Academic Affairs Leadership

As Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Salka is the Chief Academic Officer at Westfield State University. He is responsible for all of the Academic Departments and Academic Support Offices. Dr. Salka came to Westfield in 2024 after serving as Provost at Eastern Connecticut State University for six years and as a professor of Political Science for 18 years. He has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. His research interests include voting behavior, state politics, and environmental politics.

Dr. Jennings, Associate Provost at Westfield State University, oversees the implementation of an academic affairs assessment program supporting the university’s mission. With expertise in applied mathematics and mathematical physics, he manages offices including Accreditation, High Impact Practices, Grants and Sponsored Programs, and Institutional Research. Since joining in 2010, Dr. Jennings has served in various leadership roles, including department chair and on university-wide committees. His contributions enhance teaching, learning, and student development, aligning with strategic initiatives aimed at continual improvement.

Dr. Sabine Macris Klein, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a tenure spanning back to 2004, she has contributed significantly to Westfield State University's academic landscape. Dr. Klein's expertise in Theatre Arts, coupled with her doctoral studies at The City University of New York Graduate School and University Center, underscores her commitment to education and research. Throughout her career, Dr. Klein has championed women's roles in German theatre history, presenting her findings at esteemed conferences and serving in leadership capacities, including President of the Board for the New England Theatre Conference. Her dedication extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her involvement in various university committees, shaping the institution's future. 

Dr. Abukari, Associate Professor of Social Work at Westfield State University since 2011, previously served as Associate Dean of the School of Health, Natural Sciences, and Human Services. He led strategic planning efforts, managed department budgets, and oversaw accreditation standards for various programs. Dr. Abukari's roles included directing the Bachelor of Social Work Program and conducting reaccreditation processes. He contributes expertise in curriculum development, assessment, and has over a decade of teaching experience in social work and social science research. Dr. Abukari's research interests encompass youth academic outcomes, international social work, and decolonization of social work education in Africa.

Dr. Padykula serves as Interim Dean of the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education at Westfield State University, overseeing early college experiences, part-time studies, online degree completion, post-baccalaureate licensure programs, graduate programs, certificates, and professional development. Joining the faculty in 2005, she directed the Bachelor of Social Work Program for almost a decade, contributed to launching the Master of Social Work program, and chaired the university’s largest graduate department. With extensive experience in accreditation and program leadership, Dr. Padykula has led and co-led teams that have secured over $5.5 million in workforce development grants that have supported paid internships for students, the development of innovative MSW concentrations, and identified pathways for non-credit to credit advancement. Her research focuses on substance use, integrated behavioral healthcare, and online pedagogy. A first-generation WSU college graduate from western MA, she earned her MSW at Springfield College and her Ph.D. from Smith College School for Social Work.