Region's tree-lined colleges confront damage from Halloween storm

SOUTH HADLEY - Two and a half months after the freak Halloween snowstorm, grounds crews at the region's colleges continue to address the damage to their tree canopies. Paul Breen of Mount Holyoke College says 90 percent of the 1,100 trees on the core campus in South Hadley sustained some damage, and just over 50 will have to be removed. Campuses around the Pioneer Valley are in various stages of recovery.

• Related story: Communities to replant in storm aftermath

Former UMass president Jack Wilson may continue collecting $425,000 pay

Former University of Massachusetts President Jack Wilson can continue to draw his $425,000 presidential salary while he remains on a yearlong sabbatical through June. The university's Compensation Committee reached that finding Wednesday after a national expert on higher education compensation said the agreement between UMass and Wilson, who stepped down June 30, 2011, lies within norms in higher education. The committee found the arrangement with Wilson to be consistent with university practice and with standards in the field.

UMass says Jack Wilson can keep promised $425,000 sabbatical pay

BOSTON - Former University of Massachusetts President Jack Wilson can continue to draw his $425,000 presidential salary while he remains on a yearlong sabbatical through the end of June.

UMass Police Chief Johnny Whitehead takes same job at Rice University

AMHERST - University of Massachusetts police chief Johnny Whitehead announced Wednesday that he is leaving to take over as chief at Rice University in Houston, capping a tenure at UMass where he developed a reputation as a bridge-builder who steered his department through a controversial arrest that saw charges of racism directed at his officers. Whitehead, who arrived in Amherst in 2007 as deputy chief before becoming chief in 2009, will finish at UMass at the end of February. He will assume his new responsibilities at the private Texas institution on March 1. The department he will oversee at Rice is smaller than the one he currently administers.

Alan Bloomgarden of Mount Holyoke named to state commission

SOUTH HADLEY - Gov. Deval Patrick has appointed Alan Bloomgarden, coordinator of the Community-Based Learning Program at Mount Holyoke College, to a Special Commission on Civic Engagement and Learning.

Amherst College artist, ESPN team up on drawings for Heisman show

AMHERST - Now here are some unusual teammates.

The sports network ESPN recently hired an Amherst College artist to create drawings of 30 college football players as part of its production of the 77th Heisman trophy presentation earlier this month.

UMass to reconsider health services cuts

AMHERST - Backlash over proposed changes to the health services unit at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has led to the formation of a special committee that will further examine the issue.