Office of the Provost
As the chief academic officer of Western Connecticut State University, the Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs oversees the university’s academic mission, guiding its schools, programs, and initiatives. In collaboration with the President, the Provost sets academic priorities and works with deans and faculty to ensure a dynamic, effective, and innovative learning environment.
Dr. Stephen Hegedus
Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Stephen Hegedus was appointed Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs on Aug. 1, 2025. As a passionate leader committed to fostering a thriving academic community, he inspires innovation, supports student and faculty success, and champions a university experience where knowledge, integrity, and purpose shape every journey.
Leadership Team
The Provost works closely with a dedicated leadership team to guide strategic decisions and drive WestConn’s academic mission forward.
Dr. Michelle Brown, Dean
Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences
brownml@wcsu.edu
Phone: (203) 837-9400
Fax: (203) 837-8525
Website: Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Yaseen Hayajneh, Interim Dean
School of Graduate, International, & Career Studies
hayajnehy@wcsu.edu
Tel: (203) 837-8183
Fax: (203) 837-8326
Website: School of Graduate, International, & Career Studies
Dr. Joan Palladino, Dean
School of Professional Studies
palladinoj@wcsu.edu
Phone: (203) 837-9500
Fax: (203) 837-8526
Website: School of Professional Studies
Dr. Siamack Shojai, Dean
Ancell School of Business
shojais@wcsu.edu
Phone: (203) 837-9600
Fax: (203) 837-8527
Website: Ancell School of Business
Brian Vernon, Dean
School of Visual, Performing, & Communication Arts
vernonb@wcsu.edu
Phone: (203) 837-8851
Fax: (203) 837-3223
Website: School of Visual, Performing, & Communication Arts
Ancell School of Business
Accounting
Dr. Michele W. Ganon, chair
ganonm@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8742
Finance
Dr. Annie Wong, chair
wonga@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8577
Management
Dr. Stanley Bazan, chair
Bazans@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-9238
Management Information Systems
Dr. Tom Yoon, chair
yoont@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3963
Marketing
Dr. Ronald Drozdenko, chair
drozdenkor@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8776
Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Dr. Neeta Connally, co-chair
connallyn@wcsu.edu
(203)837-8749
Dr. Michelle Monette, co-chair
monette@wcsu.edu
(203)837-9894
Chemistry
Dr. Nicholas Greco, chair
grecon@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-9365
Computer Science
Dr. Gancho Ganchev, chair
ganchevg@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-9349
Dr. Daniel Coffman, associate chair
coffmand@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8746
Creative & Professional Writing
Dr. Brian Clements, co-chair
clementsb@wcsu.edu
(203) 837- 8876
Dr. Oscar De Los Santos, co-chair
delossantoso@wcsu.edu
(203 837-9044
Economics
Dr. Rotua Lumbantobing, chair
lumbantobingr@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8457
English & Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. Cigdem Usekes, chair
usekesc@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3294
History, Philosophy & World Perspectives
Dr. Ana Malavisi, chair
malavisia@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3271
Dr. Kathrine Allocco, associate chair
alloccok@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8482
Mathematics
Dr. David Burns, chair
burnsd@wcsu.edu
(203 837-9346
Psychology
Dr. Patricia O’Neill, chair
oneillp@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-9383
Social Sciences
Dr. Christine Hegel-Cantarella, chair
hegelcantarellac@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3914
World Languages & Composition
Dr. Galina Bakhtiarova, chair
bakhtiarovag@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8734
School of Professional Studies
Education
Dr. Katherine Roe, chair
roek@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3263
Educational Psychology
Stephanie Kuhn, co-chair
kuhns@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3206
Lorrie-Anne Monte, co-chair
montel@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3262
Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences
Dr. Emily Stevens, chair
Stevense@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3903
Ms. Krista Heybruck, associate chair
heybruckk@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3903
Justice & Law Administration Division
Dr. Hasan Arslan, chair
arslanh@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8463
Nursing
Dr. Jeanette Lupinacci, chair
lupinaccij@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8570
Dr. Kimberlee-Ann Bridges, associate chair
bridgesk@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8073
Social Work
Dr. Karen McLean, chair
brownk@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8937
School of Visual, Performing & Communication Arts
Art
Ken Scaglia, chair
Scagliak@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-3975
Communication & Media Arts
Dr. Ong, chair
ongk@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8873
Music
Dr. Laurel Larsen, chair
larsenl@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8353
Mr. James Begian, associate chair
begianj@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8637
Theatre Arts
Dr. Justin Cowan, chair
cowanj@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8476
Mr. Oliver Wason, associate chair
wasono@wcsu.edu
(203) 837-8843