Gov. Deval Patrick has appointed Westfield State alums Terrell M. Hill ’92 and Steven P. Marcus ’88 to serve as members of the Westfield State University Board of Trustees.
“In their lives and in their work, both Terrell and Steve are visionary leaders whose dedication to bridging public and private interests and serving the constituents in their respective fields of education and healthcare emulates Westfield State’s mission,” President Evan S. Dobelle said. “Each brings great expertise and energy and a great track record of support for the University.”
The appointments took effect Nov. 16, 2012.
Hill, elected by our alumni, is the founding principal of High School, Inc., Hartford, Conn.’s, public insurance and finance academy, which opened in 2009. The school is a National Academy Foundation finance academy, and its goal is to prepare young people for college and career success.
Marcus is a licensed certified social worker who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of those in need as CEO and owner of multiple diversified healthcare enterprises including New England Geriatrics and West Central Family and Counseling.
The following is a conversation with Hill and Marcus:
Describe your path to becoming a Trustee.
Hill: After graduation, it was important to me to find a way to stay connected to the school. I served as a Foundation board member and also as a faculty member. Today, I have a daughter who is a sophomore here, so I am really invested in what goes on.
Marcus: I have experience on many private boards. I am just exiting my term as a board member of Wilbraham Monson Academy and was looking for an opportunity to marry my interests of service and education.
How do you see your background – as a social worker/educator, as a businessman and as an alum – converging in your role as a Trustee?
Hill: Business is my love, but education is my calling. I want to bring to my new role my current experience as an active educator preparing kids for college while simultaneously working with the business community. It seems to reflect what is happening on campus right now.
Marcus: I am passionate about healthcare and to bring an entrepreneurial spirit to my new role. I want to identify those students who want to make a difference and be a conduit for employment opportunities.
What is your leadership philosophy?
Hill: I strive to be a servant leader. Plus, this is a chance to be another voice, as many boards don’t usually get a lot of people of color.
Marcus: I definitely lead by example and strive to serve the common good.
In what areas do you hope most to contribute?
Hill: I think I can best contribute in the areas of public relations, programming and curriculum.
Marcus: I think I can really be a strong liaison for students to the healthcare community.
What are you most looking forward to as a Trustee?
Hill: Contributing the voice of an educator is important to me.
Marcus: I’m all in. I want to be a mentor.
What do you think are the biggest/most important challenges facing trustees and administrations today?
Hill: Balancing the brand of the institution with its mission and need to continue to provide academic rigor and access.
Marcus: Learning the mechanics of the institution. Public is a different mindset than private, and I think it will be fun.
What do you want people to know about Westfield State University?
Hill: I get invited to speak on a lot of panels. People always think I went to an Ivy League school. Not a day goes by that I don’t fall back on what I’ve learned here.
Marcus: When I attended school here, the Philosophy Department was second to none. And today, I’m hiring grads with a Master’s degree in social work from Westfield State who are as prepared or better than Smith College social work grads, which is considered the best in the country. This school is doing great things.
