Top appointments announced

6/4/07

Office of the Chancellor

Top appointments announced

Chancellor-select Marty Meehan has tapped the expertise and experience on campus by appointing two deans to be members of his senior leadership team.  Dr. Jacqueline Moloney, dean of Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education (CSCE), was named interim associate chancellor and Dr. Donald Pierson, dean of the Graduate School of Education, will become interim provost.

"Jacquie and Don bring a wealth of teaching, management and service experience to these positions,” said Meehan, who will become chancellor on July 1.  “I look forward to working with them during this critical period of transition to craft and execute a new vision that will elevate the University to the highest level.”

Moloney brings extensive experience to her new position, having worked in many key areas on campus including admissions, academic services, retention programs and faculty development, as well as continuing studies and online education.  Under her leadership, CSCE has become a nationally recognized model of how universities can use an entrepreneurial approach to outreach and continuing education.

“We should follow the model of these award-winning programs to bring such cutting-edge instructional approaches to all of our programs,” Meehan said.

Pierson is the senior dean at UMass Lowell, having served as dean of the Graduate School of Education since 1989.  The school has received acclaim from state and national accrediting agencies for the quality of instruction, use of technology to improve teaching and learning, outstanding performance of graduates on teacher tests and collaborative relationships with elementary and secondary schools and the Lowell National Historic Park.

Pierson has been particularly successful in obtaining funds to support scholarships and develop programs that increase the number of high school students interested in math, science and engineering careers.  Prior to his appointment as dean, Pierson served as professor of education and director of the Center for Field Services and Studies.

“Under Don’s leadership, the Graduate School of Education has gained an impressive reputation, particularly for the quality of its teacher preparation and its doctoral programs,” Meehan said.

Meehan plans to initiate a national search for a new provost in July.  Pierson will serve as interim for the next year and will not be a candidate for the permanent position.

Provost John Wooding declined Meehan’s offer to continue as interim provost and on July 1 will return to the faculty, where he holds a position in the Department of Regional Economic and Social Development, of which is a former chair.

"I believe that incoming Chancellor Meehan has the vision and energy to take this campus where it needs to go," said Wooding. "I look forward to working with him and all the faculty and staff as we move ahead."

Meehan praised Wooding’s service to the University as provost for the past four years.

"John Wooding has been an outstanding provost for UMass Lowell during a challenging period of transition in leadership," Meehan said.  "His efforts advanced our engagement with the region, moved us forward in strategic areas and strengthened the sense of community on campus. I know he will be a significant contributor to our work going forward.”

There is overwhelming support on campus for the first appointments announced by the incoming chancellor.

“Chancellor Meehan’s selection of Jacquie Moloney as interim associate chancellor is a brilliant move.  She is just what this university needs in this time of transition,” said Prof. Robert Malloy, chair of Plastics Engineering.  “She is a level-headed, results-oriented leader with a proven track record of management skills.”
      
Ann Marie Hurley, president of the University’s Faculty Senate, said she is looking forward to working with the two administrators.

“Both Dr. Moloney and Dr. Pierson possess a very positive approach in working with others.  They have a great confidence in the faculty and will work with us to build innovative initiatives that serve the students and the University,” she said.