Chancellor Cites Inclusion as a Top Campus Priority

New UMass Lowell students celebrate the end of a summer program for first-generation college students Image by Edward Brennen

New River Hawks celebrate at Allen House after completing a summer program for first-generation college students.

09/13/2021

Contact for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu

LOWELL, Mass. – Three diversity-focused magazines have named UMass Lowell to their lists of “Top Colleges and Universities” for 2021.

The separate honors from Black EOE Journal, Professional Woman’s Magazine and HISPANIC Network Magazine were based on detailed surveys concerning student recruitment, faculty and staff initiatives, representation and overall climate around diversity, equity and inclusion.

DiversityComm Inc. publishes all three titles. The company called honorees “leaders in the quest for true diversity.”

UMass Lowell was the only institution in the UMass system to earn a place on the lists. Other Massachusetts colleges and universities to receive honors were Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis, Harvard, MIT and Tufts.

“Creating an atmosphere at UMass Lowell that supports and advances diversity is one of our highest priorities,” said Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney. “We are proud of our progress, but we know there is more to do.”

The university last year announced the formation of a Council on Social Justice & Inclusion with associated task forces on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Gender and Sex-based Discrimination Prevention.

The task forces are responsible for driving the university’s strategies to ensure and promote a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, said Clara Reynolds, associate vice chancellor for equal opportunity and outreach, diversity and inclusion.

“Substantive change happens when we work together, listen and are open to new perspectives,” Reynolds said. “Creating a welcoming and safe environment is the responsibility of all of us, and together we can make this happen.”

For more information about UMass Lowell’s diversity initiatives, visit UML's Diversity Portal.

UMass Lowell is a national research university offering students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. www.uml.edu