LOWELL - Jack M. Wilson, who will step down on June 30 after serving nearly eight years as the President of the University of Massachusetts, will be honored with the title President Emeritus, the UMass Board of Trustees decided today, February 23.
In a unanimous action, Trustees voted to bestow the title upon President Wilson and also said he will serve as Distinguished University Professor of Higher Education, Emerging Technologies and Innovation when he completes his term as President and accepts an academic appointment at UMass Lowell.
Announcing the Board's decision, James J. Karam, chairman of the UMass Board of Trustees, said: "These honors are well deserved, as Jack Wilson has put his heart and soul into his presidency and the results are on display for all to see. Jack has moved this University forward in so many key areas and students past, present and future have benefitted and will continue to benefit from his astute leadership."
"Impressive growth in such key areas as enrollment, research funding, technology transfer and endowment, are only several of the significant accomplishments of Jack Wilson's presidency. The University of Massachusetts and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are indebted to President Wilson for his distinguished service," Karam added.
President Wilson, who intends to teach, advise and mentor students at UMass Lowell and will also write about such issues as innovation and higher education, said he was honored by the Board's action.
"It has been my great privilege to serve as President of the University of Massachusetts, and to have my service marked in this fashion is truly a singular honor," President Wilson said. "This is a wonderful tribute, and I am deeply grateful."
President Wilson said he is looking forward to his work at UMass Lowell and "very much appreciates" the Distinguished Professor academic title the Board of Trustees has awarded to him. "This is a great honor, and I look forward to this next phase of my academic career," he said.
Contact: Robert P. Connolly, 617-287-7073; Cosmo Macero, 617-646-1017