News

Year in Review: 2018

The past year was one of great momentum for an evolving UMass Dartmouth.

UMass Dartmouth SMAST East building earns LEED Silver status

The university’s commitment to sustainability grows with latest award

UMass Dartmouth football player recognized as Academic All-American

Jacob Burkhead (Plymouth, Mass.) becomes second student-athlete in school history to earn the prestigious honor

UMass Dartmouth students provide valuable help to local businesses

The Center for Marketing Research (CMR) held its semi-annual Client Dinner where students delivered semester-long research projects to clients.

Bristol Community College and UMass Dartmouth launch the Plus Program: Bristol + UMassD

The Plus Program: Bristol + UMassD creates a streamlined path to a bachelor’s degree for local students

UMass Dartmouth celebrates 20th anniversary of America Reads/Counts program

The Leduc Center for Civic Engagement initiative has delivered 300,000 hours of reading and math tutoring to New Bedford and Fall River students

Chad McGuire, Associate Professor of Public Policy, talks with SouthCoast Matters about environmental policy

Associate Professor Chad McGuire (Public Policy) discusses the importance of environmental policies and clean energy solutions.

UMass Dartmouth breaks ground on transformative $134 million student housing and dining complex

The complex will improve student experience and create 150 construction jobs

UMass Dartmouth to break ground on $134M student housing and dining facilities on November 30

Project scheduled to open fall 2020 will transform student experience and create hundreds of construction jobs

UMass Dartmouth Biology students create community conservation fair at Buttonwood Park Zoo

Join students from UMASS Dartmouth and Buttonwood Park Zoo educators to explore conservation and climate change solutions.

UMass Dartmouth receives prestigious grant for sustainable, local dining

The university looks to increase awareness of regional food offerings

UMass Law launches scholarship fund in honor of Judge George Jacobs

Recently retired faculty member inspired thousands of law students over three decades

Groundfish video trawl surveys continue on Georges Bank through industry support

SMAST researchers look to gain better understanding of local flounder population

UMass Law students learn from the university’s “law firm”

UMass General Counsel’s office visits campus for a discussion about the public interest in advancing the university’s mission

Fall River and New Bedford “Guns for Groceries” events planned for Nov. 17

Initiative inspired by the late Rev. Robert Lawrence and facilitated by UMass Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement encourages citizens to exchange guns for Market Basket gift cards and Domino’s pizza coupons

Chancellor Johnson's Veterans Day Appreciation Message

A note to the campus community about Veteran's Day.

Matthew Roy, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Civic Engagement, talks with SouthCoast Matters about service learning

Dr. Matthew Roy, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Civic Engagement, discusses how Service Learning projects prepare students for the world of work by bridging the gap between academics and real world problems.

UMass Dartmouth begins collaboration with micro-scholarship organization

RaiseMe allows high school students to earn financial aid for college enrollment

UMass Dartmouth alum, NASA Astronaut Scott Tingle visits campus

Capt. Tingle visited campus on November 15 to discuss his time on the International Space Station

UMass Dartmouth and The Public’s Radio to host post-election analysis on November 8

Panel of experts will discuss “What Now? -- Lessons of the mid-terms”

UMass Dartmouth celebrates 50 years of feminism on Election Day

On November 6, UMass Dartmouth faculty and special guests will discuss the impact of feminism

UMass Dartmouth will host pre-election ballot question forum Nov. 5

On election eve, the university will bring together experts to discuss the three initiatives on the 2018 Massachusetts ballot

Chancellor Johnson speaks about economic development and educational attainment at New Bedford Economic Development Council Meeting

Chancellor Johnson speaks about economic development and educational attainment on the SouthCoast.

UMass Dartmouth faculty Q&A on possible birthright citizenship executive order

Professors Dr. Lisa Maya Knauer (Sociology & Anthropology), and Dr. Mark Santow (History) explore the historical context and potential ramifications of the potential Presidential executive order.

UMass Leadership Statement on Massachusetts Ballot Question 3

UMass President Marty Meehan and all five UMass Chancellor's release a statement on Ballet Question 3

Kaput Center announces community computer coding event

On November 3, CoderDojo gives young people the chance to build coding skills

Student Voting Information

Where to vote, transportation, and election-related campus events

UMass Dartmouth “Catch and Release” art installation to be unveiled Oct. 26 in New Bedford

Exhibit will only be on brief display before heading for national student design competition in Chicago

UMass Dartmouth awarded grant from Jonas Philanthropies to fund doctoral nursing student

Student Christine Bell of Middleboro, MA is the recipient of the Jonas Nurse Scholar Program

UMass Dartmouth featured in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges”

University once again earns accolades for its commitment to sustainability

UMass Law Open House to take place on November 8

Law school will welcome prospective students on November 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash Announces $300,000 State Investment in SouthCoast Blue Economy Corridor Initiative

Secretary Ash joined UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert Johnson, SouthCoast Development Partnership leaders, and legislators on campus

Watch the 2018 Lawrence Lecture with Parkland shooting survivors

"Engaging Student Voices: A Focus on Voting, Gun Control, and Anti-Violence,” was presented by David Hogg and Jaclyn Corin, survivors of the Parkland school shooting

UMass Dartmouth chancellor calls for gateway cities to ‘rise up’

Chancellor Johnson addressed a Gateway Cities conference in New Bedford about possibility thinking

Chancellor's Fall Update: UMassD has the momentum

A message from Chancellor Robert E. Johnson for the fall 2018 academic year.

UMass Law rises to third in Massachusetts Bar pass rate

92.6 percent pass rate demonstrates success of the only public law school in the Commonwealth

First-year student enrollment grows 7.7 percent

New first-year, transfer, online, graduate, and law enrollment all rise

Professor Hillary Farber explains the complexities of the Michelle Carter case

The manslaughter appeal to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has all eyes in the legal world watching.

Viewpoint: Creating a 'blue economy' on the South Coast

Chancellor Johnson shares his views on the university's Blue Economy initiative with the Boston Business Journal

UMass Dartmouth to provide higher education experience for all Fall River 7th graders

College Positive Tours bring college within reach for SouthCoast students

Professor rides in Pan-Mass Challenge to increase awareness

Associate Professor Andrew Revell rode in the Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money and understanding

UMass Dartmouth joins national online education network

Online programs now more easily accessible to students across the United States

UMass Dartmouth renews agreement with Portugal’s Camões Institute

Chancellor Robert E. Johnson hosts community, Portuguese government, and university officials to celebrate global education partnership

College of Nursing seniors to create “Cardboard Village”

More than 100 senior College of Nursing students and faculty will spend the night on the campus quad in cardboard boxes

Chancellor explores the SouthCoast's Blue Economy on Podcast

Chancellor Johnson speaks with Standard-Times Managing Editor Andy Tomolonis about plans to develop the SouthCoast region as a blue economy corridor.

UMass Dartmouth alumna and LIGO engineer to lead seminar on gravitational-wave physics and the observation of black holes

The College of Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers to host a seminar featuring the work of Janeen Romie ’83, the detector engineering group lead at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)

UMass Dartmouth Police Department Re-Accreditation Assessment

UMass Dartmouth Police Chief Emil Fioravanti is pleased to announce that a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is scheduled to arrive on Monday, October 1, 2018 to begin examining various aspects of the UMass Dartmouth Police Department’s policies and procedures, operations and facilities.

Parkland shooting survivors to speak at UMass Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement’s third annual Reverend Lawrence Lecture Oct. 17

David Hogg and Jaclyn Corin will speak on campus about engagement of young people in civic life

UMass Dartmouth announces the launch of Bike Share program

University and Chicago's VeoRide announce partnership to provide campus with sustainable, affordable transportation

UMass Dartmouth hosts Congressmen Keating and Kennedy to discuss Blue Economy grant

Congressional Representatives held a press conference about the $600,000 EDA grant awarded to the university

Friends of Marion Visiting Nurse Association donate $100,000 to College of Nursing

The Friends of the Marion Visiting Nurse Association makes final gift to university before disbanding

UMass Dartmouth awarded $600,000 EDA Grant to develop SouthCoast Blue Economy Corridor

The U.S. Department of Commerce award for regional economic cooperation around marine science and technology will focus on collaboration and innovation

Innovative JD/MSW degree program established by UMass Law and Bridgewater State University

Students will be able to earn both degrees in a total of 4 years rather than 5, saving tuition and living expenses.

UMass Dartmouth kicks off a new academic year

University welcomes new students, programs, and facilities

Chancellor Johnson lays out ambitious agenda

After his first year at the helm, while presiding in May over his first graduation and the 118th for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Chancellor Robert Johnson identifies three major priorities as he looks ahead.

Innovative Teacher Prep Program Recruiting Fall River Teachers

The Master’s of Art in Teaching program uses innovative pedagogy to prepare educators to teach in Gateway Cities

UMass Law first-year enrollment grows in size and quality

Fall 2018 cohort 17.5 percent larger than 2017, 42 percent higher than 2016, and enters with higher LSAT scores.

Professor brings college education off campus

Associate Professor Mark Santow teaches Clemente Course in the Humanities to economically disadvantaged residents of New Bedford and Providence

Professor looks to erase food insecurity on the SouthCoast

Associate Professor Tim Shea uses technology to bridge the hunger gap

Chancellor Johnson talks with the Providence Business News

Chancellor Johnson answered a Q&A with the Providence Business News about his plans for UMassD and the region

UMass Press, Tagus Press Announce Partnership

UMass Press will distribute and market UMass Dartmouth-based Tagus Press’s distinctive scholarly and trade series, as well as its textbook series and peer-reviewed journal

Alumnus wins Physics teacher of the year honors

Gary Forrester (’12) honored as an exemplary STEM educator at Hingham, MA High School

New state budget includes investments in UMass Dartmouth

FY2019 budget to support UMassD learning, research, and community engagement opportunities

Energy industry entrepreneur to serve as interim director of UMass Dartmouth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Phil Adams, of Westport, brings 30-plus years of experience in advising, managing and building innovative enterprises to SouthCoast’s leading business incubator

Chancellor Robert E. Johnson on SouthCoast Matters

Chancellor Johnson was featured on SouthCoast Matters where he discussed his upbringing in Detroit, his mentors, the future of higher education and the opportunities for UMass Dartmouth to lead the way in the future of work.

UMass Dartmouth to honor September 11 with community service

The 8th annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members

Professors find human cybersecurity firewall is failing in businesses across the country

Second Annual Employee Threat Readiness Survey finds employees and their companies are vulnerable due to a lack of awareness and training

UMass Trustees Approve $188 Million Capital Improvements to UMass Dartmouth Student Housing and Dining, and Science and Engineering Building

Package includes $133.9 million public-private partnership to replace outdated residence halls and right-size dining facilities, and $54.4 million to renovate university’s largest academic building

Inaugural Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Talent and Diversity Appointed

Angela M. Callahan brings experience and drive to strategic organizational change

Q&A: Professor Dwight Duncan on the Supreme Court of the United States

Professor Dwight Duncan (Law) discusses the recent nominee to the Supreme Court and the Court itself.

UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy Sign "CONNECT4WIND" Agreement

The institutions signed a MOU celebrating a long-term commitment to sharing resources and collaborating on the development of curriculum and programs centered on offshore wind energy.

UMass Law and Framingham State University create fast track for students interested in earning their law degree

3+3 Agreement allows students to earn bachelor’s degree and Law Degree in six years

New STEM Education Ph.D. approved

New program will address issues critical to the economic security of the region, state, and nation

Four high-achieving UMass Dartmouth students receive James Karam Scholarships

Scholarship fund is named for former UMass Board of Trustees chairman

University disc golf course open to the public

The student-led initiative allows beginners and pros alike to enjoy the growing sport on campus

UMass Dartmouth bestows honor on President of Portugal, strengthens relationships with Portuguese universities

Chancellor Robert E. Johnson presents Chancellor’s Medal to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at State House ceremony, signs higher education agreements aboard tall ship Sagres

UMassD’s online Master of Healthcare Management program earns top 25 ranking

Bestcolleges.com ranks program based on comprehensive core curriculum, faculty excellence, and commitment to providing non-traditional students with the tools needed to achieve educational and career goals.

Chancellor Professor Emeritus awarded highest French honor

Dr. Mel B. Yoken received the French Legion of Honor award for his lifetime work in French language and literature

Professor Pamela Karimi awarded for teaching excellence

Dr. Pamela Karimi received a 2018 Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching from UMass President Marty Meehan

New Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences Announced

UMass Dartmouth appointed Dr. Pauline Entin as the new Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Textile Design/Fiber Arts ranked #17 in country

The Art Career Project, a nationally recognized resource for art students and art professionals has recently announced its 2018 list of the top U.S. colleges and universities with Textile Design programs.

New Dean of the College of Engineering announced

Dr. Jean VanderGheynst, expert on next-generation biofuels and bioproducts, to lead college of 6 academic departments, 1,300 undergraduate students, and 300 graduate students

UMass Dartmouth 2018 Commencement ceremonies a success

UMass Dartmouth held its 2018 Commencement ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students, awarding approximately 2,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield and awarding nearly 50 law degrees in the Main Auditorium on campus.

Student engineers use technology to help the visually impaired

During a 24 hour competition, students built a better way to handle sensitive information.

Charlemya Erasme one of “29 Who Shine”

Charlemya Erasme honored among public higher education students at State House

2018 Commencement Details

Undergraduate and graduate exercises planned for May 12 at Xfinity Center in Mansfield; School of Law ceremony May 14 at main campus auditorium

New Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs announced

Dr. Shannon Finning appointed as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, effective July 2, 2018. Dr. Finning currently serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at Springfield College.

UMass Dartmouth announces student speakers for 2018 Commencement

A master degree candidate looking to make a difference in humanitarian aid; an undergraduate political science major who wants to be governor; and a law student seeking to help children with disabilities have been chosen by a committee of students, faculty and staff to address their classmates at UMass Dartmouth’s 2018 Commencement exercises May 12–14.

Professor awarded for creating transatlantic health education project

Partnership between Massachusetts and the Azores looks to improve health globally

UMass Law to have Attorney General Maura Healey as 2018 Commencement Speaker

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey will receive the Chancellor’s Medal at the School of Law commencement exercises on Monday, May 14 at 10 a.m. at the Main Auditorium on the main campus of UMass Dartmouth.

Commencement 2018 speakers announced

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, Southcoast Health System CEO Keith Hovan, and Hasbro Executive Bryony Bouyer to be honored at graduation ceremonies

Chancellor Robert E. Johnson urges students to “fight for their dreams”

The following are the prepared remarks by Dr. Robert E. Johnson for his inauguration as Chancellor of UMass Dartmouth on April 20, 2018

Students garner accolades at DECA competition

DECA's International Career Development Conference and competition prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Professor devises a new model to treat digestive health issues

UMass Dartmouth Assistant Professor Vanni Bucci created a system to identify most effective therapies for handling stomach bacteria problems

UMass Dartmouth Public Policy Center Launches Offshore Wind Economics Project (OSWEP)

Initiative will monitor and analyze a key emerging “Blue Economy” sector in the U.S.

First #CorsairChallenge fundraising campaign a success

UMass Dartmouth hosted its first ever #CorsairChallenge, a community crowdfunding campaign held primarily over social media. In honor of the founding year of its predecessor institutions, the campaign lasted 1,895 minutes and raised over $130,000.

Mount Ida College reaches agreement with UMass regarding educational continuity for students

All Mount Ida students in good standing offered automatic admission at UMass Dartmouth. UMass Amherst to acquire the physical assets of the Mount Ida campus for academic, career preparation and economic development programming

Message from Chancellor Johnson, Ph.D.

Mount Ida College reaches agreement with UMass

UMass Dartmouth launches health care and public management degree programs

New bachelor degrees in Health and Society and Public Administration began fall 2018.

Professor overturns understanding on black holes

Dr. Gaurav Khanna, Ph.D. publishes a paper that sheds new light on space’s most mysterious phenomena

UMass Law bar pass rates continue to impress

Commonwealth’s public law school outperformed area private schools less than one year after receiving full ABA accreditation

Jennifer Chrisler named Vice Chancellor for Advancement at UMass Dartmouth

UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert E. Johnson announced today that he has appointed Jennifer Chrisler to the position of Vice Chancellor for Advancement, effective May 1, 2018.

UMass Dartmouth Observatory sets open observation hours for spring

The UMass Dartmouth Observatory and Astronomical Society of Southern New England (ASSNE) invite the public to night-sky viewing sessions

UMass Dartmouth “Inventing Our Future” week scheduled for April 17-20

Events designed to demonstrate the strengths and achievements of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the region; Chancellor Robert E. Johnson to be inaugurated as 10th leader of the university April 20

UMass Dartmouth to Speak with NASA Astronaut on Space Station

The university will host panel discussion on space travel and downlink discussion with NASA Astronaut and UMass Dartmouth graduate Scott Tingle ('87)

UMass Dartmouth College of Nursing to hold 2018 White Coat Ceremony

Students will be honored for their commitment to humanistic, patient-led care.

UMass Dartmouth to participate in #OneMillionActsOfGood Campaign

The Ellen DeGeneres and Cheerios initiative aims to provide food security.

UMass Dartmouth professor awarded $452,454 National Science Foundation CAREER award to study software reliability and security

Grants focused on supporting promising researchers across the country

UMass Dartmouth to strengthen its partnership with the Portuguese-American community and the Lusophone world

Chancellor Robert E. Johnson to visit Catholic University and the Camões Institute in Lisbon, and bring the university’s Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture under his supervision.

UMass Dartmouth unveils new facilities and land use master plan

Comprehensive plan focuses on renovation, repair and replacement of buildings and infrastructure on the 710-acre main campus.

Q&A: Professor Shaun Spencer on the $560 Million Powerball Winner’s Request for Privacy

A Powerball winner has asked a New Hampshire judge to keep her identity private. The state argues that her name and address should be public under state law. UMass Law professor and privacy law scholar Shaun Spencer offers his perspective on the privacy issues that this case raises.

UMass Law holds week-long event celebrating social justice

Justice Week, beginning Feb. 12, at UMass Law features theme “Race, Rights, and Rebels".

UMass Dartmouth announces new graduate program in Finance

The university adds to its graduate business education choices with a MS in Finance

Q&A: Professor Brian Glyn Williams on bringing a real world story to Hollywood

Professor Brian Glyn Williams (History) talks about the book he wrote, the events that inspired it, and bringing authenticity to the movie '12 Strong'.

Video of Chancellor Johnson's MLK Speech

Watch Chancellor Robert E. Johnson speak at Bristol Community College about the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy.

UMass Dartmouth professor served as advisor on 12 Strong which opens in theaters January 19

Professor Brian Glyn Williams, author of The Last Warlord and five other books on the war on terror, was a cultural advisor of the set of a movie about U.S. Special Forces and Afghan allies fighting the Taliban in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Chancellor Johnson calls for education that develops intellect and character in keynote address to Bristol Community College MLK breakfast held January 15, 2018

The following the prepared text for Chancellor Johnson's speech to 200 community members.

Chancellor Johnson delivers keynote to Bristol Community College MLK breakfast - Part 2

The following is the prepared text that Chancellor Robert E. Johnson used for his keynote address at Bristol Community College's annual Martin Luther King Day breakfast.

UMass Dartmouth announces new Chief of Staff

Dr. Donna Lisker, former Smith College Dean of the College and Duke University Associate Vice Provost chosen after national search

UMass leaders call for action on DACA

Chancellor Robert Johnson joined UMass President Marty Meehan and the chancellors of the other four UMass campuses today calling on Congress to find a permanent legislative solution to protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.