Greetings from a socially distant Westfield campus.
Let me start by stating that I am here, at Westfield State, for you.
It is a most unusual and trying time in our nation’s history. The COVID-19 pandemic has made our mission more challenging, but not impossible.
The safety of our students, employees, and our families and communities, is our primary concern. All decisions begin with that in mind. Shortly after my arrival, I asked our campus community to be guided by three principles:
First, let’s reaffirm our foundation in the philosophy of Horace Mann, to welcome all students, regardless of fortune, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
Second, let’s treat every student as if they were a member of our own family.
Third, let’s focus on the view that the role of the administration is to assist the faculty to educate and advise our students, and facilitate their personal development and positive campus experiences.
I’m sure that our alumni can appreciate the importance of each of these principles: acceptance, respect and development. Every organization experiences challenges, and it will take the effort of each member of the community to work together and move the institution forward.
Enrollment and retention have decreased in recent years, here, and at many Massachusetts colleges.
Alumni play an important role in our goal to build our reputation and increase our enrollment in a competitive higher education marketplace. I greatly appreciate the outpouring of feedback and insight that numerous alumni have offered during my short time here. You have a shared passion for Westfield State, one that has great potential to influence the future of this University.
We can use your help to grow the University’s reputation, enrollment, and financial stability. By talking about Westfield State to others, sharing stories about the positive education and experience you had, alumni are in a unique position to serve as ambassadors for the University.
Please use that knowledge and power to assist your alma mater in our enrollment efforts. Point prospective students to apply online or reach out to admissions@westfield.ma.edu.
Talk positively about Westfield State to your contacts. Share your news with our alumni office at alumni@westfield.ma.edu. And please donate at westfieldalumni.org/donate to help today’s students receive an affordable and distinctive public education, just as you did.
As I reflected on my first month at WSU, I returned to a philosophy I have expressed throughout my career. Democracy requires an educated citizenry; development of an educated citizenry requires regional, affordable, quality education.
Westfield State provides opportunity and upward mobility for members of our community and our region. Without Westfield State and its counterparts across the nation, democracy would be challenged. Our viability is essential.
Thank you for all that you have done and all that you will continue to do to spread the good word about a Westfield State education. Together, we can contribute to the rise of this institution. Let’s hear it, Owls! Hoot! Hoot!
