WORCESTER—The search for the next chancellor of UMass Chan Medical School has narrowed to three finalists, marking the next step in replacing longtime leader Michael F. Collins, who is stepping down in July.
The UMass Chan Chancellor Search Committee announced Monday that four candidates have been recommended to UMass President Marty Meehan following a nationwide search that reviewed more than 100 applicants and included interviews with 10 candidates, according to information released by the university.
The finalists — David D. McManus, MD; Steven A.N. Goldstein, MD, PhD; and Frances Elizabeth Jensen, MD — are scheduled to participate in campus visits and open forums with members of the UMass Chan community. One additional finalist was also selected but later withdrew from consideration, according to the release.
President Meehan invited each finalist to visit campus and engage with faculty, staff and students before he makes a recommendation to the UMass Board of Trustees. The university is also encouraging members of the campus community to submit feedback following each visit, with comments due by noon on April 6.
The finalists were identified after a search process that included more than 100 candidates reviewed by a search firm, followed by interviews with 10 individuals before narrowing the field to four.
The new chancellor will replace Collins, the longest-serving chancellor in the institution’s history, who announced earlier this year that he would step down in July 2026 after 19 years leading the Worcester-based medical school.
Collins, who became chancellor in 2008 after serving in an interim capacity, oversaw significant growth at UMass Chan, including nearly $1 billion raised in philanthropy, expansion of research funding and major campus growth, according to the university. The school also received two of the largest gifts in its history during his tenure, including a $175 million donation from The Morningside Foundation in 2021 and a $35 million gift from the Paul J. DiMare Foundation in 2025.
Collins announced his decision earlier this year, calling it “the appropriate moment to begin the process that will result in the selection of a new leader for the institution that means so much to me,” according to a previous statement reported by The Worcester Guardian.
Once Meehan reviews the finalists and considers campus feedback, he will make his recommendation to the UMass Board of Trustees, which will make the final decision.
