Mullin to lead campus partnership with Springfield

John R. Mullin, dean of the Graduate School, has been chosen to lead the campus’ participation in the Greater Springfield-UMass Amherst Partnership that was established last year. Mullin says his new duties begin immediately.

The partnership between the campus and the city was announced last November. It is designed to promote collaborations with the university that will lead to the revitalization of Springfield’s economy. The pact aims to position the city in the long term as a center for environmentally beneficial green industries, to boost the city’s arts and creative economy, and to expand relevant university teaching and outreach initiatives.

Holub, who signed the agreement with Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, says Mullin’s appointment is a critical step in his desire to create a physical presence for UMass Amherst in Springfield. “John Mullin is a seasoned and talented individual who will do a superb job in handling this very important assignment,” Holub says. “He understands the inner workings of the university and the power of education. John also has the added skill of knowing the intricate process of economic development and what it will take for the city and region to prosper.”

Mullin is ready for this new challenge. “I’m very excited about this appointment,” Mullin says. “It fits both my professional and research interests.” In addition to his academic duties, Mullin has served as a regional economist and consultant and director of the campus’ Center for Economic Development.

He says in his new role as university coordinator for the partnership, he will be devoting part of each week to the endeavor. His first task is to develop an implementation plan for the partnership that will be submitted to Holub for approval later this fall.

Mullin says his overall goal is to develop a physical footprint for UMass Amherst in Springfield that will help accomplish several objectives. Besides raising the overall profile of the university within the city, he will work to develop an economic climate to encourage spin-off companies from UMass Amherst to locate in Springfield. In addition, he will work to increase the academic “pipeline” between Springfield and the campus to encourage students to attend college, and to make sure programs on campus maintain a profile in the city.

Underpinning all of the goals, Mullin says, is a sober assessment of the current economic situation. “One very important goal is to have realistic expectations at a time of budget tightness. I’m going to focus on long-term issues.”

Mullin says he will begin meeting with senior officials in Springfield to discuss his new role and build key relationships.

July 30, 2009.

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