AMHERST, Mass. — The Honorable Claire Cronin, who served as U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2022 to 2025, has joined the University of Massachusetts Amherst at its Mount Ida Campus in Newton, Massachusetts. 

Image

Cronin, who was nominated to serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ireland by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2021, stepped down from that post in January. 

As Scholar in Residence for Public Policy and Global Affairs, Cronin will support UMass Amherst initiatives in global education, global partnerships and international student and scholar services, as well as the university’s professional development programs at the Mount Ida Campus.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Ambassador Cronin to UMass Amherst,” said Chancellor Javier A. Reyes. “Just as UMass Amherst is expanding our global engagement strategy and investing in programs to develop global citizens, we are also assessing new federal policies related to international students and other visa holders. Ambassador Cronin’s expertise in state, federal and international policy will be invaluable as we navigate these complex issues and prepare students to confront the challenges that await them in an ever-evolving policy environment.” 

As ambassador to Ireland, Cronin focused on economic collaboration, education and cultural exchange. She was pivotal in elevating Ireland from ninth to sixth among largest foreign direct investors in the Unites States in just three years. Her “Open Doors” program to engage young talent in Ireland resulted in a record number of J1 visas for summer work and travel in the U.S. She also led efforts to safeguard the political and economic stability secured by the Good Friday Agreement in the aftermath of Brexit, engaging with key stakeholders to protect peace and cross-border cooperation.

“Ambassador Cronin’s accomplishments and tireless advocacy have earned her a leading role in global diplomacy and policymaking,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “We are so grateful that she is joining the university to share her expertise and insights with the commonwealth’s next generation of leaders. Her decision reflects both her deep commitment to the future of Massachusetts and her legacy of impactful public service.” 

Cronin will collaborate with UMass Amherst’s Office of Global Affairs on its global education initiatives, including its international student and global launch programs, and programming related to study abroad and international travel. With more than 5,000 international students and scholars, UMass Amherst has the largest population of international students in the five-campus UMass system and serves as the lead campus for several international affairs initiatives.

Cronin will also contribute to professional development pathways on the Mount Ida Campus, which include programs in law and policy, civic engagement and career exploration. Cronin will work with faculty and students to identify the knowledge, skills and habits of mind needed to navigate global experiences, professional experiences and the development of good public policy.

“Ambassador Cronin’s knowledge, deep expertise and interests align perfectly with our strategic foci on high-impact teaching practices and contributions to student success,” said Fouad Abd-El-Khalick, UMass Amherst provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “She will serve as a wonderful resource, role model and mentor to our students, who seek to leverage their education to effect meaningful change in their communities, as well as make contributions as global citizens.” 

“Throughout my career, I have been blessed to serve in roles that have allowed me to pursue my passion for education and service,” said Cronin. “I’m inspired by the work of our flagship public research university to serve and support students, and to advance the commonwealth’s goals through the recruitment and development of the talent needed to maintain our competitive position in a global economy. I am excited to get to work.” 

Prior to her appointment by President Biden, Cronin was the first woman to serve as majority leader in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which she did from 2021 to 2022. As chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary from 2017 to 2021, she was the architect of the most comprehensive criminal justice reform in Massachusetts in decades. She was first elected to represent the 11th Plymouth District in 2012.

Prior to serving in the House of Representatives, Cronin maintained a law practice in Brockton, Massachusetts. She is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and also admitted to practice in U.S. District Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. She is a graduate of Stonehill College and Suffolk University Law School.