LOWELL — Julie Chen, vice chancellor for analysis and financial improvement on the University of Massachusetts Lowell, will function the college’s new chancellor following her appointment by the UMass Board of Trustees.
Chen makes historical past as the primary Asian American, second girl and first LGBTQ+ particular person to turn out to be chancellor of the varsity. She will change Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, who will go into semi-retirement on the finish of the present college yr.
After the trustees introduced her nomination and unanimous approval Monday, Chen expressed her enthusiasm for the position.
“Who would have known back when I was one of just a few women undergraduates in my mechanical engineering classes at MIT that I would be here with you today to accept this position. It’s a great honor,” Chen mentioned. “Thousands of River Hawks, both here and across the world, the impact they’ve made and collectively the impact we can continue to make just gets me so excited.”
Chen obtained three levels — her doctorate, grasp’s of science and bachelor’s of science — from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the place she studied mechanical engineering. Before becoming a member of the UMass Lowell school in 1997, Chen taught at Boston University for six years. In 2009, she was appointed vice provost for analysis and in 2016 turned vice chancellor, the place she directs the college’s $95 million analysis enterprise.
Chen additionally co-leads the college’s Council on Social Justice and Inclusion and is a co-principal investigator on a $3.5 million challenge that seeks methods to inspire and strengthen feminine school in STEM roles at UMass Lowell.
Looking forward, Chen mentioned she hopes to draw nationwide recognition for the college’s analysis, help Lowell’s financial improvement and “provide the best education and opportunities” for an more and more numerous inhabitants.
“I recognize that being visible in that way helps our young people really see themselves and to see that they too can strive towards leadership roles where they can have an impact,” she mentioned. “I’m also very excited about helping to lead a really outstanding team of people here on the campus and a lot of great partners externally to the campus, too.”
— Cameron Morsberger / The Lowell Sun
Source: www.bostonherald.com”