September 1997
In Depth With New Provost Edward Glynn Edward Glynn is often asked how he handles the "step down" from 12 years as president of St. Peter's College and one year as president of Gonzaga University to his current position as provost. Some suggest he's helped by being in the same city as the Boston Red Sox, a team he's adored since the 1940s, or by having an office view of another favorite pastime, sailing.
But Glynn insists his new job is no demotion, and his cheerful countenance adds credence to a reply skeptics would consider lip service: "This is the most exciting job on campus."
He, of all people, would know.
Glynn's acceptance of the position of interim provost, replacing Louis Esposito, who has returned to the faculty, allows UMass Boston to tap a well filled with 40 years of experience at several of the nation's top universities.
He has been called assistant professor to director to academic vice president at institutions including Georgetown University, Woodstock Theological Center, and Churches' Center for Theology and Public Policy. He has served on boards of trustees at 17 educational institutions. In addition, Glynn has earned six degrees from Fordham University, Woodstock College, Yale Divinity School and Graduate Theological Union, and has completed studies at several other schools.
First introduced to UMass Boston during a 1989 visit, Glynn said he has been attracted to the university's mission. "I was impressed then with what the university was doing. I was very much impressed with the strategic plan, and I still am," he said.
"I have strong convictions that two of the nation's problems are the quality of urban life and the quality of urban education," Glynn said. He cited UMass Boston's strategic plan and general education reform as two "exciting" ways to battle this national challenge.
Glynn is no stranger to urban campuses. At Georgetown University, he was active with the Community Scholars Program which provided Washington, D.C., students with scholarships to attend the university.
As president of St. Peter's College in Jersey City, N.J., Glynn initiated the graduate program, started residence facilities, and recommitted St. Peter's strong involvement in urban education. During his tenure, the college received several million dollars to set up an Institute for the Advancement of Urban Education.
At Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., Glynn was committed to diversifying the school's student body and staff. "Father Glynn is one of those rare leaders out there," Bob Bartlett, director of cultural diversity at Gonzaga told The Spokesman-Review. "He came here with a message that was different and refreshing. When he pushed for better race relations, my spirit was lifted," Bartlett said.
At UMass Boston, where minority students make up 33 percent of enrollment, and nearly three percent are non-resident or international students, Glynn's commitment to diversity makes his fit with the university even more snug. "Cities are made up of lots of different people. I think we're all in this together," he said.
Glynn is known for being energetic, open-minded and constantly interacting with students. At Gonzaga, for example, he conducted "fireside chats" to foster dialogue with students. "I desire open lines of communication," he said. "I like to promote extensive conversation."
When Glynn speaks of his managerial style, concepts of strong leadership, organization and fostering creativity come to mind. "I like clear lines of responsibility," he said. "We have to urge people to be independent and encourage initiative."
Glynn said he has been well received at UMass Boston and looks forward to meeting more faculty, students and staff. "I'm impressed with the quality of the people I've met here and their enthusiasm for the mission of the school," he said.