Jennifer Hanselman, current chair of the Department of Biology, has been appointed as founding dean of the University’s College of Mathematics and Science and Juline E. Mills, Ph.D. was recently hired to serve as the founding dean of Westfield State’s College of Education, Health, and Human Services.
Dr. Hanselman
“We were especially impressed by Dr. Hanselman’s grant writing experience and her track record of connecting with community members and potential donors,” said Dr. Michael Vorwerk, Ph.D., chair of the search committee that selected Dr. Hanselman among other candidates. “Not only has Dr. Hanselman solidified relationships with colleagues in her own and among related departments, her ability to effectively collaborate across disciplines has been exemplary during her time at Westfield State.”
Dr. Hanselman has served as chair since 2016 and has taught in the department since 2008. She had a leading role in the design and planning of the Nettie Stevens Science and Innovation Center; served on several search and other committees and councils that made an impact in the Biology Department, and across the University. During her tenure, Dr. Hanselman has worked on several pivotal grants during her time here, supervised honors projects, and served as the NCAA Division III Faculty Athletic Representative for Westfield State.
Beyond the University, Dr. Hanselman has held consultant and contract positions in the STEM fields and her community involvement has included board and other volunteer positions with local high schools and non-profit organizations, including the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. Prior to joining Westfield State University, she held teaching positions at Florida Institute of Technology, Brevard Community College, and Palm Bay High School.
“I’m looking forward to working with my talented colleagues to strengthen existing programs and strategically develop new ones to help shape the future of the newly established College of Mathematics and Sciences,” said Dr. Hanselman.
Dr. Hanselman received her Bachelor of Science in education/biology; Master of Science in education/conservation biology; and Ph.D. in ecology and conservation biology, all from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Dr. Mills
Dr. Mills will begin her role on June 29. She comes to Westfield State from the University of New Haven, where she is a professor in the College of Business. During her time at the University of New Haven, she served as chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and as the chair and vice chair of the faculty senate. Dr. Mills has also taught at the University of Delaware and Purdue University.
“Throughout the search process, the committee was highly impressed by Dr. Mills’ intellect and acumen, as well as her unique academic background in hospitality and tourism that has called upon her creative and collaborative style. We look forward to her applying that style and vision to the departments and programs within the College of Education, Health, and Human Services,” said Dr. Jennifer Hixon, co-chair of the search committee with Dean Shelley Tinkham.
Dr. Mills’ strengths as an administrator and faculty member include a focus on experiential learning and its desired outcomes; re-energizing academic departments in need; engaging and retaining talented faculty; infusing an entrepreneurial approach to teaching; creating non-tuition based revenue; and designing success-focused curricula driven by industry trends.
Dr. Mills’ work and research in the areas of technology applications in the service sector, and hospitality and tourism management has been widely presented and published.
“As the founding dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, I am honored to lead the development of a sustainable college of distinction. I am excited to work with the faculty, staff, and students to continue advancing and building dynamic programs that embody the Westfield State Experience,” said Mills.