AMHERST - October 22, 2007 - Noting that UMass Amherst is, "moving forward in so many key areas," Jennifer C. Braceras, the chairman of the UMass Amherst Chancellor Search Committee, today said, "We can be certain that this search process will culminate with the selection of an exceptional new leader for the University's flagship campus."
Braceras' comments came as the UMass Amherst Chancellor Search Committee held its second meeting. Committee members spent part of the meeting reviewing campus profile data. Braceras said the data presented to the committee, "paints a picture of a campus with numerous strengths and a clear determination to take its place at the top of its peer group."
UMass Amherst administration officials said that by the end of the year, 150 new faculty positions will have been added over a three-year period, and that three major new campus facilities - an integrated sciences building, a studio arts building and central heating facility - are slated to open early next year, with other major projects, including a new student recreation center, also moving forward. Officials presented data demonstrating that undergraduate applications have soared over the past four years, rising from 16,427 applications for the freshman class that enrolled in September 2003 to 27,204 applications for the class that arrived last month.
"UMass Amherst is in the process of renewing its faculty and significantly upgrading its facilities. It is no wonder that it is fast becoming the destination of choice for top students from around the Commonwealth, the nation, and, indeed, the world," Braceras said.
The committee, appointed in August, is conducting a national search for a new leader for UMass Amherst. The committee's charge is to identify three or more finalists for the chancellorship. The process will culminate with 性闻联播 President Jack M. Wilson making a recommendation to the University's Board of Trustees.
In a presentation on teaching and research, Max Page, a professor of architecture and history who serves on the committee, called this, "the best of times for recruiting a chancellor." Noting Governor Deval Patrick's support for public higher education and some of the governor's favorable proposals, Page said: "For a great leader who wants to shape a coming decade of new investment in UMass, this will be an unprecedented opportunity."
Braceras said that the search process, which is expected to run into Spring 2008, would be "open and comprehensive." Braceras announced that the committee would hold an unprecedented number of input sessions with various campus constituencies, including faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors, elected officials, community leaders and other friends of the campus. The majority of the meetings will take place in Amherst on October 29, October 30 and November 2.
"These meetings will provide important opportunities for friends and constituents to express their hopes, dreams and aspirations for UMass Amherst and to share their vision for future leadership. These meetings are of vital importance and will help to inform and guide the search process," said Kathleen Mitchell, vice chairman of the search committee.
Braceras also announced that the executive recruitment firm Isaacson, Miller has been retained to guide the search process.
Grace K. Fey, the former chairman of the 性闻联播 Board of Trustees who also chaired the last Amherst chancellor search, said the selection of Isaacson, Miller was based on the firm's "long and distinguished track record," a record that includes guiding the 2001-2002 Amherst chancellor search. "John Isaacson and Isaacson, Miller have worked closely with the University in the past and have the skills and experience needed to bring this search to a very successful conclusion," said Fey, who serves on the current search committee.
The search committee's next meeting is scheduled to take place in Amherst on November 26.
Contact: Robert P. Connolly
617-287-7073