At the start of the new year it was announced that the position of Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs has been filled by Pres. Manahor Singh’s office. 

Dr. Stephen Hegedus started the Spring 2024 semester off on January 22 in his new role as Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He brings with him over 25 years of educational leadership and experience, with his latest position being the Dean of the College of Education at SCSU since 2014. In this role, he gained valuable insight in leadership and planning, to which he mentions in his cover letter and letter of interest to the school for the position sent out to faculty and students in December. He lists his current work at SCSU was “to lead the implementation of our COE 2015-2020 strategic plan and extend it through 2025.” Dr. Hegedus also contributed to the creation of a few newly accredited degree programs, these being “a Master in Arts and Teaching (various disciplines), a Master in Applied Behavior Analysis, a new accredited Master in Information and Library Sciences, and a Doctoral program in Counseling Education and Supervision.”  

As for his education, He holds three degrees, these being a PHD in Mathematics Education and a BSc in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Southampton, and a diploma in Management and Leadership from Harvard University. 

Hegedus has also worked on passing legislation in CT for a wide variety of education oriented topics. In a statement in March 2021 to the State Board of Education, Dr. Hegedus supported modification to “the Bilingual Education Certification to help address the shortage of bilingual teachers,” as well as modifications to “the Resident Educator Certificate to help expand the potential pool of persons interested in becoming a teacher.” He has continued his work in legislation and education as part of the CT legislative task force for Early Childhood Education between 2022-2023, and served as member of CT Lt Governor’s Commission on Closing the Achievement Gap. 

With his previous experience in strategic planning, many are looking forward to what Dr. Hegedus can bring to the table as WCSU looks to begin its Western Rising Strategic Plan this year. 

Western Rising, a plan made in collaboration with faculty and students, looks to build upon the redesign of the schools brand and previous strategic plan, and is still in development for 2024-2030. 

As for the new Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs position at WCSU, Dr. Hegedus is now in charge of overseeing the academic mission of the school. This means recruiting and retention of students, hiring, promotion and retention of faculty, and setting guidelines and requirements for programs as well as collaboration with deans from each school to make sure that the academic goals are met. Dr. Hegedus will also work with President Singh to set and build upon these academic goals as WCSU is set to begin its anticipated changes. Until then, we hope that new additions like Dr. Hegedus will bring the expertise and experience needed to make the right choices to enact positive change in students’ lives and their education.