University News

Commonwealth invests $73M in campus learning facilities

UMass Dartmouth received $73 million in new funding from the Commonwealth to upgrade the campus’s main academic facility, the Arts & Sciences building. This funding will enhance classrooms, labs, office spaces, and student meeting spaces within the Arts & Sciences building and Campus Center building that houses the auditorium and other instructional spaces. "This historic $73 million investment in UMass Dartmouth and our students—the single largest investment in our history—will enable us to provide the learning spaces our students need to pursue their ambitions," said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller.

The project will address upgrades and deferred maintenance needs in the campus's most trafficked building, which contains classrooms that support many programs in STEM fields, the humanities, social sciences, and student support centers. Renovations include changes to make the HVAC system more sustainable, upgrades to learning spaces and address electrical systems, window replacements, and building envelope improvements.

UMass Dartmouth announced the appointment of Dr. Hanchen Huang as UMassD’s next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs following a highly competitive national search. Huang, who most recently served as the dean of the College of Engineering at the University of North Texas, brings dynamic academic leadership and demonstrated experience in growing enrollments, programs, and research activity.

U.S. Navy grants $4.3M to bolster research focus on marine technology development

The Office of Naval Research granted $4.3 million that will support research projects through UMass Dartmouth’s Marine and UnderSea Technology research program in collaboration with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. This grant will fund nine projects that focus on supporting the Blue Economy and offshore wind sectors through remote underwater sensing, battery performance for autonomous vehicles, oxidation mitigation for naval vessels, predictive modeling algorithms, and the use of autonomous vehicles to survey coastal environments.

U.S. News & World Report announced their 2023 College Rankings, which showcased UMass Dartmouth's continued excellence nationally and rankings growth in key programs. The University was once again a leader in the Top Performers on Social Mobility, ranking No. 69 in the nation and No. 2 in Massachusetts. UMass Dartmouth ranked 118 out of the 227 national public universities based on various metrics, including graduation rates, academic reputation, job outcomes, and faculty resources. In addition to the University’s overall acclaim, educational programs climbed in the 2023 rankings. The Charlton College of Business ranked No. 144 in the country for Top Business Programs, up from No. 195 in 2020. The College of Engineering climbed ten spots to No. 137 in the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. The College of Nursing & Health Sciences moved up three spots to No. 93 in the Undergraduate Nursing Program.

UMassBRUT campaign wins Docomomo US Modernism in America Award

UMassBRUT, a collaborative campaign between UMass Dartmouth and UMass Amherst, received a Docomomo US Modernism in America Inventory/Survey Award of Excellence for its efforts to raise awareness and appreciation of the significant Brutalist structures that shape much of both campuses. UMassD’s bold architecture is a result of famed 1950’s and 60’s architect Paul Rudolph’s vision for an “urban” public university, coupled with progressive achievements in the fields of design and engineering.

College of Arts & Sciences

Philosophy professor receives Manning Prize for teaching excellence

Professor of philosophy and chairperson of the philosophy department, Dr. Jennifer Wilson Mulnix, was awarded the 2022 Manning Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Mulnix was chosen for her dedication to the broader university community and her participation in various faculty fellowships and grants focused on improving teaching and learning. Much of her current research focuses on the scholarship of teaching and the philosophy of happiness and well-being. One faculty member from each UMass campus was chosen and each received a $10,000 award in recognition of their exceptional teaching and commitment to their students.

Biology student named one of “29 Who Shine” by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Diego Alejandro Marroquin ’22 was named one of “29 Who Shine” by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. The annual recognition honors 29 outstanding students, one from each public institution in the commonwealth. Marroquin, an immigrant from Guatemala and first-generation college student who studied biology, was chosen for his volunteer work in SouthCoast communities. Eager to promote social change, Marroquin has served as a mentor and volunteered at a local meal center. He maintained an exceptional academic record, with a 3.92-grade point average, and making the Chancellor's list (3.8 GPA or higher) each of his last five semesters.