On Monday, Jan. 25, UMass Dartmouth President Marty Meehan announced that Peyton Randolph Helm was selected as the new interim chancellor of UMass Dartmouth.

Helm, the former president of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is replacing former chancellor Divina Grossman, who stepped down from her position on Dec. 24, 2015.

“I am pleased that we will have someone with Randy’s wisdom, judgment and experience guiding UMass Dartmouth during this transitional period," Meehan said in a press release. “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."

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

Helm is looking forward to serving at UMass Dartmouth.

“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,” he said.

In the meantime, Gerry Kavanaugh is serving as UMass' Acting Chancellor. Kavanaugh has served as senior vice chancellor for strategic management since September 2014.

Classes resumed at UMass Dartmouth on Monday, Jan. 25.