After a six-month search for a new chancellor for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Robert E. Johnson was appointed by a unanimous vote of the UMass Board of Trustees on March 7.

"I'm excited about what we can do here working together as a team, working together with students, faculty, staff, the administration, and the entire Commonwealth to not only evolve this fine institution into its next chapter in its history, but also the South Coast region," said Johnson. "I think this is a partnership that is inseparable, that will help everyone involved."

Johnson, president of Becker College since 2010, was recommended for the UMass Dartmouth chancellorship by UMass President Marty Meehan.

“Robert Johnson is an accomplished, visionary leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and a proven commitment to student success,” Meehan said in a press release.

Johnson is credited with increasing enrollment to record levels, improving student success, and elevating the reputation of the Becker College during his time there.

Johnson, who will be the first African-American to lead UMass Dartmouth, is a member of the state Board of Higher Education, vice chairman of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Board, and chair of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

A native of Detroit, Mich., Johnson holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Touro University International, a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Cincinnati, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Morehouse College. Prior to becoming Becker College’s president, he served as senior vice president of Sinclair Community College, vice president of enrollment management at the University of Dayton, vice provost at Oakland University, and executive director of enrollment management at Central State University.

“I am looking forward to this new post. However, for the next few weeks, I remain committed to advancing the Becker College value proposition and to supporting the staff and students there through commencement,” Johnson said.

Since March, 2016, Peyton Helm has served as interim chancellor for the university. Former chancellor Divina Grossman announced that she was stepping down in December of 2015 because private fundraising, professors, and enrollment had reportedly gone down during her nearly three-year tenure. Grossman is currently a nursing professor at the university.

A 16-member committee comprised of students, faculty, alumni, staff, community representatives and members of the UMass Board of Trustees was formed in September of 2016 to help select a new chancellor.