AMHERST — Javier Reyes, whose leadership of University of Massachusetts flagship campus began July 1, will be formally inaugurated as the university’s 31st chancellor on Friday morning.

The inauguration ceremony, being held at the Mullins Center and streamed live through the inauguration website at umass.edu/inauguration, begins at 10:30 a.m.

Members of the public are invited to attend in person, but will need to register through the event’s website.

Reyes, an economist who previously was interim chancellor at the University of Illinois Chicago, succeeded Kumble Subbaswamy in the role. He is the first Hispanic chancellor at UMass. Born and raised in Mexico, Reyes has held leadership positions at the University of Illinois Chicago, West Virginia University and the University of Arkansas.

When he was recommended by UMass President Marty Meehan and then confirmed by the board of trustees in February 2023, Reyes was described as an expert in distance education, global economic matters and an accomplished researcher who has published articles in leading economics and business journals. Since assuming the role, officials have praised Reyes for creating a “student-centric vision of success and is ready to propel UMass forward as a powerful economic engine at the forefront of higher education.”

The inauguration is the beginning of four days of events that includes Earth Day, Friday from noon to 4 p.m. on the Goodell Hall lawn, and the 150th anniversary of the Alumni Association, being marked starting Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, followed by the football’s annual Spring Game at noon.

Also on Saturday at the Hadley Farm, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be the 89th Bay State Livestock Classic.

Events conclude on Monday with UMass Founders Day, a campuswide celebration marking the date in 1863 when Massachusetts Gov. John Andrew signed the charter that led to the creation of Massachusetts Agricultural College.

That day features a number of activities, such as a Frank A. Waugh Arboretum walking tour at 9 a.m., exploring the Durfee Conservatory at 10 a.m., a cookout on Haigis Mall starting at 11 a.m. and a live music performance by Lexi Weege and J.J. Slater on the Goodell lawn at noon.

There is also a Futureliner live music stage and hot air balloon rides at the Campus Pond at 3 p.m. and a UMass Pep Band performance at the W.E.B DuBois Library at 5 p.m.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.