As I begin my first semester as Westfield State University’s 20th president, the words of sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois come to mind: “Of all the civil rights for which the world has struggled and fought for 5,000 years, the right to learn is undoubtedly the most fundamental.”
Du Bois understood that America’s capacity to thrive as a democracy depends not only on the ability to provide public education, but also on the kind of education that we offer at Westfield State—one that promotes independent thinking and finds common ground among diverse experiences and ideas.
After months of preparation, I want to convey my excitement at being part of a community that can affect so much change.
To support Westfield State on this path, I propose a vision for the University anchored in five key elements: student success, inclusive excellence, shared governance, advancement and partnerships, and community outreach and involvement.
Together, we will harness the University’s existing strengths, use that energy to advance other areas of the institution, and ultimately, position Westfield State University as a model, public comprehensive institution in Massachusetts and in the nation.
To my predecessor, Elizabeth Preston, Ph.D., thank you for the service you have given the University as a professor, administrator, and finally, as president. Thank you for restoring balance to this great institution and ensuring that its excellence in education, civic engagement, and public service remain at the forefront of its reputation.
My deep thanks to all those who continue to support this institution. I am looking forward to getting to know every member of the community and learning about your dreams and aspirations for Westfield State.
I look forward to a remarkable year—celebrating the work of our students, faculty and staff, honoring our alumni and friends, and most importantly, continuing to fulfill the promise of public higher education.
-President Ramon S. Torrecilha, Ph.D.
When I stepped in as interim president of Westfield State University in November 2013, it was at a time of considerable turmoil for the campus. As I leave office, I want to say that despite the challenges, it has been not only an honor but also a pleasure to have served as your president, and I want to thank you for everything you have contributed to turning these past two years into a positive time for the University.
It is difficult to think of a better word than “resilient” to define the character of the University over the past two years. While it was clear from the outset that the campus community embodies the attributes that create resilience in people and organizations — optimism, a strong sense of mission and purpose, interdependence and strong connections, flexibility and creativity, and altruism — it has nevertheless been inspiring to see the result of our shared commitment to the University and our students.
What I’ve enjoyed most over the past two years are the relationships that I have had the opportunity to forge or strengthen—with faculty and staff, students, parents, neighbors, community leaders, and alumni. Among the events that I will remember most fondly are gatherings with our alumni in Florida and Washington, D.C., and our holiday events in Boston and Springfield —attended by alumni who had graduated as recently as 2014 and as long ago and 1962.
It is because of these close collaborations that our University has been able to move forward. Together, we were able to make powerful changes that will benefit our campus, the community, and the Commonwealth for many years, and I hope this is a point of pride for all of us that we have emerged from our challenges strong and proud.
This is a moment of tremendous possibility and great opportunity, and I want to both welcome Dr. Ramon Torrecilha and thank all of you for helping bring the University to this point over the past two years.
-Elizabeth Preston
