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Mount Wachusett Community College is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief of Police Dr. Melissa Croteau has accepted the position of Chief of Police and Public Safety after the retirement of her predecessor Karen Kolimaga.
A Gardner native, Croteau earned Associate of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Human Services at Mount Wachusett Community College, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Education at Fitchburg State University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of New England. She graduated from Municipal Police Basic Training at the Boylston Police Academy in 2003, and the State Police Academy in New Braintree in 2005.
Chief Croteau began her career at MWCC as an Institutional Security Officer in September 2002 and was promoted to Campus Police Officer in 2003. She earned the rank of Sergeant in 2009 and Lieutenant in 2011 before being named Deputy Chief in April 2022 upon Chief Kolimaga’s retirement.
“Dr. Croteau’s 20 years of service at MWCC, on the Campus Police department and as an adjunct instructor, illustrate her passion and commitment to our community and to our students,” stated Dean of Students Jason Zelesky in a message to the MWCC community announcing the appointment. “As a leader, law enforcement officer, and educator, Melissa is positioned, prepared, and committed to doing whatever it takes to get the job done.”
“Our department has educated, trained, and caring officers who want to translate the department visions into reality,” Chief Croteau noted. “We are committed to continue to learn and grow. We need to be transparent, honest, open, and approachable to continue building a solid foundation of trust and communication between our department and the college community by treating everyone with respect while increasing community engagement and participation in making our college community a safe one.”
In addition to her role as an Officer, Croteau has been an adjunct faculty member since 2011. She is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team, the CARE Team, and has served on the Leadership Academy. Off-campus, Croteau is an active member of the Gardner Elks, the Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts, and has been a co-captain for the Greater Gardner Relay for Life since 2002.