Latest News New England College of Optometry Names Clifford Scott, OD, MPH, President Emeritus By Staff Friday, December 21, 2018 12:21 AM BOSTON, Mass—New England College of Optometry (NECO) has named former president Clifford Scott, OD, MPH, president emeritus. The College’s board of trustees unanimously decided on this honor, which is in recognition of Dr. Scott’s 50 years of service to the college, and his decade of leadership. Dr. Scott was made the 12th president of NECO in 2009, and remained in the position until 2018. While in office, Dr. Scott helped implement NECO’s clinical campus concept and shaped a successful curriculum and clinical program. “I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to help lead the College in becoming such a dynamic institution that produces knowledgeable, caring optometrists fully prepared for success in the rapidly changing world of health care,” said Scott. “It is personally very gratifying that Dr. Howard Purcell was selected to accelerate that momentum with the support of the NECO community. I'm truly honored by the Board of Trustees' recognition and will continue to be a resource for the College.”Jay Gardiner, executive director of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists (MSO), spoke out about Dr. Scott’s appointment, saying, “Dr. Clifford Scott's inclusive leadership style and forward thinking vision of optometry has profoundly advanced the profession. Dr. Scott has played an influential role shaping the future impact of optometry at both a state and national level."Former president Alan Lewis, OD, PhD said, “Dr. Scott has been a positive presence at the College for over 50 years, serving as a member of the faculty, as dean, and as president. As unpretentious as he is capable, he embraced the long tradition of valuing NECO as a family and community rather than just as a workplace. Above all, he was dedicated to the welfare and the professional success of the students. This signal honor recognizes his many contributions to the college and to the profession as well as the deep respect with which he is held by his colleagues.”Another former president, Dr. Larry Clausen, echoed Lewis’ sentiment, saying, “President Scott stands as one of NECO’s greatest champions of the college and leaves a legacy of exceptional service to both the college and the optometric profession. Throughout his 50-year career, he was an ever-present, positive influence on the college’s advancement. It was fitting that he was named president in 2009; it is fitting that he is to be honored as president emeritus in 2018.”Current president Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, said, “The impact Dr. Scott (Scotty) has had on NECO is far reaching and significant. His legacy is only surpassed by his passion for the profession and for every graduate that has been part of the NECO family. We are forever indebted to his unwavering support and countless contributions. We look forward to his continued contributions to the Board of Trustees, the college leadership and the faculty in years to come.”