Marty Meehan Biography
From the U.S. Congress to the University of Massachusetts, Marty Meehan has been a force for change within the Commonwealth.
Marty Meehan is the 27th president and the first undergraduate alumnus to lead the five-campus University of Massachusetts system.
A former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he was elected to the presidency after eight successful years as chancellor of his alma mater, UMass Lowell, during which he led the university to top-tier national status, improving its performance in every sphere of activity, including enrollment, student success, fundraising and auxiliary revenue generation. At his presidential inauguration on November 12, 2015, Meehan pledged to fight for UMass, which he called “the most important institution in Massachusetts in the critical areas of social mobility and economic growth.”
Under Meehan’s leadership and with his support and advocacy, the UMass system has reached new heights and achieved historic milestones. Over the course of his tenure, UMass has set records in enrollment, research expenditures, financial aid funding and economic impact. In addition, the UMass School of Law, which earned full ABA accreditation under Meehan, saw its ultimate bar pass rates rise to 92 percent.
During his 14 years in Congress, Meehan served on the House Armed Services and Judiciary committees and established a national reputation for his legislative leadership. He won praise for his efforts to protect the public from the health risks of tobacco, and he was a central figure in campaign finance reform. In addition to his degree from UMass Lowell, Meehan earned a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University in 1981 and a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1986.
From the U.S. Congress to the University of Massachusetts, Marty Meehan has been a force for change within the Commonwealth.
Visit UMassp.edu to learn more about the University of Massachusetts Office of the President, including links to key departments, executive leadership, policies, and other important information.