William M. Bulger is the 24th president of the University of Massachusetts, having assumed office on January 4, 1996. His appointment by the University's Board of Trustees followed his 35 year career as a leading state lawmaker. From 1978 to 1996, he served as president of the Massachusetts Senate, elected every two years by his colleagues. His tenure as president was the longest in state history. He was first elected to the Senate in 1970 representing the First Suffolk District. Prior to serving in the Senate, he served in the House of Representatives from 1961 to 1970.