Former Worcester City Manager Augustus Named Dean College Chancellor

WORCESTER, MA — Former Worcester city manager Ed Augustus Jr. has been named chancellor at Dean College in Franklin. The announcement came less than a day after Augustus left the city manager job after eight years.

Augustus announced in March he would leave city government, immediately sparking speculation that he might seek elective office or another government job. As Dean College chancellor, Augustus will report to the school's board of trustees — similar to his arrangement with the Worcester City Council.

The chancellor position is new at Dean, the school said in a news release, and Augustus will work alongside newly hired Dean President Kenneth Elmore.

“I have had the privilege to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for almost 10 years and have seen first-hand how special Dean is. The Dean Difference is real, and I look forward to furthering the college’s mission now and in the future," Augustus said in a news release.

Augustus took over as Worcester city manager in January 2014. His last day was Tuesday, when acting City Manager Eric Batista was sworn in to the job. The city council has begun the process of searching for a permanent city manager.

The Dean job marks a return to higher education for Augustus. After serving as U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern's chief of staff and as a state senator, Augustus worked as the Holy Cross director of government relations.

Augustus will start his new job as Dean's chancellor on July 5, according to the school.