Dean College appoints first Black president, with Edward Augustus to be first-ever chancellor

Photo | Courtesy of Dean College Kenneth Elmore, incoming president of Dean College in Franklin

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By Katherine Hamilton

Dean College in Franklin announced Wednesday that Kenneth Elmore will serve as its 14th president and former Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus will be the school’s first-ever chancellor. Elmore is the college's first Black president.

The choice to have both a president and a chancellor is a first for a private Central Massachusetts college and will split the leadership responsibilities between external and internal relations.

Augustus, who officially left his post as Worcester city manager on Tuesday, will be responsible for business development, alumni and community relations, facilities, technology, and strategic planning at Dean. Meanwhile, Elmore will focus on academic affairs, student life, enrollment, and retention.

Edward Augustus

Elmore is an associate provost and the dean of students at Boston University, where he has been a member of the leadership team for more than 20 years. He previously worked as a practicing attorney.

Elmore succeeds President Paula Rooney, who served for 27 years before announcing her retirement in October.

Dean College has 1,200 full-time students and an endowment of more than $70 million, according to the school’s Wednesday press release.

The Dean Board of Trustees said in a press release its members feel it is critical Dean expand its leadership team to adapt with the evolving higher education sector.

“The Board of Trustees felt it was critical to look at a new model to bring strategic focus and creativity from individuals with experience inside and outside of the field,” said Board Chair Mark Boyce, in the press release. “We are excited to introduce this innovative and collaborative approach to management, with two highly qualified individuals assuming transformative leadership roles – one, primarily externally focused, and the other, internally focused.”

Both Augustus and Elmore will report to the board of trustees on their specific areas of focus. They begin on campus on July 5.

UMass Chan Medical School is the only other Central Massachusetts college with a chancellor.