History of Javier Reyes in Timeline

Javier Reyes is an American economist currently serving as the 12th chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Professor of Finance at the Isenberg School of Management. He holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic chancellor of UMass Amherst. Reyes's background is in economics, and he has transitioned into an administrative leadership role within higher education.

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Full Timeline

2003: Joined the economics faculty of the University of Arkansas

In 2003, Javier Reyes joined the economics faculty of the University of Arkansas, eventually attaining high-level administrative positions within the university.

July 2022: Became Interim Chancellor at UIC

In July 2022, Javier Reyes became the interim chancellor at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

February 16, 2023: Appointed Chancellor of UMass Amherst

On February 16, 2023, Javier Reyes was appointed as chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

July 2023: Began serving as Chancellor of UMass Amherst

In July 2023, Javier Reyes officially began serving as the chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

October 25, 2023: Arrest of UMass students occupying Whitmore administration building

On October 25, 2023, 57 UMass students were arrested for occupying the Whitmore administration building.

May 8, 2024: UMass Amherst Student Government Association issued "no confidence" vote against Chancellor Reyes

On May 8, 2024, the UMass Amherst Student Government Association issued a "no confidence" vote against Chancellor Reyes following his decision to deploy Massachusetts State Police to remove an unauthorized encampment built by students protesting Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to over 130 arrests.

May 20, 2024: Faculty voted no confidence in Chancellor Reyes

On May 20, 2024, at the first general faculty meeting in 15 years, the faculty voted no confidence in Chancellor Reyes.

February 2025: Interviewed for president of West Virginia University

In February 2025, it was revealed that Javier Reyes had interviewed and was a finalist for the president position at West Virginia University, despite serving as chancellor of UMass Amherst for less than two years, leading to criticism.

2025: Professional Staff Union Vote of No Confidence

In December 2025, the Professional Staff Union, representing 2,400 employees on the UMass Amherst and Boston campuses, held a vote of no confidence against Chancellor Reyes due to eroding working conditions, lack of job protections, and stagnating wages.