UMass picks Meehan to lead 5-school system, first alum to do so

MARTIN T. MEEHAN has been elected president of the University of Massachusetts system. He is currently the chancellor of UMass Lowell, from which he graduated. / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
MARTIN T. MEEHAN has been elected president of the University of Massachusetts system. He is currently the chancellor of UMass Lowell, from which he graduated. / COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

BOSTON – Martin T. Meehan, chancellor of his alma mater, the University of Massaschusetts Lowell, has been elected today as the 27th president of the entire UMass university system.
Meehan will be the first UMass undergraduate alumnus to serve as president of the five-campus, 73,000-student system.
Trustees cited Meehan’s record of achievement at UMass Lowell, his record of public service as a former U.S. congressman, and his passion for UMass and its mission as reasons for their choice. He also has an ability to communicate and to inspire, they said.
“We strongly believe that after a broad and encompassing search, the best person to lead the University of Massachusetts into a new era of growth and achievement is someone who has proven to be an integral part of its current success,” said Victor Woolridge, chairman of the UMass Board of Trustees.
“Chancellor Meehan’s successful tenure at UMass Lowell has shown that he has what it takes to move the University of Massachusetts system forward,” Woolridge added. “His results-driven, visionary leadership has opened up new frontiers for UMass Lowell, and we fully expect the same to happen for the entire university in the course of his presidency.”
Meehan was one of two finalists chosen by a 21-member search committee working with the executive search firm Korn Ferry. The other finalist was John A. Quelch, professor of business administration at Harvard Business School and former dean, vice president and distinguished professor of international management at China Europe International Business School.
Trustees met separately with each candidate in open session before voting to select Meehan as president. The board also authorized Woolridge to negotiate a contract with the president-elect.
Meehan called his role as chancellor for the past eight years “the most fulfilling period” of his professional life and expressed excitement about his new position.
“Massachusetts is synonymous with the best in higher education,” said Meehan. “We will seek to strengthen our position as a world-class public university system that is accessible, affordable and a catalyst for innovation and economic development in the Commonwealth.”
Meehan will succeed President Robert L. Caret, who will step down June 30 to become chancellor of the 12-campus University System of Maryland, at which point Meehan will take over.

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