07/11/2023
By Luis M. Falcón
I write to inform you that Richard Serna, Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, will transition into retirement as of August 31, 2023. Richard has served in the position of Associate Dean since September 2019.
Richard began an appointment as an Associate Professor of Psychology at UMass Lowell in 2011 and was promoted to Full Professor of Psychology in 2019. He served as interim chair of the Psychology department during the 2017-2018 academic year and was the Graduate Coordinator of the Master of Science in Autism Studies Program for seven years. Before UMass Lowell, he held appointments at UMass Medical School and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center.
As the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs, Richard worked tirelessly to increase the level of activity across the various disciplines represented in the College. He organized numerous events to inform and train faculty in preparing proposals to foundations and federal agencies. He provided strategic leadership in research development, faculty success, research mentoring, and graduate programs within the College. While Richard has led the research and graduate area, the research and creative activity level has reached its highest level ever. External funding for research almost doubled during this time.
Above all, Richard has been an integral part of our office, and a wonderful colleague to work with, we will greatly miss him. The College is in a much better place because of his efforts. Please join me in thanking Richard for his contributions to the College and to the Office of the Dean.
An announcement about an event celebrating Richard's accomplishments and transition is forthcoming.