WORCESTER, MA — A new chancellor has been appointed to take the helm at UMass Chan Medical School, the university announced last week.
David D. McManus will officially step into the role leading the Worcester-based medical school, which is part of the University of Massachusetts system and one of the state’s major public medical and research institutions.
He currently serves as chair of the Department of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Health. In his new role, McManus will oversee the school’s medical education, biomedical research enterprise and public health mission.
University officials said McManus is a longtime member of the UMass Chan community and an alumnus of the institution. He earned his medical degree from UMass Chan in 2002 and later completed advanced graduate training through the university, along with additional executive business education.
He will be the first alumnus to lead UMass Chan, the school said.
McManus will succeed Dr. Michael F. Collins, who announced in 2025 that he planned to step down after nearly two decades as chancellor. His retirement will take effect in June 2026.
In October 2025, UMass leadership launched a search for the next chancellor, naming a broad committee of faculty, health care leaders, alumni, business leaders and community stakeholders. Worcester-area UMass Trustee David Brunelle chaired the group.
Officials said the committee reviewed more than 100 candidates with help from search firm Isaacson Miller, interviewed 10 semifinalists, and advanced four finalists to UMass President Marty Meehan. One later withdrew. Meehan held campus visits for the remaining candidates before making his final recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
In a statement, Meehan said McManus brings a strong combination of clinical, research and leadership experience along with a clear vision for the institution’s future.
“Dr. McManus is the right leader to guide UMass Chan Medical School into the future,” said Meehan. “His pioneering work in digital health care and AI, his deep experience in both the clinical and research fields, and his vision and collaborative nature, reflect the very best of UMass Chan.”
McManus is also known for his work in digital medicine and health innovation, and has held leadership roles across both academic medicine and the UMass Memorial Health system.
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