March 13, 2007   

Statement of Congressman Marty Meehan

"I'm honored to have been selected by President Jack Wilson to be the next Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Lowell.  If my nomination is approved by the Trustees, I plan to accept the position and to leave Congress in July.  I'm grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the members of the search committee and President Wilson.

"The decision to leave the House has been the most difficult professional decision of my life.  It has been a true honor to represent the people of my district and of our state in the House of Representatives.  Being a member of Congress has been the best job I have ever had.

"But after serious personal reflection and many discussions with my wife Ellen and my close friends, the opportunity to serve as Chancellor of my alma mater is the right path for me.  I believe in the University and the vital mission it plays in the community and in the state and I want to be a part of it.

"Obviously, this decision also gives me the opportunity to spend more time with Ellen and my young sons Robert and Daniel.  Serving in Congress has its advantages, but being away from your family three to four nights a week is not one of them. "Each of the successes I've enjoyed in my life can be traced back to the excellent public education I received growing up.  I've always hoped to have the opportunity to play a role in strengthening the public education system and I believe this position gives me that chance."

###