Inspired Leaders Through the Ages
Highlights from the surprising, quirky, and impressive moments and leaders who have made UMass what it is today
Though the official title of UMass Amherst’s leaders has changed a few times since its inception in 1863, they have all served the same mission: create the best environment to inspire and educate the young minds—and the very future—of the Commonwealth.
UMass Amherst leaders have hailed from around the world, including Austria (Henry Koffler 1979–1982), Wales (Edward M. Lewis 1924–27), and, more recently, India (Kumble R. Subbaswamy 2012–2023). Our leaders have also come from a variety of professions, including an inventor (Henry Flagg French 1864–1866), a geologist (Randolph Wilson “Bill” Bromery 1971–1979), and even a professional baseball player (Lewis). Each challenged and encouraged students and Massachusetts citizens to grow.
Along the way, they have also reinvented and reconfigured high-quality education. Under the leadership of Henry H. Goodell (1886–1905), the first woman and African American students were enrolled. Bromery (1971–1979) was pivotal in establishing the Five College Consortium. Joseph Duffey (1982-1991) created and implemented the concept of a “gen ed” curriculum, promoting a mix of foundational coursework before students began specializing in a certain field.
The university’s 31st leader, Javier Reyes, will be officially inaugurated in late April. And after many listening sessions and a fair amount of stock-taking, he and fellow campus leaders are expected to roll out a five-to-10-year strategic plan in the fall. As past chancellors have proved, what happens at UMass can affect not only students, but also alumni, Massachusetts citizens, and education everywhere.
Javier Reyes
2023–present
Javier Reyes, the 12th chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is the first UMass leader born and raised in Mexico.
Kumble R. Subbaswamy
2012–2023
Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy was not only the first leader to hail from India but was also the first trained physicist to guide the flagship campus.
Robert C. Holub
2008–2012
Starting from humble beginnings, Chancellor Robert C. Holub was the first member of his family to attend college.
Marcellette G. Williams
2001–2002
After serving as deputy chancellor for over seven years, Marcellette G. Williams became the eighth chancellor and first female leader of the university.
Joseph Duffey
1982–1991
With a slew of accolades and awards for his work in academia, it is no surprise that Duffey created and implemented the concept of “gen ed” curriculum—a groundbreaking approach introducing foundational coursework before students began specializing in a certain field.
Randolph Bromery
1971–1979
During his time as chancellor, Randolph “Bill” Bromery not only established the W. E. B. Du Bois archives but also was one of the initiators of the Five College Consortium—recognizing that expanding access and sharing resources would benefit all.
Oswald Tippo
1970–1971
In 1970, Oswald Tippo was installed as the first chancellor of the then newly renamed University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher
1927–1932
Before UMass Amherst was UMass Amherst, it was called Massachusetts Agricultural College. When it was renamed Massachusetts State College, Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher served as the first president—the title given to the college’s leader at that time.
Edward Morgan Lewis
1924–1927
Edward Morgan Lewis had a most unique career path, as he made his way from American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher (as well as a professor of English literature, and academic administrator) to become the 10th president of the Massachusetts Agricultural College.
Henry H. Goodell
1886–1905
Not only was Henry H. Goodell the longest-serving leader of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, but he was also the first to allow female and Black students to enroll.
Levi Stockbridge
1880–1882
We’ve all heard of Levi Stockbridge. The Stockbridge School of Agriculture is named after him, for his incredible dedication to agricultural academic programs. But did you also know that he held patents for pioneering experiments in fertilizer development, nutrient leaching, and soil mulching?
Charles L. Flint
1879–1880
Recognizing the threats to the Massachusetts Agricultural College during the budget crisis of 1879, Charles Flint stepped into the role of president and served without accepting a salary.
William S. Clarke
1867–1879
President William S. Clarke once conducted a famous public weight-lifting squash experiment (observed by tens of thousands of visitors) to demonstrate the power of plant growth and the practical benefits of agricultural research and instruction.
Paul A. Chadbourne
1867, 1882–1883
The presidential call seems to have sounded twice for Paul Chadbourne, the only UMass leader to serve multiple terms. During his second term, he advocated for financial support for poor students. In-state undergraduate tuition cost $36 at the time.
Henry Flagg French
1864–1866
Though Henry Flagg French was the first president of the University of Massachusetts (then named Massachusetts Agricultural College), he is perhaps best known for his development and popularization of the French drain—a trench used to direct water runoff away from buildings.
We’re on the lookout
Share your most intriguing nooks, niches, coordinates, or curiosities on campus or anywhere in the region. Email magazine@umass.edu and we’ll investigate!