UMass Lowell Inaugurates First Female Chancellor

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — The first female chancellor in the University of Massachusetts Lowell's 121-year history has been inaugurated.

Jacquie Moloney officially began her job Thursday as chief of the 17,000-student school. More than 1,000 people attended the ceremony for Moloney, who is a graduate of the school and worked there for three decades before being named chancellor this year.

"What is it that we do at this university? What is our mission? I believe it is to change lives," said Moloney at the ceremony.

She follows the previous chancellor, Marty Meehan, who is now president of the university system. Moloney most recently served as executive vice chancellor for eight years.

"Jacquie Moloney is a visionary leader," said Meehan on Thursday.

Moloney started a 90-day effort in August to meet with students, faculty and staff on campus to identify opportunities and challenges at UMass Lowell.

A university statement said inauguration events raised $1 million for student scholarships.

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