The University Master Plan, managed by the Office of the President, provides the long-term roadmap for Worcester State’s physical environment, including its buildings, grounds, and infrastructure. It guides the university in evaluating space, renovating facilities, and planning future investments that support academic programs, enrollment needs, student success, and the work of faculty and staff. The Plan will address the Commonwealth’s priorities for effective use of space, evaluation of office needs, renovation of existing assets, resilience to severe weather events, decarbonization, accessibility, and capital planning that responds to enrollment and student service needs.
Beginning in November, Worcester State launched a nine-month process to update the University Master Plan for the next 10 years. The process is managed by the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). Jones Architecture and a multidisciplinary consultant team will support this effort and engage the campus community with Worcester State’s Mission, Vision, and Values in mind.
A Campus Advisory Group with members of the faculty, staff, Board of Trustees Planning and Development Subcommittee, and administrators will guide the development of the Plan in alignment with institutional goals, the Strategic Plan, and the Commonwealth’s priorities. Engagement activities will include an online survey, student-centered outreach, and town hall meetings for faculty and staff.
The process will conclude with a final draft plan and recommendations for DCAMM, the President, and the Campus Advisory Group, followed by a presentation to the Planning and Development Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees.
October 27, 2025
Dear Campus Community,
As many may know, the planning of facilities and grounds at Worcester State is guided by a long-term Master Plan managed by the Office of the President. The Master Plan provides a roadmap for upcoming campus initiatives, projects, and potential renovation and construction projects. The university continually consults and delivers on this plan as it considers initiatives of all scale and scope.
Starting in November, the university will launch a nine-month process to update our existing Master Plan and strengthen our university to be more resilient, accessible, and sustainable. This process is managed by the Mass Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) Office of Planning. DCAMM and Worcester State have retained the services of Jones Architecture, along with several other consultants, to complete the update.
A master planning advisory group with representatives from the faculty and various university divisions has been formed to guide the development of the Master Plan in alignment with institutional goals, the Strategic Plan, and the Commonwealth’s priorities.
Through this planning process, the university aims to quantify and evaluate space use and needs based on enrollment trends and to prioritize renovations to optimize existing space. Other important goals of the master planning process are to address issues of campus resilience for severe weather events and to develop solutions that help the university meet the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals.
The planning will include a series of engagement activities designed to gather campus input, including an online survey and campus town hall meetings We will keep the university informed as we set the dates for these sessions. I encourage all faculty, staff, and students to take the time to participate in the engagement sessions, ask questions, and make your voices heard. Master planning is critically important work that will shape the university for years to come.
Thank you,
Barry M. Maloney
Campus Engagements Overview
Engagement is a cornerstone of the Worcester State University Master Planning process. Guided by the President’s vision and supported by the Campus Advisory Group, the Master Plan emphasizes inclusive, participatory dialogue to ensure future campus investments align with institutional priorities and community needs.
Jones Architecture, in partnership with DCAMM, is leading the planning and engagement process. Through student-focused sessions, stakeholder interviews for faculty and staff, and town halls, members of the campus community are invited to share perspectives on current conditions, opportunities, and aspirations for the future of our campus.
Feedback gathered through these engagement activities will directly inform planning priorities related to student life, academic and administrative spaces, campus infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability, and the overall campus experience. This input will also help shape the focus and format of Round Two engagement sessions.
Purpose/Mission
The Advisory Group will guide the development of the University’s Master Plan in alignment with Worcester State’s institutional goals, Strategic Plan, and the Commonwealth’s priorities. The goal is to create a blueprint that advances enrollment, academics, student success, and the work of faculty and staff, while also meeting DCAMM’s objectives for asset renewal, resilience, decarbonization, and accessibility—thereby strengthening the University’s future.
Campus Advisory Group Membership
Chair of the Campus Advisory Group, Sandra Olson, AVP for Facilities Operations & Planning
Planning Liaison, Jesilka E. Cortez, Strategic Portfolio Officer
Core Members
Dr. Michelle Corbin, Professor of Sociology / President, MSCA Worcester State Chapter Kathleen Eichelroth, CPA, VP for Administration & Finance / CFO Dr. Ryan Forsythe, VP for Enrollment Management Julie Kazarian, VP for Student Affairs & Dean of Students Thomas McNamara, VP for University Advancement Dr. Lois Wims, Provost & VP for Academic Affairs
Supporting Expert Staff
Peter Fenuccio, Director, Facilities Operations & Planning Anisa Hoxha, Director, Budget, Planning & Policy Development Deborah O’Neil, AVP for Communications & Marketing
Subject Matter Experts & Special Guests:
To be engaged as needed
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