Sheree M. Ohen, J.D., joins the University of Massachusetts President's Office in the role of Assistant Vice President of Equity and Access. Ms. Ohen has vast experience in higher education and the field of law. Most recently, she served as the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Amherst College. Ms. Ohen holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Golden Gate University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
Ms. Ohen’s career began as an attorney specializing in civil rights litigation, criminal defense, and employment law. This legal background provided a strong foundation for her transition into higher education, where Ms. Ohen has successfully overseen compliance functions and strategic efforts to advance equity and access at multiple institutions. She has served at a variety of institutions including large research universities, Ivy League, small liberal arts, and a health sciences campus.
Dr. Gabriela C. Weaver joins the University of Massachusetts President's Office in the role of Assistant Vice President, Academic Affairs and Research. Dr. Weaver has worked in the field of higher education for more than three decades most recently she served at the Amherst for 10 of those years in roles such as Vice Provost for Faculty Development, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Professor of Chemistry. She holds a Doctorate in Chemical Physics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena.
Dr. Weaver’s work focuses on transforming institutional practices to support faculty professional development and enhance student access, persistence, and success in higher education. Her most recent project, Transforming the Evaluation of Teaching (TEval), aims to create a holistic approach to teaching evaluation that supports inclusive, research-based teaching methods. It led to a book that will be published in 2025 by Harvard Education Press and is one of several books in science or science education published by Dr. Weaver.
Sara Veilleux - As we address the current challenges facing higher education, it is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Sara Veilleux as the Director of Strategic Sourcing this month. The UPST Sourcing & Category Management Team, which manages approximately $1 billion in annual spending for the University, is committed to employing strategic and collaborative sourcing practices that enhance benefits and savings for UMass, in partnership with the campuses. Sara brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as the Director of Procurement Excellence at Tufts University and held significant leadership positions in procurement at the University of Southern New Hampshire. Her expertise will be invaluable in shaping effective procurement strategies, fostering a talented team, and supporting the University’s mission.