Westfield State selects Stephen Taksar as vice president of Administration and Finance

Westfield State selects higher ed leader Stephen Taksar as vice president of Administration and Finance

WESTFIELD, Mass., June 03, 2016- After a nation-wide search assisted by Academic Search Inc., Westfield State University has selected Stephen Taksar as the new vice president for Administration and Finance.

“Mr. Taksar’s experience in and dedication to public higher education will help him serve Westfield State well in his new role,” said Westfield State University President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha. “His expertise in the financial field will guide the university in its commitment to excellence and transparency.”

Since 2008, Taksar has served as vice president of Administration and Finance at Plymouth State University (NH) where he was responsible for financial operations and reporting, budgeting, informational technology, physical plant and capital planning, and other administrative functions of the institution.

Prior to Plymouth State, Taksar was vice chancellor at Indiana University Southeast, one of eight campuses in the state’s public system of higher education that enrolls more than 100,000 students annually. At Indiana University Southeast, Taksar co-chaired the effort to propose, plan, design, and construct the campus’s first-ever student housing in support of the institutional strategic plan. He oversaw many other campus construction projects including a new library, student center renovation, and ice arena.

In addition to eight years of private sector experience, Taksar has held financial leadership positions at Babson College, Curry College, and Wheaton College.  He began his professional career in student affairs.

An active member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), Taksar earned certification as a university planner from the Society of College and University Planners, in which he remains active. He has also served the Higher Learning Commission as an evaluator on institutional accreditation teams in the Midwest region and currently serves as an evaluator for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) – Commission of Higher Education.

His community service has included membership on parish finance committees and the Board of Directors for the Providence Junior/Senior High School in Clarksville, Indiana, troop committee member for a local Boy Scout Troop, and treasurer of the Board of Directors at Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.

Taksar holds a B.A. in psychology/business from Central Connecticut State University, an M. Ed. from Northeastern University, and an M.B.A. from Providence College.

As vice president of Administration and Finance, Taksar will serve as the university’s chief financial officer and will oversee a range of administrative facilities, technology, and business operations that support the university and facilitate the advancement of the academic mission. He will report to and serve as an advisor to President Ramon S. Torrecilha.

"I am thrilled to become a part of the Westfield State community and to work with President Torrecilha in fulfilling the mission and vision of the university in service to the Commonwealth,” Taksar said. “As a first generation college graduate, I know firsthand the importance of a college education and look forward to helping Westfield State students achieve that dream."

Taksar’s official start date is June 30.