2019 2019: Year In Review: UMassD 2019

The top 19 stories from 2019

UMass Dartmouth and members of the campus community accomplished many exciting and innovative acheivements in 2019. Here are the top 19 stories from the year that build momentum for the future.

• The university was ranked the #7 hidden gem public university in the nation based on learning outcomes and strong programs by College Gazette.
• Signed an aspirational commitment to, in good faith, pursue zero carbon emissions by 2030, or alternatively 2050 (the standard now being considered for Massachusetts). An additional part of the commitment is to focus on preparing students to live and work in a sustainable manner, conduct research that encourages climate sustainability and resilience, and keep the University community fully informed regarding progress related to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

• The launch of the Community Research and Partnership Initiative (CoRPI). CoRPI will work with community partners to build long-term collaborations to benefit their social, economic, educational, ecological and physical well-being.
• For the 8th year in a row, The Princeton Review named UMass Dartmouth one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges, recognizing sustainability and refuse diversion efforts.
• Hosted the second annual Marine Science and Technology Symposium, bringing together industry, academia, and policy leaders to promote marine-related growth.
• The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education approved the university’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design, establishing the only accredited program of its kind at a public university in New England.

• In fiscal year 2019, UMass Dartmouth increased externally funded grant awards by 26 percent over fiscal year 2018, bringing the university’s total research and outreach awards for the year to $16 million. This translates into more opportunities for students and faculty to conduct groundbreaking research.
• U.S. News & World Report ranked the university #84 nationwide and #3 in Massachusetts for student social mobility after graduation.
• Education faculty members received a $2.1 million grant to help teachers empower the digital generation.
• For the second year in a row, UMass Law applications grew by more than 20 percent, while the national average saw a 1.5 percent decrease. Only nine of the 200 plus law schools in the U.S. experienced at least a 20 percent increase in applications this year.
• The College of Nursing & Health Sciences expanded to include the Medical Laboratory Science Department, positioning us to educate students who can contribute to the need for a team-based health care workforce in the community, the region & beyond.
• Formed a new Honors College that will provide students with a highly rigorous educational experience that emphasizes high-impact enrichment opportunities.
• Progress was made on the construction of the new dining facility named the Grove and the new residential complex that will include Balsam Hall and Spruce Hall.
• All-American Jordan Entwistle captured the 2019 individual national championship in the men’s javelin at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
• Commencement returned to campus. The Class of 2019 hailed from more than 33 countries, 34 states, and 257 Massachusetts communities.

• Signed a cybersecurity education and workforce development agreement with the Air National Guard.
• Masters of Fine Arts candidate in painting Robert Najlis was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study ancient art forms in China.
• The university and Town of Dartmouth signed a sign Town-Gown Compact to create more engagement opportunities between residents and the campus.
• Named one of the Nation’s Top Military Friendly Schools for the opportunities provided to veterans and active military duty students.