WESTFIELD — A sociology professor from California has been selected as the next president of Westfield State University.
Westfield State’s trustees on Wednesday recommended Ramon Torrecilha for the position.
The appointment is subject to the approval of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. A national search for a candidate began in January.
If approved, Torrecilha would become the university’s 20th president, and the first Latino president in the school’s 176-year history.
He is currently a sociology professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where he previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs. He has also been executive vice president of Mills College.
Trustees Chairwoman Elizabeth Scheibel calls Torrecilha a “dynamic leader” and says his experience in all aspects of public higher education earned him the confidence of the board and the campus community.
Torrecilha was the unanimous choice of the trustees.
Finalist Damian J. Fernandez, head of school at the Ethical Culture Fieldston school in NYC, withdrew his name from consideration on Tuesday. The other finalist was Linda Vaden-Goad, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Framingham State University.
The selection now goes to the state Board of Higher Education for vetting and compensation negotiations. Should all go well, the Board will vote on the selection on Dec. 1.
Born in Brazil, he came to the U.S. as a migrant worker at the age of 17. Realizing that education was his way out, he learned English and presented himself to Portland State University, who gave him two semesters to prove himself before his admission was regularized.
Torrecilha went on to get his master’s in sociology from Portland State, and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. In 2014, Portland State University gave Torrecilha the Simon Benson Award for Alumni Achievement.
“His personal life is so impressive, struggling to get his own education,” said Trustee Judge Luis Perez.
Perez said Torrecilha told the trustees that he was ready to take on the challenge, and that he wanted the job.
“Having him as the twentieth president is a plus for us,” Perez said.
“I think this person is the candidate for this school at this time,” said Trustee Terrell Hill.
“I was hopeful that it would be unanimous, and I am very pleased that it was,” said Scheibel.
She described Torrecilha as a person of “warmth, energy and passion.” She said he was forward thinking, one who believes in academic leadership and community involvement, “all the things that Westfield State stands for.”
“On behalf of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, I want to say how impressed we were with the quality of the candidates, particularly with Dr. Torrecilha and his proven record as a leader. His personal story, including his immigration to the United States as a migrant worker at the age of 17 and how his life was changed through his education, mirrors the story of many of our students. His experience as a student in the state university system spoke to the heart of the Westfield State campus community,” said Steven Marcus, trustee and chair of the search committee.
“Dr. Torrecilha has a track record of success,” said Trustee James Hagan. “With his excellent communication skills, I am confident that he will work collaboratively with all stakeholders, most importantly students, to make Westfield State University a better institution.”
“Dr. Torrecilha is a perfect role model for students at Westfield State University,” said Student Trustee Justin Connolly ’16. “With an inspirational background, he is committed to student success, as well as student and faculty research.”
Scheibel and trustee Steven Marcus, chair of the Search Committee, called Torrecilha after the vote. She said he accepted.
By phone, Torrecilha told The Westfield News, “I am really humbled and excited about going to Westfield State University.” He said that he wants to establish an advisory board, bringing together leaders of the business, civic and religious community, “to think about how we position Westfield State to respond to opportunities and challenges” in the region.
