Biosketch
Joel McCarthy joined the UMass Lowell community in January 2012 as director of Residence Life. He was then promoted to assistant dean and currently serves as one of four associate deans for Student Affairs – focusing on housing, residential education, crisis management and student & family support services. Prior, Joel spent five years at Wells College as the associate dean of students for Residence Life and dean of students, and seven years at Syracuse University in various roles. Joel has worked in student affairs, including residence life for over 20 years and has a strong background in crisis response, student development and DEI education.
He has a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University and two bachelor’s degrees from Bradley University. He’s pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at UMass Lowell and his research focus is how colleges can best partner with parents and families to support student success. Joel’s favorite aspect of working at UMass Lowell is the opportunity to collaborate with all members of our campus community – including students, their families, faculty, staff and community partners. Joel lives in Westford, Mass. with his partner and two sons.