Dear WestConn Colleagues,

We have officially launched the search for our inaugural Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer.

This is an important step in our ongoing implementation of the Spring 2026 administrative restructure and in building a more coordinated, responsive, and sustainable university. As outlined in our restructuring framework, this role is designed to help bring together key operational areas, strengthen alignment across functions, and support the day-to-day systems that help WestConn serve students well. More information about the search, including the position profile, advisory search committee, and anticipated timeline, is available here: www.wcsu.edu/president/vpo and www.wcsu.edu/western-rising/s26restructure.

I am grateful to those who have agreed to help lead and support this important work as part of the committee. I also encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues and professional networks. As part of our continued effort to strengthen inclusive and thoughtful search practices, we are also following a newer approach for executive searches in which immediate direct reports to the position do not serve on the search committee. This practice helps create appropriate space in the committee process while still ensuring meaningful participation from those most connected to the work. Immediate direct reports, along with the broader campus community, will have opportunities to meet finalists, ask questions, and provide feedback as part of the process.

This search matters because operations matter. The systems, services, and coordination behind the scenes shape the experience our students, faculty, and staff have every day. Bringing the right leader into this inaugural role is part of how we continue building a WestConn that is more connected, more effective, and better prepared for the future. As we recruit, we will be looking not only for strong experience and leadership, but also for someone whose values align with WestConn’s commitments.

Thank you for your continued engagement as we build this next chapter together.

Sincerely,
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
President