Helm Named Interim Chancellor of UMass Dartmouth

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

GoLocalWorcester News Team

UMass Dartmouth

UMass President Marty Meehan announced the has appointed former Muhlenberg College President Peyton Randolph Helm as the interim chancellor of UMass Dartmouth.

“I am pleased that we will have someone with Randy’s wisdom, judgment and experience guiding UMass Dartmouth during this transitional period. I firmly believe that interim Chancellor Helm possesses the skills and experience we need to position UMass Dartmouth for a new era of growth and success,” said President Meehan.

Helm will begin his service in March after completing obligations that require foreign travel during February.

“This is an institution committed to transforming lives through the power of higher education, a purpose to which I have dedicated my career. With half of the University’s undergraduates being first-generation college-attendees, almost 40 percent qualifying for Pell grants, and many holding down jobs in addition to taking classes, UMass Dartmouth students are clearly motivated, determined, pragmatic and focused on their future,” Helm said.

Peyton Randolph Helm

Helm retired last year after leading Muhlenberg College for 12 years and was named President Emeritus by the College's trustees at Commencement last May.

At Muhlenberg, Helm led the school through a major campus expansion, which included construction of a new sports center, science building, residence and dining halls, as well as the expansion and renovation of the student center and performing arts facilities.

Prior to that, Helm served as vice president for college relations and professor of classical studies at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and held leadership positions in student affairs and development at the University of Pennsylvania.

Helm earned his undergraduate degree in archeology from Yale University, graduating Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, and a doctorate in ancient history front he University of Pennsylvania. At Muhlenberg, Helm served as a professor of history and taught courses in Homeric Epic and Greek history.