Carwein leaves legacy behind

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer

WESTFIELD "Making a connection with downtown," is something Dr. Vicky L. Carwein would like to have continue to happen between Westfield State College (WSC) and the city of Westfield she said in an interview with Reminder Publications.

Carwein announced her resignation from the College on June 14 to accept position of chancellor of Washington State University, Tri-Cities in Richland, Washington (WSU).

"There is a wonderful group of faculty and staff at Westfield State College," said Carwein who became WSC's first woman president when she took office in June of 2004.

"I am hopeful and positive for the Washington Street project to continue," said Carwein, "It is a building in the downtown center that use to house the Normal School and can be used for the housing of graduate students and the faculty and staff of WSC."

"It is something that will build more of a connection with the downtown," she said.

Carwein talked about another aspect of this project that she would like to see happen: "the college students being able to use their debit cards for Subway and areas downtown for purchases."

Another project that Carwein saw emerging during her presidency was one involving the I-3 Program.

"It is setting aside money to provide for the competitiveness that will transform the College's interdisciplinary work and outreach programs," she explained.

"One of these programs is one involving money for the Westfield River Environmental Center that will allow a group of faculty to focus on educating people about the Westfield River and Water Shed and issues around its preservation and conservation," she said.

Carwein explained that these programs received funding last year that allowed them to gain more momentum. More recently, Congressman John Olver is working for money to build a new environmental center at WSC (see story environmental lab in this issue).

"These programs are allowing students to conduct GIS mappings of Stanley Park and protecting the Hemlock trees," she said.

Other programs Carwein worked on during her presidency included beginning a Homeland Security certificate program in the graduate level.

"WSC has a strong criminal justice program," Carwein said, "that would aid in the progress of this certificate program major."

"I would like to salute Joan Rasool, the senior vice president of academic affairs," Carwein said.

"She was someone I hired as a first hire who emerged as a top candidate out of academic standards in moving forward with new academic programs. Her work has been stellar," Carwein said.

Factors that contributed to Carwein's decision to leave included the fact that her husband, Bill Andrews, also received a new position in the same area.

"This is the first time that both of us have had career advancement opportunities at the same time in the same location," she said, "We are looking forward to having more time to spend together."

Thomas J. Foley, recently elected chair of the college's Board of Trustees, said, "The members of the Board of Trustees are disappointed in her departure. We understand and appreciate her acceptance of an outstanding offer and opportunity in Washington State. we have enjoyed working with her and are grateful to her commitment and hard work at WSC."

Carwein who obtained her doctor of nursing science degree from Indiana University stated that her new position at WSU will involve working closely with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to develop collaborations and partnerships in research and graduate education at the only public university in southeastern Washington.

Carwein said she will continue at Westfield State during the summer and assume her position at Washington State University in the fall.

"It has been a wonderful and rewarding opportunity to work at Westfield State College. It has been gratifying to play a role in leading the college's development," said Carwein.