Michelle Elias Bloomer, a Boston College alumna, educator, attorney, and administrator with significant experience in continuing and adult education and professional studies, is the new associate dean for undergraduate programs at BC’s Woods College of Advancing Studies, effective December 2.
Michelle Elias Bloomer
Elias Bloomer—who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Boston College, a juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School, and is pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education at BC’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development—brings to the Woods College an extensive background in education for nontraditional students, most recently at Bunker Hill Community College, one of the state’s most diverse institutions of higher education and its largest community college.
At BHCC, Elias Bloomer led the Division of Professional Studies, which encompasses more than 65 associate degree and certificate programs serving more than 3,000 students across eight departments, as well as internships and career development programs. During her tenure, she oversaw curriculum development, streamlining of processes and staffing structures to prepare for the school’s launch of a new division of workforce and economic development, and implemented cost-saving measures that prioritized teaching and learning along with efficient business processes.
“[Michelle's] passion for BC, her broad experience in adult and continuing education and her deep understanding of diverse and non-traditional students will enhance our ability to meet their needs, and help us to strengthen and grow our on campus and online undergraduate programs in quality, rigor, and relevance.”
At the Woods College, Elias Bloomer will be responsible for the assessment and development of the school’s undergraduate courses, majors, and certificate offerings, including the creation or redesign of programs to align students’ educational experience with academic and workforce needs. She will be focused on ensuring the best possible teaching and learning environment for students and faculty.
“I’m thrilled that Michelle is joining our team,” said Woods College Dean Karen Muncaster. “Her passion for BC, her broad experience in adult and continuing education and her deep understanding of diverse and non-traditional students will enhance our ability to meet their needs, and help us to strengthen and grow our on campus and online undergraduate programs in quality, rigor, and relevance.”
Said Elias Bloomer, “I am excited to have the opportunity to bring my experience as an administrator and educator to Boston College, the institution that provided me with an outstanding education and reinforced the values and high standards upon which I have been able to build a successful career in higher education.”
Prior to joining BHCC, Elias Bloomer was assistant dean of education and public service at Middlesex Community College, where she led seven departments, oversaw assessment of academic programs to improve quality, and created and developed new programs and pathways to careers. She also served as professor and chair of the school’s criminal justice department.
Before beginning her career in education, Elias Bloomer worked as an assistant district attorney in the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and supervised the domestic violence unit at the Lynn District Court, then as an attorney in Bedford, Mass., representing clients in immigration and criminal justice proceedings.
She is a member of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Hispanic Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association. She previously served on the advisory board for Arlington Catholic High School, acted as a pro bono attorney at the Lawrence Probate and Family Court for the Women’s Bar Foundation, and participated in the New England Resource Center for Higher Education Associate Deans Think Tank, among other activities.
Patricia Delaney | University Communications