Chancellor Grossman sees a future of "purpose and achievement" for campus; President Meehan says departing chancellor committed to "transforming and improving lives"
DARTMOUTH -- Chancellor Divina Grossman announced today, December 4that she will step down as the leader of UMass Dartmouth, effective December 24, 2015.
Chancellor Grossman will leave office after nearly three and a half years at the helm of the Dartmouth campus, during which time UMass Dartmouth has improved student retention rates, modernized facilities and added new degree programs targeted to meeting state and regional economic needs. Dr. Grossman, previously the Vice President of Engagement at Florida International University and Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at FIU, said she will remain a member of the UMass Dartmouth faculty and looks forward to being active in the UMass Dartmouth and South Coast communities.
She has served as chancellor of UMass Dartmouth since July 1, 2012.
CHANCELLOR GROSSMAN STATEMENT:
From the time I began as Chancellor, I have been inspired by the men and women who comprise the UMass Dartmouth family, by their earnest belief in the mission to learn, teach, discover and serve; by the faculty whose research has been consequential to this region and whose steadfast mentorship has been life-changing for students; by students with uncommon determination to succeed and an extraordinary devotion to service; and by staff whose loyalty to the university's mission is reflected in their work every day.
I will always value my partnership with my fellow chancellors and two UMass Presidents, who are all such strong advocates for public higher education, and I fully respect and accept President Meehan's prerogative in building his leadership team.
Here at UMass Dartmouth, under my leadership, we have accomplished much over the last few years, notably the development of our strategic plan UMassDTransform2020 that strengthens UMass Dartmouth's position as the Bay State research university south of Boston. I am particularly proud of how we managed the issues related to the Boston Marathon bombing, which a special Task Force found exemplary and a model for higher education institutions. We have completed multiple facilities projects, created new academic programs, expanded online programs, and successfully relaunched the South Coast Development Partnership and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Right from the start, we faced some very difficult budget and other challenges and responded with a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our students and the quality of their education.
I am grateful to all of the colleagues, students, alumni, and community partners who have offered their friendship, support, intelligence, and insights to me over the last few years as we have worked to advance the cause of UMass Dartmouth. I have no doubt that the future of UMass Dartmouth will be one of purpose and achievement.
PRESIDENT MEEHAN STATEMENT:
I respect Chancellor Grossman's decision and the service she has provided to UMass Dartmouth and to the 性闻联播 over the past three and a half years.
Divina Grossman has been a tireless advocate for UMass Dartmouth and its students and for the South Coast region. I have enjoyed working with her, first as a chancellor colleague and in my current role as president.
Chancellor Grossman is a true believer in public higher education and its mission, and her entire career has been marked by her strong commitment to education, research and public service. She has a passion for transforming and improving lives. Divina Grossman is a good friend, and I know she will continue to touch and shape lives in the years ahead.
Contact: John Hoey,508-999-8071; Robert P. Connolly,617-287-7073