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Search Panel Names Three Finalists for UMass Lowell Post

The UMass-Lowell Chancellor Search Committee today named three finalists, concluding a key phase in the process of selecting a permanent leader for the University's Lowell campus.

Selected as finalists were: David C. Chang, chancellor of the Polytechnic University; Nabil A. Ibrahim, vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Purdue University, Calumet; and Martin T. Meehan, who represents the 5th congressional district of Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The search committee conveyed the slate of finalists to UMass President Jack M. Wilson, who will ultimately appoint a new Chancellor, subject to the approval of the University's Board of Trustees.

William T. O'Shea, chairman of the 21-member search committee, said: "We are very pleased to be advancing the names of these three candidates, any one of whom could be a distinguished and dynamic new leader for UMass-Lowell."

O'Shea added: "This search attracted candidates from across the nation and the quality and depth of our candidate pool is indicative of the high esteem in which UMass-Lowell is held. Candidates were clearly aware of UMass-Lowell's nationally prominent academic programs and its impressive and burgeoning research agenda. In the end, our distinct challenge was to narrow a very strong field of candidates to this small number of finalists."

The committee began its search process last September after receiving its charge from President Wilson and then held six business meetings and a series of interviews of candidates. The charge was to produce for the President's consideration a slate of finalists comprised of candidates possessing a passion for higher education, an understanding of the public research university, and the experience and ability to lead the campus and community.

President Wilson lauded the committee for its "diligence" and "unselfish service to the University."

"For the past six months, the members of this search committee have spent countless hours studying the Lowell campus and forming a vision for its future, and evaluating the candidates who seek to be UMass-Lowell's new leader. This committee has worked efficiently and effectively and the entire UMass System is in its debt. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to Bill O'Shea for his distinguished service as chairman. Bill is a UMass-Lowell alumnus and a member of our Board of Trustees and guided the search committee with great skill and with an abiding commitment to the task. This stellar slate of finalists is reflective of the singular commitment Bill O'Shea and his colleagues made to the search process," President Wilson said.

It is expected that the finalists will come to UMass-Lowell for campus visits as the search process moves forward. The search will culminate with President Wilson recommending a candidate to the 22-member UMass Board of Trustees, which must vote on the President's recommendation.

The new Chancellor will be the permanent successor to William T. Hogan, who retired last year after leading the Lowell campus for 25 years. David J. MacKenzie has been serving as Interim Chancellor since Dr. Hogan's retirement.

About the Finalists

• David C. Chang is chancellor of the Polytechnic University, located in Brooklyn, NY, and has also served as president of that institution. Additionally, Dr. Chang has served as dean of the College of Engineering and Applied science at Arizona State University and held several academic positions at the University of Colorado. He holds a bachelor's degree from the National Cheng-Kung University in Taiwan, as well as a master's and a PhD from Harvard University.
• Nabil A. Ibrahim is vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Purdue University, Calumet. He previously served as chief research officer and dean at San Jose State University, and also held academic positions at Bradley University and the University of Manitoba. Dr. Ibrahim holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Cairo and a master's and PhD from McMaster University.
• Martin T. Meehan represents the 5th congressional district of Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives, an office he has held since 1993. He has also served as First Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County and as the Commonwealth's Deputy Secretary of State for Securities and Corporations. Rep. Meehan has taught at UMass-Lowell.  He holds a bachelor's degree from UMass-Lowell and MPA and JD degrees from Suffolk University.

Search Process at a Glance:

• Search committee identifies finalists
• Expected campus visits by finalists
• President Wilson selects and recommends candidate
• UMass Board of Trustees votes on appointment

Contact: Robert P. Connolly, 617-287-7073

2/20/07

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