Faculty say they wanted to reopen search for UMass Boston chancellor

BOSTON — UMass Boston President Marty Meehan says he was mortified after faculty called the three chancellor candidates unqualified, and they all dropped out.

UMass Boston staff standing by their actions Tuesday, saying their issue wasn’t necessarily with the candidates but with the selection process itself.

“We wanted him to reopen the search. We weren’t calling it a failed search which is more or less what he’s implying. We didn’t specifically say take out any of those members, take out any of those candidates for the job,” said Rachael Rubin, a professor of American Studies and member of the faculty committee.

In an open letter, Meehan said he was "mortified" and apologized to the candidates, all in leadership positions in higher education. Despite their credentials, the faculty publicly said, "none of the final candidates have demonstrated that they are sufficiently qualified."

Rubin said they had just an hour with each candidate and interviews were conducted during the very busy finals week.

“It was really, really rushed. Telling us about us Friday evening. Having then come Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and then let us know by the end of Friday. It was really rushed and I don’t think that was necessarily accidental,” she said.

Meehan said he will not immediately re-open the search, saying the process was exhaustive and comprehensive. It started last October when Interim Chancellor Barry Mills announced he was stepping down at the end of the school year.

In the meantime, the campus would be led by Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Katherine Newman.

“I’m disappointed with how this whole thing has played,” said Gov. Charlie Baker

Baker told Boston 25 News all parties need to focus on UMass Boston students here.

“I think we need to make sure we are focused on kids and not so much on the adults,” he said.

Some students say they agree with President Meehan and don’t believe the faculty acted in their best interest.

Cox Media Group