The Board of Trustees of Western New England University today announced the appointment of Joseph C. Hartman, Ph.D., P.E., as the University’s seventh President. Hartman will assume the role on June 1, 2026.
Hartman currently serves as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he has led academic affairs since 2019.
His leadership experience and commitment to academic innovation and student success align with Western New England University’s mission to prepare graduates for leadership and impact in a rapidly changing world. In his current role, he oversees academic strategy, faculty affairs, and student success initiatives across the institution of nearly 17,000 students and 600 faculty. Under his leadership, UMass Lowell integrated academic and student affairs to better support the student experience, opened the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, developed new degrees in Data Science and Engineering Physics with the Faculty Senate, and initiated an Early College program in collaboration with the UMass System for aspiring high school students. Prior to becoming Provost, Hartman served as Dean of the Francis College of Engineering at UMass Lowell.
“Joe Hartman brings the experience, judgment, and collaborative leadership needed to lead Western New England University at this pivotal moment,” said Elena Gervino, Chair of the Western New England Board of Trustees. “After a comprehensive national search, the Board is confident in his ability to advance academic excellence, strengthen experiential learning, and build on the University’s strong momentum as our seventh president. We are pleased to welcome him to the Western New England community.”
As Dean of the Francis College of Engineering, Hartman oversaw a college serving nearly 4,000 students and more than 115 full-time faculty. During his tenure, the College hired 54 full-time faculty, nearly tripled research expenditures, launched new degree programs in Biomedical, Environmental, and Industrial Engineering as well as Engineering Management, expanded professional co-op and interdisciplinary senior design opportunities, and increased both the size and diversity of the faculty and student body.
An industrial and systems engineer by training, Hartman’s research focuses on engineering economic decision analysis and applied optimization. He has published more than 100 scholarly papers and is the author of Engineering Economy and the Decision-Making Process. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, including a CAREER Award, the Office of Naval Research, and numerous industry partners.
Hartman previously served as Professor and Chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Florida and held faculty and leadership appointments at Lehigh University, including the George N. Kledaras ’87 Endowed Chair. He has also held visiting academic positions at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dortmund.
“I am honored and excited to join Western New England University as its next president,” said Hartman. “WNE’s commitment to student achievement, academic excellence, and professional preparation deeply resonates with my own values. I am eager to work with the trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to build on the University’s strong foundation and shape its future success.”
The Board of Trustees also expressed its deep appreciation to Interim President Michael Alexander, who has served in that role since July 2025. Dr. Alexander has provided steady leadership during a period of transition and helped ensure continuity and momentum for the University.
A native of the Chicago area, Hartman earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He and his wife, Karen, have three adult children: Helena, Timothy, and Patrick.
