Cabinet
Dr. Juline Mills, Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs
As the university’s interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mills serves as the chief academic officer responsible for the overall excellence of the university’s academic life and programs. Dr. Mills is responsible for the university’s four colleges (the colleges of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science; Mathematics and Sciences; Education, Health, and Human Services; and Graduate and Continuing Education); the Ely Library and Academic Technology Services; Institutional Research and Assessment; and the Office of the Registrar. Dr. Mills provides direction and oversight to the initiatives and activities of Academic Affairs including The Westfield State Experience, Westfield State’s signature student success program, and The Westfield Promise, an early college partnership with local school districts; as well as academic support services including Academic Advising, TRiO, Urban Education, and Banacos Center.
Email: jmills@westfield.ma.edu
Phone: (413) 572-5214
Website: Academic Affairs
Office Location: Scanlon Hall, First Floor
Ms. Maggie Balch, Dean of Students
As Dean of Students, Ms. Balch oversees Residence Life, Student Activities, Student Conduct, and the Career Center, as well as Health Services and the Counseling Center.
Email: mbalch@westfield.ma.edu
Phone: (413) 572-5425
Website: Student Affairs
Office Location: Ely Student Center, Second Floor
Dr. Michael Freeman, Special Assistant to the President on University Strategies and Chief of Staff
As special assistant to the president on university strategies and chief of staff, Dr. Freeman reports directly to and works closely with the president on a wide variety of high-level administrative and executive duties, special projects, and initiatives. Dr. Freeman serves as an advisor to the president and acts as a liaison to internal and external constituencies while promoting and supporting the mission and values of the university and coordinating special and high-priority projects.
Mr. Daniel Forster, Vice President for Enrollment Management
As vice president for Enrollment Management, Mr. Forster provides leadership and support in advancing the overall enrollment goals of the university and overseeing the departments of admission, financial aid, and marketing. He works collaboratively with university constituencies to develop a comprehensive strategic enrollment management plan and collaborates with the other university divisions to implement academic and student development goals, initiatives, standards, policies, and procedures.
Email: Dforster@westfield.ma.edu
Phone: (413) 572-8533
Website: Admissions
Office Location: Horace Mann Center, First Floor
Mr. Richard (Dick) Lenfest, Athletics Director
As Athletics Director, Mr. Lenfest oversees the University’s 19 intercollegiate sports, which compete in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division III level.
Email: rlenfest@westfield.ma.edu
Phone: (413) 572-8229
Website: Athletics
Office Location: The Woodward Center, Second Floor
Ms. Lisa McMahon, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement
As interim vice president for Institutional Advancement, Ms. McMahon provides leadership and strategic direction for the advancement and alumni relations divisions of the university. She is responsible for increasing the university’s visibility, enhancing the alumni network, developing links with the community, and building financial support for the strategic priorities of the institution.
Email: lmcmahon@westfield.ma.edu
Phone: (413) 579 - 8645
Website: Institutional Advancement
Office Location: Horace Mann Center, Second Floor
Dr. LaRue A. Pierce, Vice President of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
As Vice President of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Pierce coordinates programs and initiatives to enhance Westfield State Universities’ commitment to a diverse, inclusive, equitable culture.
Email: lapierce@westfield.ma.edu
Phone: (413) 579 - 5272
Website: Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)
Office Location: Ely Hall, Second Floor
Mr. Stephen Taksar, Vice President for Administration and Finance
As vice president for Administration and Finance and chief financial officer, Mr. Taksar provides leadership in developing financial and operational strategies in support of the university’s mission and vision. He is responsible for overseeing the university’s financial resources, internal audit/risk management, capital planning, facilities, auxiliary services (campus dining), information technology, procurement and human resources.
Email: staksar@westfield.ma.edu
Phone: (413) 572-8241
Website: Administration & Finance
Office Location: Horace Mann Center, Second Floor
