William Hogan

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LOWELL -- William Hogan, known as the "father of UMass Lowell" -- leading the the university for 25 years and working there for more than four decades -- recently passed away.

Hoga was 84.

Hogan is credited with making the school competitive on a national level, and for having a significant influence throughout Greater Lowell. He was succeeded by Marty Meehan.

Hogan started as a professor of mechanical engineering at the Lowell Technological Institute. Over the next 10 years, he moved up the ranks to become head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, acting dean of engineering, and dean of the newly formed College of Engineering in 1973.

In 1975, Lowell Tech merged with Lowell State College to create the University of Lowell. Hogan was appointed the first vice president of academic affairs and served as president of the school for a decade.

He became chancellor when the school became part of the UMass system in 1991. In 2003, he initiated a 10-year plan to improve the way the faculty teaches and the students learn.

Then he helped develop plans for a $266 million renovation of the school's three campuses. The renovation aimed to transform it into a bio- and nano-tech research and development center.

Hogan, a former Chelmsford resident, never hesitated to give back to the community. He was involved in the creation of LeLacheur Park, helped support the city's American League hockey team and developed a partnership between the university and the Lowell school system.

At the end of his retirement ceremony in 2006, Hogan told the faculty and administration who helped him build the university, "I have one request. Continue to do it."

Pine Crest Funeral Home in Mobile, Ala. is arranging his funeral.

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William Hogan, 'father of UMass Lowell' passes away - Lowell Sun