07/13/2022
By Bryce Hoffman
“I’ve been very fortunate to work at one of the best public research universities in the country for most of my career. But it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life, knowing we have an outstanding new chancellor, amazing faculty and staff and a talented team in University Relations who will continue to take UMass Lowell to the next level,” McCafferty said.
Since 2004, McCafferty has led the university’s strategic communications and marketing efforts, including branding; print and electronic publications; media, government and community relations; digital strategies; and the website. For the last 15 years, she has been part of an executive leadership team that oversaw a tremendous transformation and unprecedented growth in enrollment, student success, diversity, fundraising, facilities and reputation.
“Patti has been a great leader and a trusted colleague who will be missed,” said Chancellor Julie Chen. “She leaves an important legacy in the growth of our reputation over the past 20 years and the quality and strength of our communications and marketing efforts.”
Chen said the university is in the process of launching a national search for McCafferty’s successor and expects to soon announce the appointment of a search firm and cross-campus search committee.
McCafferty said she is proud that, during her tenure, she has built a strong, centralized University Relations group that has been instrumental in the campus’s positive growth by producing recruitment and fundraising materials and award-winning publications such as the UMass Lowell Magazine; a record number of positive media hits that surpass 12,000 annually; strong community partnerships and relationships with local, state and federal officials; and a robust website and social media engagement.
“UMass Lowell wouldn’t be where it is today without Patti,” said former Chancellor Jacquie Moloney. “Our strategic plan has been integral to our transformation, and a critical piece of it was led by Patti and her team connecting prospective parents and students, alumni, elected officials and reporters to the amazing accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff.”
McCafferty has also demonstrated her commitment to the university through her philanthropy, and is among the half of faculty and staff who donate. A lifetime resident of the area, she has fostered alumni and community engagement and personally supports a number of initiatives and scholarships on campus, including the Sacred Heart Neighborhood Endowed Scholarship Fund, which she, her husband, Matt, ’79, ’84, and several of his lifelong friends and fellow alumni founded in 2014. The fund now totals $300,000 and awards scholarships to deserving students from Lowell every year.
McCafferty said the university will always be a very special place to her. Her mother, Bernie Galvin, worked here for 20 years, as executive assistant to then-Vice President Mary McGauvran. McCafferty attended UMass Lowell for two years, where she met her future husband, before graduating from UMass Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in Journalist Studies/English. She later received a master’s degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University.
McCafferty worked at the university in two different stints, as a part-time writer and editor from 1986 to 1992, before returning in 2001 as a director of media relations, then executive director of communications and marketing, chief public affairs officer and vice chancellor. Previously, McCafferty was an award-winning reporter for the Lowell Sun and communications director and district director for then-Congressman Marty Meehan.
McCafferty said she is fortunate to have worked for two incredible chancellors, Marty Meehan and Jacquie Moloney, both of whom she considers mentors, and is disappointed that she won’t have much time to witness first-hand her colleague Julie Chen serve as the university’s next great leader.
“I love UMass Lowell, so my decision to leave is bittersweet. But I am looking forward to traveling, spending more time with family and friends, and watching from the sidelines as this university continues to rise in prominence,” she said.
McCafferty and Matt, who is also retiring after a long career in sales, are the parents of Kristen, Matt and Meghan and grandparents of Claire and Bennett.
McCafferty also has given generously of her time to volunteer for community groups and has served as a trustee on the boards of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Academy of Notre Dame and Marty Meehan Educational Foundation and is a member of the Lowell Civic Stadium Commission. She was inducted into the Chelmsford High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2019.
She said she hopes to stay engaged in the community and continue to be a loyal River Hawks fan.
When asked what she plans to do with the rest of her free time, McCafferty responded, with her usual candor, “Whatever I want.”