Westfield State Names Ryan Meersman '12, M'18 Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Alumnus Ryan Meersman joined the Alumni Relations team as its Associate Director at the beginning of August. After graduating from Westfield State in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, Ryan taught middle school world history in Worcester, MA for two years. He then returned to WSU to earn a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, graduating in 2018.

Since late 2014, Ryan has worked at Westfield State first as a graduate assistant in the College of Graduate and Continuing Education (CGCE), then as CGCE’s Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator. Most recently, he led partnerships with area school districts and high schools to increase participation in dual enrollment programming. This initiative quickly grew into what is now The Westfield Promise Early College Pathway program. One of Massachusetts’ first state designated early college programs, it is geared toward students traditionally underrepresented in higher education, where 11^th and 12^th graders from area high schools earn college credits and learn the ins and outs of campus, demystifying the college-going process.

“Westfield State has been a second home for me for almost half my life at this point,” said Meersman. “It’s a true honor to lead the Alumni Relations office as an alumnus, and I can’t wait to start seeing people in person again and re-engaging with folks who have so much to be proud of their alma mater for. There are so many wonderful and important educational opportunities taking place at WSU we want to highlight for everyone who look back so fondly on their memories here.”