CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026-27
IN THIS REPORT 02 Scaling New Heights
18 Research
04 Students & Outcomes
20 Graduates
06 Infrastructure
22 Support
08 Colleges
24 Destination
16 Athletics
#2
IN THE UMASS SYSTEM One of 500 U.S. colleges and universities recognized nationwide, alongside leading public universities such as the University of Oregon, University of New Hampshire, and University of Kentucky.
A spirit of possibility defines our community. We do not simply provide an education. We help students change the trajectory of their lives. That’s why UMass Dartmouth has earned its place among the nation’s leading universities, ranking in U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 public research universities in the country with fewer than 10,000 students. We combine rigorous academics, consequential research, and a deep commitment to access. Our recognition as the #2 public university in Massachusetts for social mobility affirms the impact of that mission.
in every field of study. From their first semester at UMass Dartmouth, students should understand the job opportunities their academic programs can prepare them for, the skills and experiences they will need to succeed, and the specific pathways that will lead from the classroom to meaningful, long-term careers.
I know the power of that opportunity personally. As a first-generation college graduate, I experienced how higher education can expand a person’s ambitions and reshape what they believe they can achieve. For many of our students, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, understanding what is possible—and how to get there—is a crucial part of their educational journey.
Every day, that preparation is taking place across our campus. Students are designing, researching, creating, innovating, and leading in business, engineering, nursing, law, psychology, the arts, marine science, and many other fields. UMass Dartmouth also connects students directly to industries and organizations that provide critical hands-on experience through internships, sponsored capstone projects, and collaborative research. With guidance from expert faculty, access to emerging technologies and engagement with real-world challenges, they are developing the skills and judgment needed to contribute in their first job and throughout their careers.
That is why we are placing an increasing emphasis on career readiness and workforce preparation
At UMass Dartmouth, extraordinary is what we do. Together, we are building a university that expands
opportunity, advances discovery, prepares students for lifelong career success, and strengthens the economic vitality of the SouthCoast and the Commonwealth. Go Corsairs!
Mark A. Fuller, PhD Chancellor
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS For ten straight years, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best National Universities” in the country. This distinction places the university among the top 10 public research universities in the country with fewer than 10,000 students. In the 2026 rankings, UMass Dartmouth earned recognition across eight categories, including top-quartile recognition for its three largest undergraduate majors: nursing, psychology, and computer science. NATIONAL RECOGNITION
#2
BEST Colleges
IN NEW ENGLAND FOR SOCIAL MOBILITY AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
RISE IN RANKINGS CHARLTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
TOP
4
BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAM AMONG MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
#
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
1
BEST MBA FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NEW ENGLAND
+82
SPOT CLIMB IN TWO YEARS PSYCHOLOGY
National Universities
2026 U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
ONLY
R2 RESEARCH UNIVERSITY IN MASSACHUSETTS DESIGNATED AS AN OPPORTUNITY COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES
+34 SPOT CLIMB IN THREE YEARS
TOP
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
9% +74
OF NURSING PROGRAMS IN THE U.S.
SPOT CLIMB IN TWO YEARS
COMPUTER SCIENCE
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TOP 10
in the U.S. among public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students
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EXTRAORDINARY STUDENTS & OUTCOMES UMass Dartmouth’s reputation as a destination of choice continues to grow, attracting top students looking to work with award-winning faculty. More than half of UMass Dartmouth students are first-generation, and our graduates go on to successful careers with strong salaries. This impact has earned us the distinction of being the second highest-ranked public university in New England for social mobility.
53%
OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS WERE THE FIRST IN THEIR FAMILIES TO ATTEND COLLEGE
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JOB PLACEMENT
STARTING SALARY
86% 81% UNDERGRAD
$57K
GRAD STUDENTS
$81K
EMPLOYERS
KENNY DUONG ‘22, ‘23 After earning a degree in Management Information Systems and a Master of Science in Technology Management, Kenny has launched a career at Johnson & Johnson. Today, he serves as a Systems Engineer for Robotic Surgery at DePuy Synthes, helping advance software and technologies that support robot-assisted orthopedic procedures.
amazon
UNDERGRAD
GRAD
CLASSROOMS AND 48 LABS HAVE BEEN UPDATED SINCE FY21 TOTALING
$7.3M
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EXTRAORDINARY INFRASTRUCTURE UMass Dartmouth continues to invest in a campus that honors its architectural legacy while preparing students for the future. Recent improvements include the Liberal Arts & Sciences (LARTS) Restoration Project, completed upgrades to the College of Visual & Performing Arts building, modern residence halls, and expanded research and learning facilities—all creating inspiring spaces that support teaching, innovation, and student success.
LARTS NAMING OPPORTUNITIES Seminar Rooms and Small Classrooms Larger and Special Classrooms Main Lecture Hall Tutoring and Advising Centers Dean’s Suite Atriums
$1.1M
grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to expand the new LARTS geothermal energy system to the University Auditorium.
HONORS COLLEGE Established in 2019, the Honors College provides academic and career opportunities for highly motivated students. Honors students take specialized courses, conduct undergraduate research, and create connections with faculty within their field, making it a destination for high-achieving students.
1:1
student-to-faculty research ratio
496 Honors College students
LARGEST Honors College graduating class (2026)
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EXTRAORDINARY COLLEGES As an R2 research institution that ranks in the top 10 public research universities nationwide with fewer than 10,000 students, UMass Dartmouth students and faculty in our eight schools and colleges are immersed in groundbreaking work.
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES As the largest college on campus, the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) is home to a number of diverse programs. From investigating black holes to studying international relations, students in the College of Arts & Sciences are at the forefront of discovery across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences research.
2,499
$14M in research grants awarded over the past 3 years
93%
of graduates from CAS graduate programs are employed or enrolled in further education within 3 months
ENROLLED
Psychology ranks among the top 22% of programs nationwide and is ranked #3 among public universities in Massachusetts.
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TOP
17%
of U.S. online MBA and MS business programs
#4
CHARLTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS The Charlton College of Business (CCB) equips future leaders with the skills to thrive in a global economy. Accredited by the AACSB, a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, Charlton offers hands-on learning and strong industry ties, preparing students for success in all fields of business.
HIGHEST-RANKED undergraduate business programs among Massachusetts public universities
$73K
MEDIAN STARTING SAL ARY (FINANCE)
TOP 6% of online bachelor’s in business programs in the U.S.
1,610 ENROLLED
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Less than 6% of universities worldwide earn AACSB accreditation
$75K
AVERAGE STARTING SAL ARY (ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING)
College of Engineering faculty have been ranked among the
TOP 2% of scientists worldwide, and
TOP 1% of scholars in their specialties
college of engineering The College of Engineering (COE) is working to address the most urgent challenges facing our world while nurturing the next generation of change-making engineers. From cybersecurity and AI to sustainable energy and next-generation ocean technology, UMass Dartmouth engineers help build a better future.
Only 4% of institutions worldwide have this highest level of accreditation for engineering programs
1 of 50 schools in the U.S. (and the only public university in New England) named an academic partner in the Department of War’s VICEROY cybersecurity initiative.
1,382 ENROLLED
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TOP 9%
of undergraduate nursing programs in the U.S. and
6
th highest-rated in New England
94%
first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
97%
three-year pass rate on the American Society for Clinical Pathology exam for laboratory technicians
91%
employment rate for medical laboratory science majors
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COLLEGE OF nursing & health sciences 846 The College of Nursing & Health Sciences (CNHS) prepares students to enter the healthcare field and provide crucial care across the Commonwealth and beyond. CNHS works closely with local partners such as Southcoast Health to create opportunities for hands-on experience and pathways for students to expand their career opportunities. The college offers nationally-ranked nursing and medical laboratory science programs to help students achieve their career goals.
CNHS programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
ENROLLED
COLLEGE OF visual & performing arts 545 The College of Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) is a powerhouse of creativity, offering students a comprehensive education in art, design, and music within a full university experience. Home to a nationally recognized ceramics program and a CIDA-accredited interior architecture + design major that prepares students to sit for the NCIDQ exam, CVPA connects learning and activism through service-learning projects that use creative skills to make a difference in communities.
ENROLLED
#54
Best Fine Arts Programs in the U.S.
#9
in the Northeast for Interior Architecture & Design
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED MFA in Ceramics
Only dedicated fine/performing arts college in Massachusetts
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381 ENROLLED
100%
clinic or internship placement
#1
lowest tuition of any ABA-accredited law school in MA
#3
fastest-growing law school in the U.S.
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SCHOOL OF LAW Massachusetts’ only public law school, UMass Dartmouth School of Law (UMass Law) offers the smallest class sizes and lowest tuition of any ABA-accredited law school in the state. Every student is guaranteed an internship or placement in one of seven clinics, earning recognition from preLaw Magazine as the third-best law school in Massachusetts for practical training.
#8
highest percentage of graduates in government and public service jobs among U.S. law schools
school for marine science & technology
Whether leveraging their highperformance supercomputer for ocean modeling, supplying forecasting data to over 30 countries and organizations like NOAA, or joining NASA scientists on global research expeditions, the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) is known around the world. Locally, the school has
NE W BEDFORD REMAINS THE
$8.1M
#1
IN NEW RESEARCH
OF INSTITUTIONS IN THE U.S. FOR
TOP 5%
MOST VALUABLE FISHING PORT IN
AWARDS F Y 2026
OCEAN RESEARCH EXPENDITURES
THE U.S. DUE IN PART TO SMAST FISHERIES RESEARCH
revitalized the nation’s most valuable fishing port to be successful and sustainable. Recognized as a leader in blue economy science, SMAST is addressing climate change and its effect on the oceans, food security through sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture, coastal environmental health, and sustainable marine energy.
$40M
in active research awards for areas like offshore wind, ocean sustainability, and fisheries.
EXTRAORDINARY ATHLETICS Our student-athletes continue to set new standards of excellence in the classroom and on the field. Nearly onethird of our athletes earn all-academic honors in their conference. Their achievements offer a preview of the impact they’ll make as future leaders and changemakers in society.
A standout defensive lineman on UMass Dartmouth’s football team and one of the top throwers in Division III track & field, ANCIL ALEXANDER ‘28 is already a four-time All-American halfway through his collegiate career. Even more remarkable, the three-sport athlete only began competing in organized sports three years ago.
soccer-ball WOMEN’S SOCCER First-year forward NATALIE FRAZIER ‘29 earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region Third Team honors following a standout rookie season. The Little East Conference Rookie of the Year led the Corsairs with 12 goals and three game-winning scores, establishing herself as one of the region’s top emerging players.
hockey-sticks ICE HOCKEY Less than a year after arriving from Beijing, China, KAILIN CHEN ‘29 made an immediate impact for the Corsair men’s hockey team. The forward earned Little East Conference All-Rookie Team selection after leading all league freshmen in scoring, quickly becoming one of the LEC’s brightest young stars.
baseball-bat-ball SOFTBALL RAELYNN PERREGAUX ‘26 helped lead the Corsairs to the most successful softball season in program history, capturing a Little East Conference championship before powering UMass Dartmouth to its first NCAA Regional title and Super Regional appearance. The standout third baseman earned Little East Player of the Year, NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player, and National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Player of the Week honors while cementing her place among the program’s all-time greats.
football WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL
UMass Dartmouth is among the first universities in Massachusetts to launch women’s flag football, expanding opportunities for women in athletics. The program will debut as a club sport in 2026– 27 before transitioning to varsity competition the following year.
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EXTRAORDINARY RESEARCH UMass Dartmouth is proud to be one of only 139 universities nationwide with an R2 designation for high research activity. But what makes the university unique is that every day, students learn and research alongside internationally recognized scholars who have garnered accolades from peers, international organizations, and prestigious funding agencies for their outstanding research accomplishments in fields of critical significance.
above Summer biology research exploring environmental stress on marine species. right Optical imaging research advancing next-generation laser technologies.
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Medical laboratory science student gaining hands-on testing experience.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
SPOTLIGHT
ACTIVE AWARDS (FY21-26)
131%
$136.9M $127.4M
INCREASE IN RESEARCH AWARDS OVER LAST SIX YEARS
At SMAST, we know that the best fisheries research happens through collaboration. Working alongside fishermen allows us to test innovative approaches that can improve how we collect data and support healthy fisheries. Together, we’re generating knowledge that strengthens our coastal economy and the future of our oceans.”
$115.9M $96.9M $82.1M $70.2M
2021
2022
2023
SMAST scientists and fishermen work together on innovative study yielding hopeful results for Atlantic cod populations that had been declining for decades.
2024
LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT UMass Dartmouth experts from SMAST, COE, and CCB lead an initiative leveraging cuttingedge technology to advance the Commonwealth’s oyster industry, thanks to a $1.4M grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
2025
2026
NICHOL AS CAL ABRESE, PHD ‘26
Research Associate SMAST / Fisheries Oceanography
EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES “ My experience at UMass Law was transformative. The school provided high-quality legal education grounded in logic, practical learning, and tenacity. Its dedicated faculty prepared me to think critically, lead responsibly, and use the law as a tool to facilitate economic development throughout Bristol County and the Commonwealth.” KENNETH FIOL A JR. ESQ. ‘95 Executive Vice President, Bristol County Economic Development Consultants
As Executive Vice President of the Bristol County Economic Development Consulting Group, Kenneth Fiola, Jr. ’95 has spent decades advancing economic growth in Fall River. An attorney who graduated from UMass Dartmouth School of Law’s predecessor institution, Southern New England School of Law, Fiola has helped attract major employers, secure public and private investment, expand key infrastructure, support local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the city’s economic foundation for future generations. In 2025, he was appointed to the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees, where he continues his commitment to public service and higher education.
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NOTABLE ALUMNI
More than 65,000 UMass Dartmouth alumni are shaping industries and strengthening communities through careers in finance, healthcare, the arts, technology, and beyond.
CALLIE CHRISTIAN ’11 Chief Executive Officer PAM Health
MATTHEW BURKE ’04 Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Cape Cod 5
REBECCA CHHIM ’05 Head of the Undersea Warfare Combat Systems Department Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport
JOHN MOREIRA ’84 Chief Financial Officer Eversource
CARISSA BROADBENT ’15 New York Times bestselling author
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EXTRAORDINARY SUPPORT “ UMass Dartmouth is committed to providing need-based financial aid to students and their families. Last year, the university awarded more than $21 million in financial aid. This kind of financial support is crucial to allow our students to clear financial hurdles in pursuit of their dreams. Much of this is possible because of the generosity of the UMass Dartmouth community. Your philanthropy makes a huge difference to the university and our students.
INVESTING IN THE NEX T GENERATION “The planned upgrade will sustain and grow the teaching excellence that has been a hallmark of the UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering and launched so many of us to successful careers.” MITCH WINKLER ’80
Retired engineering executive
The modernization of the Fluids Lab, a key engineering teaching lab, was made possible through the generosity of UMass Dartmouth alumni, led by Mitch Winkler ‘80 and Teresa Winkler. Their $75,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift inspired fellow alumni to invest in the future of engineering education, ensuring students have access to modern equipment and hands-on learning experiences.
ENDOWING FUTURES
Because my education gave me the knowledge to build a successful business, I can also help UMass Dartmouth students. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, and I want to share that with students.” JON ENOS ’03
President, Enos Home Medical Enos established the Enos Family Scholarship Endowment, which provides business students with support to succeed.
THE INAUGURAL CHANCELLOR’S CUP DRIVES STUDENT SUCCESS
EX TRAORDINARY GENEROSIT Y
More than 140 golfers, alumni, friends, and community partners came together for the inaugural Chancellor’s Cup, raising more than $70,000 in scholarship support for UMass Dartmouth students. Made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and participants, the event demonstrates the powerful impact of philanthropy in expanding opportunities for current and future Corsairs.
“
You can see, feel, and hear the momentum in this room. UMass Dartmouth makes an impact in the SouthCoast and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
CHANCELLOR MARK A. FULLER
The generosity of the UMass Dartmouth community continues to create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the university’s future. In FY26, alumni, families, friends, and partners came together in record-setting ways, demonstrating the growing impact of philanthropy across campus.
$5M+ TOTAL FUNDRAISING IN FY26
LARGEST NUMBER OF DONORS TO DATE
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A DESTINATION OF CHOICE Every milestone tells the story of a university on the rise. From the excitement of a student’s first day on campus to the pride of crossing the commencement stage, UMass Dartmouth is a place where opportunity becomes achievement, traditions build community, and every experience prepares students to make an impact.
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There is an unmistakable energy at UMass Dartmouth. Every day, we empower students to achieve the extraordinary, strengthen our community, and reinforce UMass Dartmouth as a destination of choice.” — Chancellor Mark A. Fuller