the college and greater community. She works one-on-one with eligible students to understand and explore their goals, hone their self-awareness, and grow self-advocacy and communication skills, among other resources.
“I am committed to providing a judgement free space to encourage students to understand their abilities, strengths and opportunities for growth,” Hayes said. “By promoting access to instruction, the college campuses, and community-wide activities, students are empowered to discover and pursue a path to a fulfilling life so they can make their own unique marks on the world.”
This fall, Hayes will be the club advisor for the new student NeuroSpicy Club. The goal is to promote inclusivity and understanding for neurodivergent students on campus through club meetings, activities and events.
“Our hope is to build a community that supports individuals who may have different ways of learning, communicating, and perceiving their environment,” she said. “Through this common interest, we hope students can learn from one another, respect each other, and create awareness on campus.”
In her year at Middlesex, Hayes has made the college experience – and beyond – more accessible for her students.
“Working at MCC has been nothing short of amazing this past year,” she said. “I chose to work here because I share the fundamental and communal values of MCC, including the goal to provide access to quality education for a diverse population of students and to support student success for lifelong learning.”