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AIC Announces Transfer Support for Anna Marie College Students

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has announced a comprehensive transfer support initiative for students affected by the closure of Anna Maria College at the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester. The initiative is designed to provide a seamless transition for students seeking to continue their academic programs without disruption.

“At AIC, our priority is ensuring that students can continue their education with clarity, stability, and support,” said Nicolle Cestero, President of AIC. “We understand how difficult this transition may be, and we are committed to helping Anna Maria students move forward without losing time or momentum toward their degree.”

AIC is implementing an expedited and student-centered transfer process, including: guaranteed admission for eligible Anna Maria College students; no application fee; a dedicated Anna Maria transfer application; acceptance of unofficial transcripts for immediate review; and admission and transfer credit decisions within 72 hours of completed application materials.

To support academic continuity, AIC will maximize transfer credit acceptance wherever possible, provide individualized degree completion plans, and offer clear pathways aligned with students’ current programs.  

Many of Anna Maria College’s most highly enrolled programs align directly with AIC offerings, including fire science, criminal justice, business, nursing, and education. 

“These pathways allow students to continue in their chosen field with minimal disruption,” said Michael Dodge, Provost at AIC. “Our focus is on helping students finish what they started.” 
AIC is also offering financial and residential support to ease the transition, including a $4,000 transfer scholarship, or eligibility for the AIC Guarantee for in-state students, expedited financial aid review, and guaranteed on-campus housing for the Fall 2026 semester. Students may also choose to begin coursework in Summer 2026 to stay on track or accelerate their progress. 

BusinessTalk with Nicolle Cestero, President, American International College: Making Progress

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

With new episodes airing every other Monday, BusinessTalk features in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders who offer thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachusetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running. BusinessTalk is sponsored and presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 254: March 16, 2026

Joe Bednar talks with Nicolle Cestero, President of American International College

It’s called the Pathway to Progress. That’s the name of a strategic plan that Nicolle Cestero has helped shape and shepherd at American International College, first as interim president, then since shedding that interim tag last summer — a plan that responds to a shifting higher-ed landscape by reimagining significant aspects of AIC’s academic programs, faculty roles, degree options, and more. For the next episode of BusinessTalk, Nicolle sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar to talk about all that and many other aspects of a job she never imagined she’d have when she joined the AIC team 15 years ago — from the importance of the on-campus student experience to how she sees higher education continuing to evolve. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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Nicolle Cestero

By
The Class of 2019

Senior Vice President for Human Resources and Chief of Staff, American International College; Age 39
Education: Mount Holyoke College (BA), University of West Florida (MA)

Nicolle Cestero

Nicolle Cestero

What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher. While in college, I worked two jobs, as a nanny and in the offices of a nonprofit organization. Both of these experiences made me realize my skill set was more focused on organization and coordination. Of course, as my career developed, I was able to add to this base skill set in other ways.

What three words best describe you? High emotional intelligence.

What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? Stay positive, focus on what’s really important, and work hard. It’s easy to let the day-to-day minutiae bring you down or have the focus shift to the non-essentials. At the end of the day, your outlook on life and your focus can really make a difference. When I’m contemplating an issue or problem, I try to find a silver lining around it while looking for a solution. That helps me and those around me move forward in a more positive manner. Derek Jeter said, “there may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” If I start each day staying positive, focusing on what’s important, and working hard, then I feel a sense of accomplishment at day’s end despite the challenges that may have occurred throughout the day.

What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? Wonder Woman, for her intelligence, inner strength, confidence, lack of ego, sense of right and wrong, strong work ethic, and kindness.

What will work colleagues say at your funeral? This question intrigued me, so I asked a few colleagues. Highlights included: “She laughed easily. She had an instinctive sense for right, wrong, and how to treat people. She could talk with anyone. She had a self-assurance far beyond her years. She had all the soft and hard skills — she read people well, developed and grew them, worked well with others, could think big, and could also manage details. She was organized, managed time well, and held people and herself accountable. She was someone you wanted on your team because she would ensure the work got done, but also that everyone had fun doing it. She is a spirit animal. She likes to eat. She is raising her children to be strong and courageous and to treat people properly.”

 

Photography by Leah Martin Photography