UMass Amherst Chancellor Faces Questions Over Residency

Faculty raise concerns over Javier Reyes' commitment to campus after voter registration issues surface

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:24am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a university campus building, repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the iconic architecture and creative energy of the UMass Amherst community.A bold, pop art-inspired illustration captures the vibrant energy and enduring spirit of the UMass Amherst campus, even as its leadership faces questions.Morgantown Today

UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes is facing questions from faculty members about his commitment to the university after it was revealed he only recently registered to vote in Massachusetts, having last voted in 2020 in West Virginia. Reyes says the voter registration was an oversight, but some professors argue his ties to West Virginia raise doubts about his dedication to the Amherst campus.

Why it matters

The questions around Reyes' residency and voting history come at a challenging time for higher education leaders, as campuses across the country have faced increased political pressure and unrest. UMass Amherst has seen its own share of protests and no-confidence votes in Reyes' leadership, making his connection to the campus a key issue.

The details

Reyes, who has led UMass Amherst since 2023, only registered to vote in Amherst this month after faculty members raised concerns. Prior to that, his last recorded vote was in 2020 in West Virginia, where he previously worked as dean of the business school at West Virginia University. Reyes maintains a home in Morgantown, W.V. and serves on the board of a West Virginia-based bank, fueling doubts among some professors about his commitment to UMass Amherst.

  • Reyes became chancellor of UMass Amherst in 2023.
  • In May 2024, faculty members and the student government association passed no-confidence votes in Reyes' leadership.
  • Reyes registered to vote in Amherst in April 2026 after the Globe inquired about his voting history.

The players

Javier Reyes

Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst since 2023, previously worked as dean of the business school at West Virginia University.

Marty Meehan

President of the University of Massachusetts system, who has defended Reyes' leadership.

Marc Liberatore

Professor of computer science at UMass Amherst who expressed concerns about Reyes' commitment to the university.

Stephen Karam

Chair of the UMass Board of Trustees, who stated that Reyes is committed to the Amherst campus.

Anthony Paik

Sociology professor and secretary of the UMass Amherst faculty senate.

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What they’re saying

“It is very disheartening to know that the leadership of the university is at best loosely tethered to the university and is looking for their next job.”

— Marc Liberatore, Professor of Computer Science

“By virtually any measure, the Amherst campus is doing incredibly well in a really tough time for higher education. Chancellor Reyes is doing an excellent job. He's been a champion for UMass Amherst.”

— Marty Meehan, President, University of Massachusetts

“It's not a great way to start one's position as chancellor.”

— Anthony Paik, Sociology Professor, Secretary of Faculty Senate

What’s next

The UMass Board of Trustees is expected to discuss Reyes' leadership and commitment to the Amherst campus at their next meeting.

The takeaway

The questions surrounding Chancellor Reyes' residency and voting history highlight the challenges facing higher education leaders, who must balance competing demands from faculty, students, and the broader community. Reyes' ability to rebuild trust and demonstrate a clear commitment to UMass Amherst will be crucial in the months ahead.