Two Impressive Careers in Education Deeply Rooted to Springfield College
Springfield College alumni Jim McHugh ’88 and Maureen (Carroll) McHugh '91.
By: Damon Markiewicz
Springfield College alumni Jim McHugh ’88 and Maureen (Carroll) McHugh '91 have dedicated more than 70 years of their lives to public education. Earning their undergraduate degrees in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, respectively, their educational experiences on Alden Street set the stage for rewarding careers in education and leadership.
“Maureen and I enjoy a great life together and it all started at Springfield College,” explained Jim. “We met my senior year, and we were married shortly after Maureen’s graduation in 1991. After graduation, I was hired by the East Greenbush Central School District in New York and I have been there ever since. In my 38 years there, I have served as a classroom teacher, football and wrestling coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and, most recently, interim principal at Goff Middle School. Maureen taught kindergarten in the East Greenbush district for 33 years. These opportunities were all made possible by the knowledge and human-centered values we developed at Springfield College.”
Having been around the public-school systems for almost four decades, Jim truly appreciates how the Springfield College Department of Education prepares students for success. There is plenty of competition in the education field when it comes to colleges preparing students for real-world experiences, but in the McHugh household, Springfield College separates itself from the competition.
“From our perspective, Maureen and I truly believe Springfield College nailed it as far as getting students out into the classrooms their very first year on campus,” explained Jim. “We are so grateful because it was the structure of the education department that gave us the skills to graduate and be prepared for teaching jobs right away. We both had some very diverse student-teaching placements that helped us develop as students.”
For Jim, reflecting on the different opportunities he took advantage of at Springfield College makes him appreciate just how well prepared he is to handle any challenges that come up in the educational field.
“Both Maureen and I learned right away as students that teaching was the profession we wanted, and learning that right away was so helpful,” expressed Jim. “We had the initial exposure to the classroom setting our first two years, and by junior year, we had to do four half-day placements. I did student-teaching at Wolf Swamp Elementary in Longmeadow, Mass., and Brookings Elementary in Springfield, Mass. I remember the fourth placement had to be a non-traditional placement, so I taught a half of a semester at Shriner’s Hospital in Springfield.”
The student-teaching placement experiences gave Jim a broad base of skills that prepared him for his career exploration, so when it came time to graduate and go into those first job interviews, he was ready, willing, and able.
“By the time I was ready to interview for jobs, I had so much classroom exposure, I was prepared because I had those experiences,” explained Jim. “During my career in working with youth, you understand that kids discover along the way that they want to make a change at times when they are in college. The quicker they can discover that their major will lead them to their desired career path, the more confident they can become in preparing for those jobs.”
Jim and Maureen are proud parents of four college-educated young adults. During their kids’ college explorations, Jim and Maureen had only one rule when it came to all four making the right decision for their own college journey.
“Our kids didn’t choose Springfield College, but we did tell them that no matter what college they attended, they were going to get involved in practicing the Humanics philosophy,” explained Jim. “Springfield College strengthened our love of the humanities, and instilled in us a lifelong passion for service, leadership, and the betterment of others. Ideals that align perfectly with the College’s enduring commitment to the spirit, mind, and body. This commitment is very important to Maureen and I, and we made sure our own kids practice the Humanics mission.”
As part of Jim’s 38-year career, he has 21 years of administrative experience. Jim thought he had found retirement four years ago, but his strong reputation for being an innovative leader made him the perfect candidate when the East Greenbush School District was looking for the right person to assist at the middle school level.
“When the superintendent called for me to help at the Goff Middle School, it was going to be on an interim basis for a year,” expressed Jim. “That was four years ago, and now I am planning to go back for a fifth year. Over the course of my career, I have been very fortunate to lead schools recognized as Reward Schools, National Blue Ribbon Schools, and a Top Middle School in the Capital District recognized by US News and World Report. Every milestone, every achievement, and every meaningful relationship in my career can be traced back to the solid educational and ethical foundation that Springfield College provided.”
As Jim and Maureen prepare themselves for their 35th wedding anniversary this June, Maureen’s 35th class reunion year will also be celebrated during Springfield College Reunion Weekend from June 4-7. The couple looks forward to their next visit to campus and is reminded that Springfield College always feels like home.
“I grew up in Troy, N.Y., and Maureen is from Portland, Maine, but it was Springfield College that brought us together,” explained Jim. “Springfield College helped shape us into the people we are today. We both agree it was the best decision each of us made. The emphasis that Springfield College places on the whole person, not just professional competence, but moral and civic responsibility, continues to guide us every day. We are proud alumni who are profoundly grateful to have been a part of such a distinguished institution that continues to shape the next generation of educators and leaders.”
For current men's volleyball student-athlete Carter Durivage, Class of 2026, Jim and Maureen's impact on both the Springfield College and East Greenbush communities is very much felt and appreciated.
"Jim and Maureen McHugh mean a lot to the East Greenbush community, and I've been fortunate enough to witness that firsthand," said Durivage, whose hometown is East Greenbush. "Growing up with their children and having Maureen as a teacher, I have always admired the way they give back to everyone around them. Seeing Jim serve on the East Greenbush Town Board shows how much he genuinely cares for the community. It's really special to see a piece of East Greenbush represented here at Springfield College."
