UMass Amherst Alumni Association

News

UMass Amherst Chancellor Search Underway

May 25, 2007

Dear Alumni Association members and fellow alumni,

Given the recent announcement from the Office of the President of the University of Massachusetts about the reorganization of the UMass system and its impact on the UMass Amherst campus in particular, the Alumni Association wishes to assure its membership that we are cognizant of these developments and dedicated to working in the best interest of the university and its alumni.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors and its Executive Committee are currently in the process of setting up a meeting with UMass president Jack Wilson to discuss his vision for a revised system model and the reorganization plan. This meeting could take place as soon as the second week in June. 

The Alumni Association has had a wonderful relationship with Chancellor John V. Lombardi, who has elevated the position of the Alumni Association on the Amherst campus since his appointment in 2002.  Chancellor Lombardi has invigorated the UMass Amherst campus with his engaging personality and insistence on excellence from students, faculty, and staff. At the same time, we have also had a very positive relationship with President Wilson and his office. 

We are aware of the Faculty Senate’s recent vote of “no confidence” in President Wilson and the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees as a result of the reorganization plan, as they understand it.  As we have not yet had the opportunity to meet with President Wilson, the Alumni Association will remain neutral and continue to work with the President’s Office to ensure a fair evaluation and representation of alumni interests.

We encourage members of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association to contact us at alumni@admin.umass.edu to keep us informed of your opinions and concerns on this matter. We will share your messages with President Wilson at our upcoming meeting.

You were. You are. UMASS.

Sincerely,

Hal Lane ’60
President
UMass Amherst Alumni Association

You were. You are. UMASS.