Eight HFC instructors achieve the career milestone of tenure

Eight HFC faculty members achieved tenure in spring 2026.

"Recommending faculty members for tenure is one of the most joyful and fulfilling duties of my position,” said HFC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Nealon. “I am warmly reminded of my first encounters with these instructors during their interviews for the positions in which they have now earned tenure. It is so often a marvel to witness their professional growth and the many contributions they make to our learning community over the course of four short years. I would suggest, however, that achieving tenure ought to be understood less as a point of arrival and more as a new point of departure – striking out on the next leg of the journey with confidence, gratitude, initiative, and the willingness to support new faculty members who come along,"

The newly tenured faculty members include:

• Max Bilodeau, who teaches chemistry in HFC’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
• Dr. Adriza Caesar, who is a counselor in HFC Assisted Learning Services (ALS).
• Keith Davis, who teaches culinary arts and hospitality management in HFC’s School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Professional Development (BEPD).
• Dr. Thomas Hopkins, who teaches media communication arts in the HFC School of Liberal Arts (SOLA).
• Dr. Emily Pawlowski, who teaches nursing in the HFC School of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Dr. John-Michael Sefel, who teaches theatre in SOLA.
• Gregory Ward, who teaches building sciences and HVAC in BEPD.
• Dr. Kenetra C. Young, who teaches public health in HHS.

"Achieving tenure is a meaningful milestone in my career, because it represents commitment, consistency, and continued growth as an educator," said Davis. "Tenure reflects the trust that the College places in faculty who have demonstrated dedication to student success, program development, and service to the institution. It will allow me to continue investing in the Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry program, while further contributing to curriculum development, student mentorship, accreditation, and community engagement."

Reaffirms faculty members’ commitment

Caesar offered her congratulations to her seven peers who achieved tenure. To her, earning tenure demonstrates her commitment to HFC and her vested interest in being able to make continued contributions to the College.

"Helping students receive their academic accommodations, providing career guidance, and balancing their emotional well-being has been rewarding," she said. "I have been able to collaborate with faculty and staff in support of our ALS students. I enjoyed teaching a counseling course, which allowed me to guide students through complex work-life balance situations. I also have been able to explore new ideas and share my knowledge and apply my counseling and pedagogical philosophies."

For Young, achieving tenure was a daunting but rewarding task.

"It means the world to me that I was able to accomplish this goal and demonstrate my passion for teaching and growing the public health field," she said. "It’s fulfilling for me to share my knowledge and field experience with students who are eager to learn and enter the field that I’ve loved and embraced for decades. It’s also enriching to work with colleagues who share the same goals and are not in competition. I love teaching at HFC because of the relationships with students and colleagues."

A meaningful career milestone and honor

Bilodeau began his teaching career at HFC as an adjunct instructor when initially hired in 2017. He became temporary full-time in 2022. He has been full-time ever since the beginning of 2024.

"Achieving tenure has been a great honor, and I believe the process has helped me learn how to be a better instructor and to find more fulfillment in aiding the campus community," he said. "Teaching at HFC allows for a strong connection between instructors and students, which I have not found in other places. There is a warm and welcoming sense of community across the campus. I also enjoy the small class sizes, which have allowed me to offer more individualized attention."

Davis is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the HFC community and to contribute to the continued success of the Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry program.

"I look forward to continuing to grow as an educator, mentor, and industry professional while supporting students," he said. "I enjoy creating a hands-on learning environment where students can build confidence through practical experience while understanding the standards and expectations of the our industry. I also value the supportive atmosphere and the ability to contribute to events, scholarship fundraisers, community outreach activities, and program development. Seeing students' progress from beginners to confident culinarians and bakers is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching."