William James College Announces Dr. Nicholas A. Covino Will Step Down as President After Nearly 25 Years of Transformational Leadership

During Covino’s tenure, William James College emerged as a leader in applied psychology and behavioral health education.

NEWTON, Mass. - Nicholas A. Covino, PsyD, who transformed William James College from a small graduate psychology school into a College dedicated to advancing mental health and access to care, announced that he will step down as President after nearly 25 years of leadership. Dr. Covino will continue to serve as the College’s president through the end of the 2026/2027 academic year.

The William James College Board of Trustees has formed a dedicated search committee, comprising Trustees, faculty, members of administration, and students, to conduct the presidential search, and has engaged Isaacson, Miller, one of the premier education executive search firms in the United States, to oversee this process.

Founded in 1974, William James College has evolved into a respected institution, with an emphasis on experiential-based training, focused on preparing students for careers in behavioral health and leadership and strengthening communities.

Appointed as the College’s second president in 2002, Dr. Covino guided William James College through a period of significant growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the institution expanded from approximately 130 students enrolled in a single doctoral program in Clinical Psychology to more than 1,100 students across sixteen graduate level and bachelor completion degree and certificate programs.

“For nearly a quarter century, Nick Covino has shaped the mission, vision, and future of William James College with extraordinary compassion and leadership,” said Donald H. Siegel, Chair of the William James College Board of Trustees. “He helped establish the College as a respected institution that educates behavioral health and leadership professionals and expands access to care while promoting equity in communities that need it most. Nick’s impact on the College, our students, and the communities we serve will endure.”

According to Siegel, Dr. Covino’s presidency coincided with a growing national mental health crisis, including rising rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults over the past two decades.

“Through expanded academic programs, workforce initiatives, and community collaborations, William James College is now recognized for helping address these urgent societal needs. Our commitment to innovative programs and partnerships remains a priority for the College.”

When Dr. Covino assumed leadership, the institution offered only a doctoral level degree in Clinical Psychology. Today, William James College trains Community Health Workers, Clinical Mental Health Counselors, School Psychologists, Organizational Leaders, Applied Behavior Analysts, Teachers, Police Officers, and other professionals who bring psychological expertise into schools, hospitals, workplaces, and community-based organizations.

Among the College’s signature initiatives is the Behavioral Health Service Corps℠ (BHSC). Often described as the “Peace Corps for Mental Health,” BHSC provides aspiring professionals with hands-on training, mentorship, and career development opportunities while helping address the nation’s growing demand for behavioral healthcare services.

During Dr. Covino’s tenure, the College achieved several major milestones, including the 2016 purchase of its campus at One Wells Avenue in Newton, strengthening the institution’s long-term stability and growth. Five years later, the College launched the Center for Workforce Development to deepen partnerships with community agencies, support workforce retention, and create new pathways into behavioral health careers. Most recently, the College received approval to expand into Rhode Island beginning in Fall 2027 with a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology.

A defining hallmark of Dr. Covino’s leadership has been a commitment to equity and culturally responsive care. Today, more than 44 percent of William James College students identify as BIPOC. In response to evolving needs, the College now offers specialized coursework and concentrations in LGBTQIA+ studies; Latino, African and Caribbean Mental Health; Asian Mental Health; Global Mental Health; and Military and Veterans Psychology.

As William James College prepares for the future and a new leader, the institution will build upon the strategic growth, trustee leadership, community partnerships, and academic innovation established during Dr. Covino’s presidency.

“More than ever before, our country needs compassionate, culturally responsive behavioral health professionals,” said Dr. Covino. “I have had the privilege of working alongside faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community partners who share a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing mental health for those too often underserved and underrepresented. I am very grateful to them for their inspiration, commitment and partnership.”

About William James College

Founded in 1974, William James College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to educating the next generation of behavioral health and leadership professionals. Through degree programs, workforce development initiatives, training centers, and community partnerships, the College advances mental health and expands access to culturally responsive behavioral healthcare for underserved communities.

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