Welcome to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

I am enthusiastic and excited about having the privilege of leading this campus at this stage in its history. This is a place where everyone is actively engaged in pursuing high quality teaching and research. Faculty, staff and students share an energy and passion for learning and for pursuing their intellectual interests in a participatory and practice-based learning environment. Strong liberal arts education, coupled with recognized professional programs in nursing, visual and performing arts, business and engineering, create a balance of theory and practice that is cherished by students and praised by employers and graduate schools.

This is a public university in the best sense of the word -- a place where faculty, staff and students have a commitment to learning that goes far beyond the classroom. UMass Dartmouth seeks opportunities to become truly engaged in the community so that we are able to respond effectively as an intellectual partner in the economic and cultural development of the region and the Commonwealth.

This is an institution with a rich tradition, but one not afraid to change to meet evolving needs of our students. UMass Dartmouth was founded as two textile schools in New Bedford and Fall River in 1895. The schools grew and broadened their mission over the decades, and were combined into one institution in the 1960s. The Dartmouth location, its dramatic architecture equidistant between the two cities is symbolic of the important role the University has played in the aspirations and growth of the SouthCoast region for more than a century.

Now, the University is building on these strengths and positioning itself for its next centenary. Consider:

• More and more students are making UMass Dartmouth their first choice for an education of quality that is also affordable. Our total enrollment has grown from 7,400 to 8,800 in just five years.
• More of our students want to live on campus. Our percentage of on-campus students has grown from 37 percent to 50 percent in four years. .
• U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks UMass Dartmouth as the top public "master's" university in New England.
• The University is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Each of the professional programs -- Nursing, Engineering, and Design -- hold specialized accreditation, and the Charlton College of Business is internationally accredited by the highly selective AACSB.
• Students, alumni and the business, government and civic leadershipof the region view UMass Dartmouth as essential to the quality of life and the economic vitality of southeastern Massachusetts.
• The UMass Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center in Fall River puts the intellectual power of the university behind emerging businesses and industries of the region.
• Our College of Visual And Performing Arts facility, located at the Star Store in downtown New Bedford, is the hub of the SouthCoast's creative economy.
• The School for Marine Science and Technology in New Bedford has been a powerful engine in the development of ocean technologies, the protection of our waterways and the balancing of the fishing industry and environmental interests.
• Continuing education centers in Fall River and New Bedford are bringing educational opportunities from Dartmouth to our parent cities.

Our aspirations have become realities due to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the generosity of private benefactors, and the commitment of the Commonwealth. On behalf of the students, the faculty and staff, and our community partners, welcome to the UMass Dartmouth.

Most Sincerely,
Jean F. MacCormack
Chancellor

 Last Updated On: 1/27/07