University of Massachusetts president Martin Meehan has formally begun his job, promising to fight for students, faculty and staff at the five-campus university.
Meehan, who has held the job since July 1, was inaugurated Thursday by Gov. Charlie Baker. He's the first undergraduate alumnus to become president of the UMass system.
At a ceremony at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and attended by university and state officials, Meehan called UMass the most important institution in Massachusetts in social mobility and economic growth.
The former congressman is a 1978 graduate and former chancellor of UMass Lowell.
Meehan said he was focused on affordability and told WBUR that he backs a plan to develop a UMass degree costing between $30,000 and $35,000 for a four-year degree for students who commute.
Meehan Sworn in as New UMass President
Meehan, who has held the job since July 1, was inaugurated Thursday by Gov. Charlie Baker
Copyright The Associated Press
