Office of the President
Meet Dr. Torti
A highly accomplished academic leader, ecologist, and writer, Dr. Sylvia Torti previously served as the Dean of the Honors College at the University of Utah from 2012–23. In her role as president of the College of the Atlantic, a small liberal arts institution, Torti led the college’s strategic planning process to develop a five-year roadmap, stewarded and built donor relationships resulting in new operational support and student scholarships, and completed an economic impact report to assess the college’s local value to its community and the state of Maine.
Presidential Inauguration
The inauguration of Westminster University's 20th president, Dr. Sylvia Torti, will take place September 11, 2026 in Richer Commons. All are welcome to attend this public event, however, RSVP is encouraged.
- 1–2:00 p.m. | Inaugural Ceremony
- 2–4:00 p.m. | Celebration Reception
Dr. Torti's Vision for Westminster
Unite and energize the Westminster c0mmunity around shared goals and mission.
Create and execute a sustainable business model, including growing enrollment.
Expand fundraising and partnership efforts to foster new collaborations and revenue.
Articulate and amplify Westminster's story of nurturing an integrative education.
Higher education should inspire students to use their imaginations for self and society.
Students find their way in life, see their place and value among disparate beliefs
and thoughts. Knowing what others know. Valuing what others bring. Doing what is only
possible with others. Higher education is more than the first step toward a job; it
is about developing personal meaning for the kind of life one will lead and building
capacities to use one’s talents for the common good.”
Dr. Sylvia Torti
The next president has an exciting opportunity to steward and build upon Westminster
University’s legacy, reputation, location, and considerable assets to shape a resilient
and differentiated future. The role is to unite creativity with pragmatism, vision
with strategy, and to ensure that the joy of learning is cultivated and celebrated.”
Dr. Sylvia Torti
Contact the President
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Office of the President
Office of the President
Emmalee Szwedko
Senior Executive Assistant
Emmalee Szwedko
- FULL-TIME Staff
- Senior Executive Assistant
Sylvia Torti
President
Sylvia Torti
- FULL-TIME Staff
- President
About the Office of the President
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