Mark Rubinstein, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), was recognized for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the early childhood profession at a celebration of early childhood education in Concord. He received the Early Learning Champion Award for his role in securing dedicated funding to use as tuition support for those pursuing a degree or certificate in early childhood education at all of New Hampshire’s community colleges.
Diana Menard, chair of NHTI’s Early Childhood Education Department, presented the award along with Jackie Cowell, executive director of Early Learning NH and ELNH board members Tom Raffio, President and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental.
“Chancellor Rubinstein’s advocacy has created meaningful opportunities, elevated the early childhood profession, and helped ensure that our youngest learners receive the high-quality education they deserve,” said Menard. “We are deeply grateful for his vision, his leadership and his steadfast commitment to early childhood education.”
As Chancellor of CCSNH, Rubinstein prioritized funding to expand access to early childhood education programs at New Hampshire’s community colleges to help students enroll and complete a college credential in the field. As a result, hundreds of students have been able to enroll in courses at no cost, removing financial barriers that might otherwise have prevented them from continuing, or even starting, their education.
“We know that access to high-quality care for young children is one of the most significant challenges facing New Hampshire families,” said Rubinstein. “We also know that early learning establishes a foundation for school success and for lifelong learning success that can make a difference in the lives of every child in New Hampshire and ensure the strong workforce that New Hampshire needs now and in the future. Our community colleges offer exceptional programs for individuals with a passion for teaching and shaping the earliest years of a child’s education. I am grateful to Governor Ayotte and the NH Legislature for their partnership, supporting the work of our faculty and the commitment of aspiring educators in this shared priority.”
The award reads, “Awarded for your outstanding and inspiring leadership on behalf of New Hampshire’s youngest citizens and the child care professionals who dedicate their career and their talents to serving them. Your deep respect for the importance of this career and your insistence that historic investments must be made now are an example for us all.”
Rubinstein has served as chancellor of CCSNH since 2021. He became the system’s sixth chancellor following his appointment by the CCSNH Board of Trustees. Prior to joining CCSNH, he served as president of Granite State College (now the UNH College of Professional Studies), part of the University System of New Hampshire.
