AMHERST — Incoming University of Massachusetts Chancellor Javier Reyes is aiming to keep the flagship campus — which he said was already excelling under its current leadership — a place students want to attend for its strong academics and an atmosphere that offers a sense of belonging with diverse faculty and staff.

Calling what outgoing Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy has created in Amherst a “clear trajectory unmatched” over the past decade, Reyes sought the position as a result of the university’s advances in the frontiers of research and sciences, its top-tier arts and humanities programs, and its overarching focus on equity and social justice.

“This university has all these components,” Reyes said during an introductory press conference with UMass President Marty Meehan at the Student Union on Monday afternoon.

Reyes, interim chancellor at the University of Illinois Chicago, was named to lead UMass Amherst by Meehan in February following a recommendation from the UMass board of trustees.

“I’m confident we have the best person in Dr. Javier Reyes,” Meehan said.

To get a candidate of Reyes’ caliber, and attract other top talent, Meehan said Subbaswamy has led UMass Amherst on an incredible run and put it in a much better place.

While Reyes said that a transition in chancellors is always an inflection point for a university, he will do a lot of listening to understand and identify strengths and weaknesses before setting an agenda or unveiling bold initiatives, though he is committed to making UMass affordable and accessible, keeping the doors open and ensuring a path of success for all students.

Arriving at UMass, Reyes said, is a unique opportunity to be at a place where he can “build upon shoulders of giants.” “It comes with more pressure, but it’s more exciting,” Reyes said.

Reyes describes his leadership style as a “servant leader” and sees himself as a partner with faculty and students, but that decisions will be made. “There can’t be analysis by paralysis,” he said.

Listening to students, in particular, will be a focal point. “They are the ones who energize me every morning,” Reyes said.

He comes to Amherst with his wife, Maritza, who sat to one side of him during the press conference. Reyes said they will be seen in the community and also await visits from their college-age children.

Since the university’s land grant founding in 1863, Reyes, who grew up in Mexico, will be the first Hispanic leader, which Meehan said adds to campus diversity and is important for UMass system as a whole and for getting to the next level nationally. Meehan said he would like to see the UMass Amherst campus continue to rise, become more diverse, and attract the best students in Massachusetts and beyond.

With hateful incidents affecting UMass, like many campuses, and a polarized national political atmosphere, Reyes said that this can be addressed by providing programming throughout the year, championing diversity at all times rather than as solitary responses to specific incidents.

Arriving amid a challenging housing situation on campus for students, with some accommodations less than desirable, and many students living in off-campus rentals, Reyes said he would confront the issue.

Reyes said he understands that Amherst, like other college towns, faces pressure on its housing stock. But he sees this as an opportunity and wants to get an understanding of how it drives economic development, as UMass not only brings students, but faculty, staff and others. He said he wants to work collaboratively with the town and be a good partner with the community.

He pointed to the new privately built housing on Massachusetts and Lincoln avenues for undergraduates and graduate students, noting that housing takes time. “The last thing you want to do is overbuild, the last thing you want is to crowd out the market,” Reyes said.

UMass got national attention recently for the annual Blarney Blowout, which contributed to record numbers of people being treated at Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s emergency room. Efforts to combat the drinking culture need to start with activities that will interest students, he said. “We have to keep our students engaged on campus,” Reyes said.

With unions concerned about 100 or so employees in Advancement Services possibly being privatized, moving to the UMass Foundation, Reyes shared his philosophy on negotiations.

“It’s always about fair contracts and fair compensation and listening to both sides,” Reyes said.

Meehan said the challenge is that any deal has to comply with state law, and he doesn’t want to see any employees lose their jobs, or the pensions to which they are entitled. Still, he is confident that a resolution to everyone’s satisfaction can be reached.

Observing that Subbaswamy has been known for getting selfies taken with students, Meehan said that Reyes, in his times on the Amherst campus, has a similar willingness to pose for casual portraits.

“I think he’s going to be great,” Meehan said.

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