Selected by the Board of Trustees to serve as Westfield State University’s 21st president on April 28, 2021, Dr. Linda Thompson is the first black female to serve in this role since the founding of the institution in 1839.
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Greetings, and a warm welcome from the beautiful campus of Westfield State University.
For over 180 years, our University has fostered an environment of inclusivity and accessibility, where students from diverse backgrounds thrive in their academic pursuits.
As our programs are designed to adapt to the evolving needs of society, we offer students a wide array of academic, social, and developmental experiences that are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Westfield State University has invested in providing students with hands-on experiences through internships, student research opportunities, creative activities, and study abroad experiences, to name a few. These immersive experiences continue to help individuals develop skills which will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
As president, I'm proud to lead our University in providing a transformative and educational experience while simultaneously championing the value of public liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Together, we strive to empower students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Warmly,
Linda Thompson, DrPH, MPH, DNP (hc), RN, FAAN
President
State of the University Address
Westfield State University President Dr. Linda Thompson presented her State of the University Address on Thursday, February 1, 2024, to faculty, students, and staff. You are invited to watch her insights into future academic goals, enrollment improvements, division name changes, campus beautification efforts, Parenzo Hall's successful renovation, recent grants and scholarships, and the commitment to enhancing the university's economic health. We invite you to join us in year-long celebrations as the Westfield State community marks the University's 185th Anniversary.
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, President Thompson delivered a State of the University Address, introducing new community members and outlining the direction of the University. She emphasized our efforts to define strategic objectives around four key goals: fostering a culture of belonging, optimizing value, cultivating financial stewardship, and enhancing a dynamic community of engaged scholars. She also reaffirmed our commitment to providing international experiences for students and highlighted the new General Education Program, WISE (Westfield's Integrative Student Experience). President Thompson also focused on individual achievements that reflect our vision for the future.
Strategic Plan
The Westfield State University Strategic Plan poses and addresses the question: What must students learn to investigate relevant issues in the Commonwealth and position the institution to address global change? Our plan responds to the practical necessity of preparing to educate students from increasingly diverse and engaging backgrounds. Additionally, it aims to offer opportunities for further education to the one million adult learners with some college education in Massachusetts and beyond. This will empower them to contribute to the public good by fostering a vibrant economic, social, and cultural Commonwealth.
We have before us infinite possibilities to shape the next 5 years of Westfield State University. I look forward to working together and implementing our collective wisdom.
Linda Thompson, DrPH, MPH, DNP (hc), RN, FAAN
President
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