Interim Chancellor For UMass Dartmouth Named

There's a new interim leader at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.

University President Marty Meehan announced on Sunday that he has appointed former Muhlenberg College President Peyton Randolph (Randy) Helm as the interim chancellor of UMass Dartmouth.

“I am pleased that we will have someone with Randy’s wisdom, judgment and experience guiding UMass Dartmouth during this transitional period,” said Meehan “I firmly believe that interim Chancellor Helm possesses the skills and experience we need to position UMass Dartmouth for a new era of growth and success.”

Helm will take over the position in March, after completing obligations that require foreign travel during February, and said he looks forward to working at a school with such a unique student population.

"With half of the University’s undergraduates being first-generation college-attendees, almost 40 percent qualifying for Pell grants, and many holding down jobs in addition to taking classes, UMass Dartmouth students are clearly motivated, determined, pragmatic and focused on their future,” he said.

Helm succeeding former Chancellor Divina Grossman, who stepped down last month.