The announcement surprised many at the University. Deans of the University had written letters to Bulger asking hime to name Provost Cora Marrett as interim chancellor, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
"I have had the good fortune of working with Dr. Williams for the past five years and have been deeply impressed with her commitment, dedication and judgment. I am certain that she will perform with great distinction," President Bulger said in a press release announcing the appointment.
"This institution has always been about excellence. We have an excellent faculty and staff, and an exceptional student body. The strength of any institution rests in its people-and our people provide the core strength of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst," said Williams upon announcement of her appointment.
Williams has served as deputy chancellor of the University's main campus since 1994. She is also a tenured professor of English and comparative literature.
"I can think of no other person who better exemplifies the type of leader academe needs today than Marcellette Williams," said Scott. "She combines the traditional values of excellent universities with a deep caring and compassion for all the people and components needed to make a modern university work."
Scott began his post as chancellor in 1993. After his arrival, in the midst of a hiring freeze, he created the position of deputy chancellor for Williams, causing some controversy on campus at the time, according to the Gazette.
Williams will serve as interim chancellor for an indefinite period of time.