WESTFIELD – The search for the next Westfield State University president was narrowed to five candidates this week.
A presidential search committee announced Monday that it has five finalists who will visit the campus this week for two-day interviews.
DARRELL KRUGER
DIONE SOMERVILLE
LINDA THOMPSON
KRISTIN ESTERBERG
The five finalists are Kristin Esterberg, Ph.D., president, SUNY College at Potsdam; Darrell Kruger, Ph.D., professor of geography and former provost, Appalachian State University; Robert Pignatello, Ed.D., senior adviser to the chancellor of the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education and former president of Lock Haven University; Dione Somerville, Ed.D., executive vice president, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa; and Linda Thompson, DrPH, dean, College of Nursing and Health Science, University of Massachusetts at Boston.
“Working with WittKieffer, we are excited at the size and strength of the applicant pool and are eager to welcome each high-qualified finalist to meet and interact with the campus community,” said Trustee and search committee chair Dr. Robert Martin in a written release.
ROBERT PIGNATELLO
Roy H. Saigo, Ph.D., is serving as Westfield State’s interim president through June. The last president, Ramon S. Torrecilha, retired last August. He was appointed president in December of 2015.
“We are indebted to the excellent work that Dr. Saigo has accomplished since his appointment over the last academic year,” said Martin. “He has led by example, dedicating himself the University’s mission to provide a student-centered, accessible, and affordable education while developing students to be responsible leaders and engaged citizens.
“By exemplifying and emphasizing Westfield State’s core founding values, the campus community has been enriched and the University is better prepared to welcome a new permanent leader,” Martin said.
A visitation schedule with background information about the finalists will be posted to the University’s presidential search webpage. An announcement regarding Westfield State’s permanent president is expected in May with a start date in the summer.
