WESTFIELD–Westfield State University officially inaugurated Dr. Ramon Torrecilha as the newest president of the university at an event on campus yesterday morning.
Torrecilha becomes the university’s 20th president after a nationwide search ended in December 2015. Torrecilha was acting as president since January 2016, and the event yesterday marks as an official start to his presidency at the school. The position of president was vacated in 2013, when Dr. Evan Dobelle retired amid an investigation into university spending. Dr. Elizabeth Preston had served as interim university president prior to Torrecilha’s hiring.
“This is the job I’ve been working toward,” Torrecilha said. “I am happy to be here and even more honored to have been selected to lead this public university.”
Torrecilha began his career in higher education at Mills College in 1997, as the director of multicultural programs. Eventually, Torrecilha became executive vice president of Mills College and served as acting president on two occasions for the college. Prior to Torrecilha’s employment at Westfield State, he was a professor of sociology at California State University Dominguez Hills.
Dr. Elizabeth Preston (past WSU President) and Jim Hagen (President Westfield Bank) warmly greeted President Ramon Torrecilha upon his installation. (photo by Lynn Boscher)
Torrecilha brings a unique collection of experiences to the position of president. He is originally from Brazil and learned English from a Bible that was printed in the language, which was given to him by his grandmother. Eventually, he came to the US for education and employment.
“My first working experience in America was in the orchards of Washington state. I was recruited for my cheap labor, certainly not my English skills,” Torrecilha said with his accent, laughing.
“Upon arriving in White Salmon [Washington], I knew almost immediately that education was going to directly affect my social class and status, and ultimately where I wanted to take my newfound future in America,” he said. “Characteristic of the American spirit, kind people and accessible institutions helped me along my pursuit.”
Torrecilha said that as president, he will make sure to make access to quality higher education a priority. Additionally, Torrecilha said that he has a four-year plan for students to help improve education and results.
“Student success needs to be measured more comprehensively,” he said. “We will soon implement a structures, four-year plan called the ‘Westfield State experience.’ It’s aim is to take an active role in students’ academic achievement.”
In addition to several members of academia and students, state Sen. Don Humason and Westfield Schools superintendent Stefan Czaporowski were also in attendance.
