for
the Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts
Dec.
1, 2000
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Scott announces plans to step down by Sarah R. Buchholz, Chronicle staff
 hancellor
David K. Scott announced Nov. 28 that he plans to step down as chancellor,
effective June 30, 2001. He has served as chancellor since July 1993.Scott said this is a good time to step down because the campus is concluding a six-year strategic plan and its $125 million capital campaign. He did not detail his reasons for leaving. “Kathleen and I feel honored to have served the University for the past eight years, a University deeply committed to teaching, research and outreach, and to the increasing integration of all three,” Scott said. “Words can hardly express our emotions at leaving the position that has put us in touch with so many extraordinary people — colleagues, alumni throughout the world, students, faculty and staff, legislators, supporters of the University in public and private life throughout the Commonwealth and our partners in the Five College consortium and in business and industry. “I also feel privileged to have been at the University during the building of the five-campus system and to have worked with President Bulger, former presidents Penney and Hooker, and the Board of Trustees, all of whom embody the highest ideals of public service. I have been truly fortunate to work with extraordinary people in the administration on this campus and in the governance system, and I will be sad to leave them.” Scott will take a year’s paid leave, beginning July 1. As of Wednesday, no plans for replacing Scott had been announced. “David Scott has made an enormous contribution to the University,” said President William M. Bulger. “Thanks to his skill, vision and determination, UMass Amherst has risen to new heights. Under his leadership, the Amherst campus has made impressive strides in a number of key areas: the campus's academic reputation and performance have continued to grow; $78 million in capital spending has helped to transform the campus; and an ambitious $125 million fund-raising campaign is about to conclude a year ahead of schedule.” “Chancellor Scott deserves our gratitude and respect for the leadership he has shown in positioning the Amherst campus for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, and for his passionate advocacy of public higher education,” said Board of Trustees chair Grace Fey. “He was to bring order to a very difficult situation from a financial perspective,” said Paul Page, vice chancellor for Administration and Finance. “His vision, his articulation of a strategic plan — more importantly his ability to make decisions consistent with that plan — have been a hallmark of his stay here. And that stands out among chancellors that I've known. It's also a little more difficult to do that at a time when you're not in a 'financial crisis.’” “During his tenure here I have appreciated the vision that he has had for this campus and how he has engaged the campus in planning in the context of that vision,” said Robert Helgesen, vice chancellor for Outreach. “In particular, I have appreciated the leadership he gave us in implementing these plans. Unfortunately, he is stepping down before his vision of an AAU-land grant caliber university is achieved. His vision and leadership will be missed.” Massachusetts Society of Professors president Jane Giacobbe Miller and Faculty Senate secretary Ernest May agreed that Scott's leadership has been valuable. “He has provided strong leadership during difficult times, for example, the financial problems of the early '90s and last year’s crisis involving assaults on women,” Giacobbe Miller said. “Chancellor Scott has been an extraordinary champion of diversity in the administration and the student body.” “Chancellor David K. Scott has been a visionary leader for the Amherst campus — a strong advocate in Boston and beyond,” May said. “He challenged the campus culture and stimulated it to evolve. Among the high points of his legacy are his dedication to diversity and opportunity; the integration of teaching, research, and outreach; his forthright, honest, and open administrative style; and the advancement of scientific research. His departure is a great loss to the University and he will be missed.” “David has done a great deal to bring needed information about the budget and the planning process to the attention of the campus,” said Lee Edwards, dean of Humanities and Fine Arts. “His hard and consistent work in these areas, as well as in University Advancement and Development, are a notable legacy of his term in office.” “David Scott’s great personal achievement is that he was able to accomplish so much despite assuming the chancellorship during very dark fiscal days,” Bulger said. “The massive economic downturn of the early 1990s wreaked havoc with the University’s budget, but David Scott was able to persevere and lead the campus to greatness. His stewardship will be remembered and valued.” “I have found Chancellor Scott to be a person of high integrity, who has always had the best interests of the campus at heart,” Giacobbe Miller said. “His personal charm and sense of humor made even the most difficult situations more pleasant.” “Although we will be on the sidelines, Kathleen and I will always be cheering for UMass,” Scott said. “This is an extraordinary campus, one of the most dynamic in the United States. It is the place to be and deserves the very best. We know it will be standing and shining in the years ahead.” |
