Dedicated Women Leaders from University of Maryland, Baltimore

Educated women are the backbone of any society. They are the strong pillars upon which nations are built.

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Emily Hurst Elevating Health Information Services And Empowering Communities

Alana Kyriakakis Empowering UMB Through Legal Leadership

Dr. Dawn M. Rhodes Guiding Growth and Empowerment with Inspirational Leadership

Dr. Diane Forbes Berthoud Advancing Inclusion And Guiding UMB Toward a More Diverse Future

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Dr. Sarah L.J. Michel Navigating Change and Excellence in

Susan

Dr. Judy L. Postmus Transformative Leadership in Challenging Times

Dr. Yolanda Ogbolu Inspiring the Next Generation of Nurses

Henry Thomson

David King

James M.

Jacob Smile

Irvin Wilson

SME-SMO

Steve Rodrigues

Database

Robert Brown

Angela Ruskin

Simon Page

“The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.”

Alana Kyriakakis General Counsel and Vice President

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Kyriakakis

Empowering UMB Through Legal Leadership

Masteringlegalintricaciesisessentialtoenabling educationalinstitutionstoremainsteadfastin theircommitmenttotheircoremissionof educationandresearch.Theseinstitutionsrequirealeader whonotonlycomprehendstheselegalintricaciesbutalso possessesthevisionandexpertisetonavigatethem effectively

GuidingtheUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB) withherlegalproficiency,AlanaKyriakakisispositioned astheGeneralCounselandVicePresident.Withacareer spanningtwodecades,shehasbeenapivotalfigurein UMB’slegallandscape.Fromherearlydaysasthe institution’slaborandemploymentattorneytohercurrent role,herjourneyembodiesdedication,expertiseanda profoundcommitmenttoadvancingUMB’smission.

AlanaKyriakakisholdsamultifacetedroleatUMB.She providesstrategiclegalcounselandspearheadsinitiatives aimedatmitigatingriskandfosteringacultureof complianceandintegrityacrosstheinstitution.Her responsibilitiesextendtoadvisingonfacultyandstaff personnelmatters,collaboratingwithvariousstakeholders andensuringlegalalignmentwithUMB’soverarching goals.

BeforejoiningUMB,Alanahonedherlegalacumenin Georgia,whereshedelvedintoemploymentlawlitigation andservedasaspecialassistantattorneygeneral.Her transitiontotherealmofhighereducationlawmarkedthe beginningofanewchapter,onedefinedbyherpassionfor educationandsupportingacademicinstitutionsinachieving theirobjectiveswhileupholdinglegalstandards.

Beyondherprofessionalendeavors,Alanaisasought-after speakersharinginsightsontheevolvingroleofin-house

counselandtheintricaciesofemploymentlaw Whether she’sdeliveringguestlecturesatUMB’sFrancisKing CareySchoolofLaworengagingwithprofessional organizations(WhenGoodAdviceandWiseCounsel Collide).Herexpertiseresonateswithaudienceseagerto navigatethecomplexitiesoflegalpracticeinacademia.

Alanapersonifiestheintersectionoflawandleadershipin highereducation.Throughherguidanceandexpertise,she safeguardsUMB’slegalinterestsandfostersan environmentconducivetogrowth,innovationandthe pursuitofexcellence.

I consider it invaluable that everyone on our team is very dierent because it allows us to leverage our strengths in complementary ways

DefyingExpectations

“Growing up in a small town in Oklahoma, I was exposed to regular messages about the ‘right’role for women,”Alana reflects.“I was praised pretty early on for being a so-called ‘smart kid,’but I was also told by men and women alike that women don’t belong in leadership, that women can be smart and go to college but they don’t belong in decision-making roles.”

“Overcoming the impact of those voices is something I still reflect upon,”shecontinues,“because I regard the parts of myself that are intrinsically connected to my identity as a woman—and a mom—as strengths that add value to my abilities as a lawyer and as general counsel.”

Alana’sjourneytookhertothe UniversityofOklahomawhere shereceivedadegreein communicationandaminorin classicalGreek.Shethen pursuedherlegaleducationat theUniversityofSouthCarolina SchoolofLawbygraduating cumlaude.Duringhertime there,shenotonlyservedonthe editorialboardoftheSouth CarolinaLawReviewbutalso receivednumerousacademic accolades.Balancingher academicpursuits,shewasalso adedicatedmothertoatoddler withspecialneeds.

UnapologeticallyAuthentic

Aftergraduation,Alana’slaw careerbeganatafirmwhereshe wastheonlywomanlitigatorin afirmwith35attorneys.Alana reflects,“Watching the

experienced litigators in the firm who were masters of Southern charm and legal oratory was, at first, intimidating. But I soon realized, ‘I was never going to ‘out men’these men. I was never going to be that outwardly confident and polished.’“

Shecontinues“Instead, I realized my strengths as a lawyer were found in being kind, nurturing, intuitive, diligent, and a bit goofy. I realized I didn’t have to sacrifice the nurturing parts of myself to be a great lawyer. I’ve learned that I perform best when I’m my authentic self, some of which is based on my being a woman and some of which is based on my being awkward and not a polished shiny attorney at all.”

Shesharesthatpermittingherselftoleverageherstrengths allowedhertobecomemoreeffectiveandtohave confidenceinthevalueadded.Firstasalitigatorandlater asanin-houseuniversityattorney,Alanaspent10years workingforinstitutionsintheUniversitySystemof Georgia.Herexperienceincludedrepresentationofthe state’sdesignatedhealthsciencesuniversityanditsonly publicmedicalschoolandasgeneralcounselforasmall undergraduateuniversity.

DiscoveringSupportandBelonging

AlanaleftGeorgiain2014andjoinedtheUniversityof Maryland,Baltimoreasitslaborandemploymentattorney Asasinglemomofthree,includingtwintwo-years-olds, shemovedtoBaltimoreCitywhereshedidnotknow anyone—orevenhowtoparallelpark.Shefellinlovewith Baltimoreandquicklyrealizedshe’dfoundahomeatUMB whichofferedasupportiveenvironmentwherethemission andcorevalueswerenot‘just lip service.’

UnprecedentedChallengesandNavigation

Followingthat,theadventofCOVID-19unfolded.For employmentlawyerslikeAlana,thepandemicbroughton legalchallengesthatnoamountofpreparationcouldhave predicted.Sheexpresses,“At its core, employment law is about relationships and the pandemic created the necessity and opportunity to quickly and regularly adjust what those relationships look like.”

Becauseofherexpertise,shewasaskedtojoinUMB’s CrisisManagementAdvisoryGroup(CMAG)to adviseUniversityleadershiponabroadrangeoflegal issuesthroughoutthepandemic.Basedonher contributions,shewasnominatedbyUMBleadershipand

honoredinthe2020-2021‘On the Front Lines: UMB Champions of Excellence’campaign.

In2022,AlanaundertooktheroleofactingVicePresident andGeneralCounselatUMB.Followingarigorous nationalsearchprocess,shewasofficiallyappointedas UMB’sgeneralcounselandvicepresidentinJuly2023.

CreatingInclusiveWorkspaces

Inadditiontoherstrategicleadershiprole,Alanaoverseesa teamoftenstaffmembersatUMB.Drawingfromherearly careerexperiences,sheprioritizesnurturingtheunique strengthsofeachteammember.Sheemphasizes“I recognize that everyone’s best self is different. In fact, I consider it invaluable that everyone on our team is very different because it allows us to leverage our strengths in complementary ways. We have diversity of perspective, experience and personality.”

Thisapproachextendstofosteringanenvironmentwhere individualsfeelcomfortablesharingtheirinterestsand passions.Alana,aself-proclaimednerd,isnotafraidto shareherloveofStarTrek,DoctorWho,StarWars,Lordof theRingsandthelike.Shesaysitpermeatesthehomethat she,herhusband,andtheirkidscall“theEnterprise”and, youcanfindglimpsesofherloveofdifferentfandoms throughoutheroffice.

FindingConfidenceWithin

Whenaskedforadvicetogiveotherwomenonovercoming impostersyndrome,Alanashares,“I don’t know if I will ever fully overcome feeling like an imposter in a profession that has traditionally valued and celebrated traits that don’t feel authentic to me.”Sheadds,“But I manage those feelings by taking the time to acknowledge, for myself, the intrinsic value of things I have done even if they’re things nobody knows about or understands how complicated they were.”

Alanafindssolaceinrecognizingheraccomplishments, eveniftheygounnoticedbyothers.“I will go back and review a memo I wrote, or advice I gave, or reflect on how I navigated a particularly sticky legal situation in a way that stayed true to myself as well as our core values and then say—wow, that was really clever.”Shefindsconfidencethat comesfrominternalvalidationisthemosteffectivecounter toanyfeelingsofinsecurityorself-doubt.

Dr Dawn M Rhodes . .

Guiding Growth and Empowerment with Inspirational Leadership

ManyC-levelexecutivesareviewedasleaders whosteerorganizationswithastrongvisionin syncwithtraditionalpractices.Insteadof typicalbusinessleadersfollowingtraditions,somechoose theroadlesstraveled.Dr.DawnM.Rhodesexemplifies thisunconventionality

AstheChiefBusiness&FinanceOfficerandSeniorVice PresidentofAdministration&Finance(A&F)atthe UniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB),Dr.Rhodes bringsauniqueblendofleadership,innovationand disruptiontoherrole.Withaslysenseofhumoranda quicksmile,shecomesacrossasbothunpretentiousand intellectual,challengingthenormsoftypicalbusiness leadership.Thosewhoknowherwell—recognizethat besidesbeingaVPwitha$1.456billionbudget,sheis—at heart—adisrupter.

Dr.RhodesisleadingthechargeatMaryland'spublic health,lawandhumanservicesuniversitydedicatedto excellenceineducation,research,clinicalcare,andpublic service.PriortohertenureatUMB,sheservedastheVice ChancellorforFinanceandAdministrationatIUPUI, bringingwithhernearly15yearsofexecutiveleadership experienceattheUniversityofToledoandasignificantrole atSavannahStateUniversity,anHBCU.

Throughouthercareer,Dr.Rhodeshasbeenrecognizedfor hertransformativeinitiatives.AtUMB,shehaschampioned transparencyinuniversityfinancesandspearheaded innovativeprogramsliketheLiveNearYourWorkProgram furthermakinghistorybyhiringtheinstitution'sFirst FemalePoliceChief.Herpastaccomplishmentsinclude leadingradicalprojectssuchashotelconversionsand establishingprogramsfordiversity,inclusionandcivil discourse.

Beyondherprofessionalachievements,Dr.Rhodesis dedicatedtogivingbacktohighereducation.Shehas servedinvariousleadershipcapacitiesfororganizations suchastheCentralAssociationofCollegeandUniversity BusinessOfficers(CACUBO)andtheNationalAssociation

ofCollegeandUniversityBusinessOfficers(NACUBO), contributingherexpertisetoshapethefutureofacademia.

Ineveryfacetofhercareer,Dr.Rhodesembodiesthespirit ofinnovation,disruptionandservantleadershipmakingher atrueexemplarofexecutiveexcellence!

InspiringAction

Dr.Rhodesisaforceofchange.“There's definitely a part of my personality that does not accept the status quo,”she shares.“If I think something can be improved, I'm going to keep saying, ‘well, why aren't we?’It’s not a change for the sake of change—It’s about achieving excellence and being better. If I wind up being a disruptor in the process, so be it.”

Approachableanddedicated,Dr.Rhodesembodies accessibilitybymaintaininganopen-doorpolicyforall. ShepersonallymeetswitheverynewA&Femployee, totaling815individualsinherdepartment.Withher doctoraldissertationfocusingonhowhigher-education leaderscanshapeinstitutionalculturethroughcorevalues, Dr.Rhodeswastesnotimeinaction.Followingasuccessful defense,shepromptlyco-chairedUMB’sCoreValues ImplementationCommittee,infusingserviceexcellenceand accountabilityintotheUniversity'scoreprinciples.

“ Leadership is about investing in people and providing them with the vision and tools to accomplish their goals.

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Dr. Dawn M. Rhodes Chief Business & Finance Ocer and Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance (A&F)

SeizingOpportunities

Dr.Rhodesdefinesherleadershipstyleasablendofhybrid transformationalandservantleadership.Shebelievesin engagingwithherteam,turningfollowersintoleadersand providinganethicalframeworkfordecision-making.Asshe putsit,“Leadership is about investing in people and providing them with the vision and tools to accomplish their goals. To me, transformational and servant leader are in the same ballpark.”

Despitehermethodicalapproachtowork,Dr.Rhodes' journeyintohighereducationwasserendipitous,itwas sparkedbyacasualconversationatherchurch.“Somebody at my church said there was a budget manager position at the University of Toledo,”shereminisces.Initially,Dr. Rhodeshesitated,asherbrotherhadexpressedinterestin therole.However,hermother'ssageadvicenudgedher towardsseizingtheopportunity.“My mother told me if you really have interest, you should apply.”

Uponcloserexaminationofthejobdescription,Dr.Rhodes foundherselfintrigued.Theprospectofpioneeringanew positionheldsignificantappeal.“The job description seemed interesting, and because it was an inaugural position, it would give me a lot of room to develop the position.”Withablendofcuriosityanddetermination,she decidedtothrowherhatintothering.“So, I applied, got the job and the rest was history.”

Thisserendipitousturnofeventsmarkedthebeginningof Dr.Rhodes'careerinhighereducationfinanceandtooka stepforwardinherinnovativeapproachtoleadership. Embracingtheunknownwithcourageandforesight,Dr. Rhodes’decisiontopursuetheopportunityultimately shapedhertrajectory,pavingthewayforherimpactful contributionstothefield.

AddressingUrgentNeeds

AfterrisingtoVPattheUniversityofToledo,sheaccepted apositionasViceChancellorforAdministrationand FinanceatIndianaUniversity–PurdueUniversity Indianapolis(IUPUI). Shedidn’tplanonbeingadisruptor butwhenshearrivedatIUPUI,Dr.Rhodesdiscovereda severeneedforstudenthousingandclassroomspace.The schoolhadn’tcommissionedanynewbuildingsindecades andasaresult,theschoolwaswait-listing200student applicantseachyear.Setonaddressingthisproblem,Dr. Rhodesstartedsearchingforanswers.Shefoundtheanswer

inanunderperforminghotelthattheUniversityhadbeen strugglingwith.

Oneofthethingsasabudgetpersonisforecastingand puttingproformastogetherandDr.Rhodesputaproforma togetherforIndianaUniversity(IU)leadershipabout turningtheUniversityPlaceHotelintostudenthousing.It tookawhile,butshewasabletofinallybreakthecodeand getthroughtoIUleadershipandaddresstheurgencyofthe needformorehousingandmoreclassrooms.Afterayearlongstudy,theprojectwasgreen-lightedin2012. Sheled theprojectoftransformingthehotelintoamulti-usefacility with15classrooms,560residencebedsandthecampus’ first-everdininghallfacility.

In2016,Dr.RhodessteppedintoUMB,theshemanageda positionwithdiverseresponsibilities.Inherownwords, “The position leads the operational backbone of the university. I’m dealing with all the finances and business of the organization. There’s also the human resources aspect of the job, the facilities components, the police and emergency management components, the real estate and space planning components and international operations. It's everything that’s critical to the day-to-day business of the university.”

Building

Communities

Dr.Rhodes’positionoffersvarietywhichissomethingshe loves.Sheshares,“I love the diversity of issues that can come across my desk because administration and finance kind of touch it all.”

Dr.Rhodesisparticularlyproudofhowshe’sworkedto expandUMB’sLiveNearYourWorkprogram.Itisa homebuyingassistancebenefitforUniversityemployees thatoffersmoneytowardthedownpaymentandclosing costsofhomesinselectWestBaltimoreneighborhoods includingthepurchaseofahomerequiringmajor renovations.

Shespearheadedexpandingthecreditemployeeswere eligibleforfrom$2,500to$16,500.Itrecentlyalsomarked amilestonebysurpassingthe$1millionmarkin homebuyinggrantsawardedtoUniversityemployees.

EmpoweringVoices

Dr.Rhodesisdrivenbyadesiretoserveasarolemodel andmentor,particularlyforwomeninleadership.“I think

higher education does much better with women leadership than some other industries might,”sheaffirms.“I make sure that female colleagues know it's important for their voice to be heard and that they take a seat at the table. I've had to say this to a number of women at UMB that you belong at the table.”

Withacommitmenttofosteringinclusivityand empoweringwomentoembracetheirvoices,Dr.Rhodes activelyencouragesherfemalecolleaguestostepinto leadershiprolesandasserttheirpresenceindecisionmakingforums.Throughheradvocacyandmentorship,she continuestoinspireandupliftothers,championingdiversity andrepresentationintheacademicsphere.

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Dr Diane Forbes Berthoud .

Advancing Inclusion And Guiding UMB Toward a More Diverse Future

Pillarsofprogressintheworldofhighereducation arefortifiedbytheprinciplesofinclusivityand representation.Diversityservesasthebedrockof innovationandadvancementinthiseraanditisimperative tohaveleaderswhonavigateinstitutionstowardsafuture thatisbrighterandmoreequitable.

AttheUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB),one suchleaderemergesintheformofDr.DianeForbes Berthoud Astheinstitution'sChiefEquity,Diversityand Inclusion(EDI)OfficerandVicePresident,Dr.Forbes Berthoudspearheadsthestrategicplanning,implementation andaccountabilityofUMB'sEDIinitiatives.

Hervisionaryleadershipischaracterizedbythecultivation ofpartnerships,thecreationofnewpositionsandprograms aswellastheprovisionofresourcestosupportand empowerindividualsengagedinEDIwork.

OutsideofherworkatUMB,Dr.ForbesBerthoudfindsjoy inspendingtimewithherfamilyandfriends.Shehasa deepappreciationfornature,enjoysrelaxingatthebeach anddelightsingoodfood.

AStrategicVision

Dr.ForbesBerthoud'sresolutecommitmentto transformativechangeisevidentinhercollaborativeefforts tousherinaworldwhereinclusivityisagoalandagenuine reality.Ifoneweretoencapsulateherleadershipstyleina word,itwouldundoubtedlybe‘strategic.’

BeforelearningmoreAboutDr.ForbesBerthoud's transformativeleadership,it'scrucialtounderstandthe contextinwhichherendeavorsaredirected.UMBstandsas astellarexampleofacademicexcellencerenownedforits commitmenttoservingthepublicgoodinMaryland.Witha legacyrootedinimprovingthehumancondition,UMB embracesdiversityasacornerstoneofitsmission,striving tocreateaninclusiveenvironmentwhereeveryindividual canthrive.

FromVisiontoAction

Dr.ForbesBerthoudleadstheinstitution'sstrategyand implementationinthesecrucialareas.Forher,thisroleis deeplypersonalandmeaningful.Sheemphasizes,"I am privileged as a leader, Black woman and woman of color to be UMB’s inaugural chief equity, diversity and inclusion officer and vice president and to lead the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy along with implementation of this premier institution.”

Herworkdirectlyimpactsthepreparationoffuture medical,socialservicesandhumanservicesproviders. ThroughEDIprinciplesandpractices,sheaimstoenhance UMB'smissionofimprovingthehumanconditionand servingthepublicgood,bothlocallyinMarylandand globally.

AScholar'sJourney

Dr.ForbesBerthoud’sacademicjourneyismarkedbya commitmenttounderstandingorganizational communicationandsocialpsychology.

Seek out anity spaces that are supportive, enhance your success and help to provide you with resources and tools as you grow in your role and through your role.”

Dr.DianeForbesBerthoud

ChiefEquity,Diversityand Inclusion(EDI)Officerand VicePresident

WithaPh.D.andMAfromHowardUniversity,alongsidea BAinCommunicationandacertificateinSpanish TranslationandInterpretationfromBarryUniversity,her expertiseiswell-rounded.Additionally,sheholdsa ManagementCertificatefromtheUniversityofCalifornia andaCertificateinMediationfromtheNationalCenterfor ConflictResolution.Moreover,sheisagraduateoftheUCCoroSystemwideLeadershipProgram.

HerinterestinEDIdatesbacktothemid-1990swhenthe fieldwasinitsearlystages.Reflectingonherjourney,Dr. ForbesBerthoudremarks,"At the time, it was still in the nascent stage of development. It was not called diversity, equity and inclusion rather included things like sensitivity training and cultural diversity courses had different terminology."Thisearlyengagementlaidthefoundationfor herimpactfulworkinadvancingEDIprinciplesand practices.

ReframingDiversity

Sheservedasleadconsultantinacountywideinitiativethat wascalleddiversitymanagementandorganizational effectivenessfortheMontgomeryCounty(Md.) government.Shesays,“Diversity was something to manage. It was almost as if it was a problem or a conundrum to solve and to work through organizations.”

ThatisnotwhatEDImeanstoday.Dr.ForbesBerthoud expresses,“We are smarter and better when we have more diverse teams. Also, when people are included, they feel like they belong.”Sheadds,“When people feel like they belong, they are more engaged, productive, satisfied in their work, and more likely to interact more positively. This gives more positive outcomes for the organization.”

InclusiveExcellence

BeforejoiningUMBin2021,Dr.ForbesBerthoudheld significantrolesattheUniversityofCalifornia,SanDiego (UCSD)from2011to2021.Hermostrecentpositionwas asAssociateViceChancellorforEDI.Inthiscapacity,she spearheadedthemanagementofUCSD'sinaugural StrategicPlanforInclusiveExcellenceplayedapivotalrole inoverseeingseniorleadershipaccountabilityprocessesand ledthedevelopmentofaccountabilitydatadashboardsto monitorkeymetrics.Additionally,shefacilitatedthe creationofanEDIbestpracticesresourceanddiversity strategicplanningtoolkittoguideinstitutionalprocesses.

Priortothisrole,Dr.ForbesBerthoudservedasan AcademicDirectorandLecturerforUCSD'sSixthCollege whereshemanagedacademicplanningandstrategic implementationalsooversawastudentbodyof4,000.She contributedtotheChancellor’sCommitteeontheStatusof Women,playedakeyroleinenhancingtheglobal educationprogramandwasrecognizedwithaUCSD diversityawardforherexceptionalcontributionsto advancingtheinstitution'sEDIobjectives.

InspiringDistinction

Dr.ForbesBerthoud'sinfluenceextendsoutsideacademia. AsaFoundingFacultyMemberoftheRISESanDiego UrbanLeadershipFellowsProgram,shecollaborateswith theUniversityofSanDiegotopromoteleadership, workforcedevelopmentandcivicengagement.Her dedicationhasn'tgoneunnoticed.In2020,SanDiego WomanMagazinehonoredherasaWomanofDistinction

forheroutstandingcontributionstohighereducation,the communityandsociety

DuringhertenureatUCSD,theinstitutionachievednotable recognition,rankingsecondamonghighereducation institutionsinForbesmagazine'slistofbestemployersfor diversity.Now,atUMB,hereffortscontinuetoyield results. Forbes has recognized UMB as one of the best employers for diversity for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023).Dr.Berthoud'simpactisfurtheracknowledged byCIOViews,namingherasoneoftheir"Most Inspiring DEI Leaders to Follow in 2023.”

PathwaystoSuccess

ForDr.ForbesBerthoud,successasaleadermeansshehas beenabletoincreaseandimproveaccesstoopportunities forallpeopleregardlessoftheirbackground,heritageand identityandhelpedthemthriveandexcel.“If we look at our institution over time and we see that people who have traditionally been marginalized are now in positions of leadership or have increased in scale or capacity in a particular discipline or area, that for me is a success.For her,“Success is movement from one point to another, an increase or expansion of a set of resources over commitment we had.”

PioneeringPerspectives

Dr.ForbesBerthoud'sresearchdelvesintotheintricaciesof gendered,racedandintersectionalprocesseswithin organizationalsettingswithaspecificfocusonthe experiencesofBlackwomenandwomenofcolor.Her scholarlycontributionsspanvariousplatformsincluding peer-reviewedjournalsandbooks.

Notably,sheisacontributortothe2019HarvardUniversity Pressbook,‘Race, Work, and Leadership: New Perspectives on the Black Experience,’whichfocuseson thesignificanceofraceinorganizationalandleadership contexts.Additionally,herworkhasbeenfeaturedin ‘Gender, Communication, and the Leadership Gap’(2017) and‘The Personal Is Political: Body Politics in a Trump World’(2020),amongothers.

Currently,Dr.ForbesBerthoudisworkingonaforthcoming booktobepublishedbySUNYPresstitled‘Race, Gender, and Leadership in the Public Imagination.’Thisbook examinesthemultifacetedlandscapeof2020,particularly focusingonthepolitical,organizationalandsocial

engagementofBlackwomenamidstthesignificantevents oftheyear

Herexpertisehasbeenshowcasedatvariousconferences andsymposiaincludingtheNationalCommunication Association,theInternationalFulbrightConferenceandthe GenderandWorkSymposiumatHarvardUniversity Throughherresearchandpresentations,Dr.Forbes Berthoudcontinuestocontributevaluableinsightstothe understandingofDEIinbothacademicandpractical spheres.

StrategicInitiatives

Dr.ForbesBerthoudemphasizestheimportanceofa comprehensiveapproachtoEDIleadership,onethatis ‘systemic, strategic and sustainable.’AtUMB,this approachisevidentthroughvariousinitiativesaimedat fosteringinclusivity.

Amongtheseinitiativesareinclusivesearchprocess training,establishmentofaFacultyofColorNetwork, implementationofclimatesurveysandprovisionof innovationgrants.Additionally,herofficeoverseesthe developmentandmaintenanceofaninstitutionaldashboard whichmonitorsprogressinkeyareassuchaspresence, recruitment,retention,promotion,andaccess.

Dr.ForbesBerthoudalsoplayedapivotalroleinguiding UMBthroughitsinauguraldiversitystrategicplanning process.Theseeffortsaregearedtowardscultivatingan inclusivecommunitywhereeverymembercanthriveand contributetoUMB'soverarchingmission.

Believe,Prepare,Succeed

Whenaskedaboutadviceforwomenbeginningtheir leadershipjourney,Dr.ForbesBerthoudoffersencouraging words,"Believe in yourself. Know you are capable and with preparation, you will be successful

Sheshares,“Seek out affinity spaces that are supportive, enhance your success and help to provide you with resources and tools as you grow in your role and through your role."Herinsightaccentuatestheimportanceofselfconfidence,preparationandseekingsupportive environmentstothriveinleadershiproles.

Emily

THurst

Elevating Health Information Services And Empowering Communities

hepowerofhealthinformationliesinitsabilityto empowerindividualsandleadersalikewith knowledgethatfostersinformeddecisionsand actions.Asaleader,understandingthisinformationequips onewiththemeanstocultivateenvironmentsconduciveto well-being,driveeffectivepoliciesandinspirehealthier lifestylesamongcommunities,therebypromotingresilience andprosperity.

EmilyHurstardentlychampionsthepowerofhealth information.ManagingtheroleoftheNewestDeanatthe UniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB),Hurst officiallybeganhertenureasDeanoftheHealthSciences andHumanServicesLibrary(HSHSL)onFebruary1. Withavisionshapedbyherbackgroundandexperiences, Hurstseesherappointmentasanopportunitytoinfusefresh perspectivesintothelibrary'soperations,itscollaborations withUMB'ssevenschoolsanditsengagementwiththe widercommunity.Heroverarchinggoalistofacilitatethe broadanddeepdisseminationofresearch,insightsand informationtoadvancehealthandwellnessinitiatives.

HavingearnedherMasterofScienceinLibraryScience degreefromtheUniversityofNorthCarolinaatChapel Hill,Hurstbringsawealthofexpertisegainedfromher tenureatVirginiaCommonwealthUniversity(VCU)in Richmond.HeresheservedasDeputyDirectorofthe HealthSciencesLibraryandheadofitsResearchand EducationDepartment.

Notably,Hurst'sdedicationandcontributionswere recognizedwiththeMedicalLibraryAssociation's(MLA) esteemedEstelleBrodmanAward,highlightingher significantachievements,leadershippotentialand commitmenttoongoingexcellenceinacademichealth scienceslibrarianship.

Listening,Learning,Leading

Inhernewrole,Hurstbringsacollaborativeleadership ethos,aimingtofosteracultureoflisteningandlearning withintheHealthSciencesandHumanServicesLibrary (HSHSL)atUMB.Sheemphasizestheimportanceof participatoryengagementnotonlyintheinitialphasebutas acornerstoneofherlong-termleadershipstrategy.

Hurstanticipatesspendingconsiderabletimeengagingwith colleaguesacrossthelibrary,UMBandthewider communityrecognizingthevalueofdiverseperspectives. Sheintendstoshareherinsightswithinongoing conversations,believingthattheseexchangeswillprovide vitalinformationandviewpointstoinformherdecisionmakingprocesseffectively.

Recently, Hurst Co-authored a book chapter focusing on the collaborative role of medical libraries in partnering with local public libraries to provide essential health information to consumers

NavigatingGenderDynamics

Hursthighlights,‘Despite the prevalent representation of women in the library profession, gender issues persist Traditionally,librarymanagementhasbeendominatedby men,atrendthatHurstacknowledges.

Nevertheless,shedrawsinspirationandguidancefrom influentialfemaleleadersinthefield,suchasTeresaKnott, AssociateDeanofLibrariesandDirectoroftheHealth SciencesLibraryatVCU.

BeingaformerpresidentoftheMedicalLibraries Association,KnotthasservedasamentortoHurst,paving thewayforherentryintolibrarymanagementand

supportingherprofessionalgrowth.Hursthasalso encounteredsituationswheresheisthesolewomanin discussionsconcerninglibrarytechnology

Intheseinstances,sheactivelyparticipatesinadvocating forwomen'sperspectivesandhighlightingcrucial considerationssuchasthenecessityforadjustable equipmenttocreateamoreinclusiveworkenvironmentfor allstaffmembers.Throughherexperiences,Hurststrivesto addressgenderdisparitiesandpromoteinclusivitywithin thelibraryprofession.

BridgingCommunities

Withintheuniversitysetting,HurstperceivestheHealth SciencesandHumanServicesLibrary'sPrimary Missionas supporting researchers and students in their academic pursuits.Sherecognizestheunique challengeslibrariesfaceinthedigitalera,wheremany individualsrelysolelyoninternetsearchesorAI interfaceslikeChatGPTforresearch.Hurstaimsto enhancestudents'andscholars'researchskillsby emphasizingtheimportanceofinformation organization,utilizinghigh-qualitylibraryresources beyondpopularsearchenginesandleveraging advancedtechnologicaltoolsforinformationretrieval. Byadoptingthisapproach,researchoutcomescanbe enhancedandthetimerequiredforresearchendeavors canbeminimized.

Recently,HurstCo-authoredabookchapterfocusing onthecollaborativeroleofmedicallibrariesin partneringwithlocalpubliclibrariestoprovide essentialhealthinformationtoconsumers.AtVirginia CommonwealthUniversity(VCU),shespearheadeda projectinconjunctionwiththeRichmondPublic Libraryaimedatassistinglow-incomeelderly residentsinacquiringcomputerliteracyskillsand understandinghealth-relatedinformationsourced fromhealthcareproviders.Thisinitiativeinvolvednot onlytechnicaltrainingbutalsoemotionalsupportand analyticaltoolstohelpusersevaluatethereliabilityof healthinformationfoundonlineandonsocialmedia platforms.

Excitedly,HurstacknowledgesUMB’sdesignationas the Region #1 Hub fortheNetworkoftheNational LibraryofMedicineNetwork.Thispivotalroleallows UMB'sHealthSciencesandHumanServicesLibrary toextenditsoutreacheffortstocommunitiesacross

Region#1,encompassing Maryland,Delaware, Kentucky,NewJersey, NorthCarolina, Pennsylvania,Virginia, WestVirginia,andthe DistrictofColumbia.

Throughthisfederally fundedprogram,institutions suchaslibraries, communitycenters,or communitycollegeswithin theregioncanapplyfor trainingorfunding assistancefromUMBto enhancetheirprovisionof healthinformationto medicallyunderserved populationsfosteringa collaborativeapproachto improvingpublichealth literacy

ExpandingHorizons

Hurstadoptsaholisticperspectiveonthemultifacetedroles librariescanplayinfosteringstudentsuccess.Beyondthe conventionalroleoffacilitatingaccesstoresourcesand aidingincomplexprojectslikesystematicreviews,libraries canserveashavensforstudentsgrapplingwithstressor facingpersonalchallengesamidstloomingdeadlines.

Hurstenvisionslibrariesasdynamicspacesoffering academicsupportaswellaswellnessresources.Sheplans tocollaboratewithUMB'swellnessandcounseling programstoprovideassistancetostudentsutilizingthe libraryforstudypurposes.

Moreover,sheaimstointroducestress-reducingactivities suchaspuzzlesanddesignatedreadingspacesstockedwith diversebookselections.Byembracingthisexpandedrole, Hurstpositionsthelibraryavitalresourceforresearchand acentralhubforcollaboration,fosteringconnections,and offeringinnovativesupportmechanismstoenhancestudent well-beingandacademicsuccess.

KnowledgeasPower

HurstwasdiagnosedwithType-1diabetestwodecadesago. Shehasrecentlystartedspeakingoutabouttheimportance ofsharinginformationabout‘hidden disabilities,’bothto

demonstratehowpeoplecancopeandperformontheone handandtoshareexperiencesontheother. Throughcandid discussions,sheaimstodemonstratehowindividualscan effectivelymanagesuchconditionswhilealsofosteringa supportivecommunitywhereexperiencesareshared.

Recently,Hurstrecountedherdiabetesjourneywith colleaguesatVirginiaCommonwealthUniversity.Shewas initiallyapprehensivebutultimatelyencouragedwhena colleaguereachedouttoconnectherwithherdaughter, newlydiagnosedwiththedisease.

Outsideherprofessionalsphere,Hurstdedicatestimeto engagingwithteenagerslivingwithType-1diabetes, offeringinsightsintoherownexperienceswithout prescribingadvice,butratheremphasizingtheimportance ofacarefulregimenforinsulinandnutritiontoensure presentandfuturewell-being.

Leveragingherexpertiseasahealthscienceslibrarian, Hurstremainsabreastofthelatestdiabetesresearch, activelylisteningtoandlearningfromotherswiththe conditionandfacilitatingaccesstoreliablehealth informationtoempowerinformeddecision-makingboth withinherprofessionalcapacityandineverydaylife.This exemplifiesthetransformativeimpactofhealthinformation inaction.

www.insightssuccess.com

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Jennifer B. Litchman

Rooted in Heritage, Soaring to Success

AsInternationalWomen’sDaydawnsonMarch8,

2024,thespotlightbrilliantlyilluminatesJennifer B.Litchman,markinganextraordinary milestone—herillustrious25-yeartenureattheUniversity ofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB).Inhercurrentcapacityas SeniorVicePresidentforExternalRelations,Jennifer embodiesapowerhouseofleadership,resilienceandvision.

Atitaninthedomainofpublicaffairs,Jennifer’sadept guidancenavigatesUMBthroughthebrandingintricacies, crisiscommunicationchallenges,eventorchestration, governmentalaffairs,andcommunityengagement initiativeswithincomparablefinesse.Hersteadfast commitmentresonatesinherdedicationtonurturingand expandingrelationships,fosteringleadershipdevelopment andferventlychampioningthecausesofwomenandthe arts.

Yet,amidstherformidableprofessionalprowess,Jennifer’s truemarkliesinherprofoundethos—acultureshe tirelesslycultivates.Shebelievesinbeingbothkindand excellentatwhatshedoes.Shethinksit’simportanttotreat otherswellwhilealsodoinggreatworkvaluing relationshipsandbelievingthey’reincrediblyimportant.

HeartlandRootstoNationalImpact

HailingfromtheheartlandofAmes,Iowa,Jennifer’s formativeyearswereprofoundlyinfluencedbythe remarkablelegaciesofhergrandmothers,bothhailedas leadersintheirownright.Hermaternalgrandmother’s distinctionasoneofIowa’sInauguralFemaleLegislators, alongsideherothergrandmother’stenureasDeanof WomenatIowaStateCollege(nowUniversity).These plantedtheseedsofinspirationwithinJenniferfroman earlyage.Fuelledbythisfamilialheritage,Jennifer cultivatedaprofounddriveforsuccess.

ArmedwithaBachelor’sdegreefromtheUniversityof SouthCarolinaandaMaster’sdegreeinPublic

CommunicationfromAmericanUniversity,Jennifer embarkedonatrajectorythatwouldleadherthroughthe corridorsofpowerinthenation’scapitalandtheesteemed hallsofacademia.Herprofessionaljourneyspansroleson CapitolHillandwithintheprivatesectoraffordingher invaluableinsightsintotheintricaciesofgovernment affairs,publicrelationsandstrategiccommunication.

ADecadeofAchievement

In1999,Jennifer’sjourneyledhertotheUniversityof Maryland,Baltimore(UMB)wheresheassumedthepivotal roleofDirectorofPublicAffairsattheesteemedSchoolof Medicine.Overtheensuingtwelveyears,Jennifer’s leadershipandvisiontransformedamodestofficeintoa robustteamoftenprofessionals,culminatinginher appointmentasAssistantDeanforPublicAffairs.

Recognizedforherexceptionaltalents,Jenniferwas appointedasspecialassistanttothepresidentofUMBin January2011,markingthebeginningofaseriesofrapid advancementswithintheinstitution.Withinthesameyear, herdedicationandexpertiseelevatedhertothepositionof

I wanted to create a mechanism to spotlight UMB's rich history and celebrate the creative talents of our university community, while also underscoring the connections between arts, sciences and well-being.”

Jennifer B. Litchman Senior Vice President for External Relations

InterimChiefCommunicationsOfficerandVicePresident, andby2012,shesolidifiedherpositionastheChief CommunicationsOfficer(CCO)&VicePresident.

Jennifer’scareertrajectorycontinueditsupwardmotionin 2015whensheexpandedherportfoliotoinclude GovernmentAffairsandCommunityEngagement, exemplifyinghermultifacetedskillsetandstrategic acumen.In2018,hercontributionswerefurtherrecognized withapromotiontotheesteemedroleofSeniorVice PresidentforExternalRelations,underscoringherintegral roleinshapingUMB’sexternalengagementstrategies.

TheIntersectionofArtsandAcademia

ThroughouthertenureatUMB,Jenniferhasbeenacatalyst fornumerousinitiativesaimedatelevatingtheinstitution’s standingandinfluence.EarlyinherroleasVicePresident, Jenniferpioneeredtheuniversity’sinauguralbranding campaign,alandmarkendeavorinits200+yearhistory Herleadershipalsodrovetheimplementationofcampus wayfinding,streetscapebannersandskylinesignage enhancingUMB’svisualidentityandpresence.

In2014,JenniferestablishedtheCouncilfortheArts& Culture—apivotalplatformaimedatenhancingcampuslife andenrichingtheWestBaltimorecommunity Throughthis initiative,JennifersoughttoleverageUMB’spublicspaces toshowcasethevisualandperformingarts,whilealso highlightingthesymbioticrelationshipbetweentheartsand sciences.Reflectingonhermotivation,Jennifer emphasizes,“I wanted to create a mechanism to spotlight UMB's rich history and celebrate the creative talents of our university community, while also underscoring the connections between arts, sciences and well-being.”

Jennifer’simpactextendspasttheconfinesofUMB,asshe hasplayedapivotalroleinfosteringcollaborationswith localtheaters,establishingpublicoutdoorartgalleriesand curatingaward-winningartandliteraryjournals.Through theseendeavors,Jenniferhasmaintainedapositiveculture andcreativityenrichingbothUMBandthebroader community

TheResilientFive

Asadistinguishedtwo-timeEmmy-nominatedExecutive Producer,Jenniferhascreatedtheacclaimedseries‘From

Monica Lewinsky and Jennifer at an UMBrella Event

Unconventional Paths

Whenofferingadvicetoaspiringwomenleaders,Jennifer sharesamessage,particularlyforthosewhomayfeel uncertainorlatetothegame,“For the late bloomers out there, don’t let the uncertainty of ‘I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up’hold you back. I never had a rigid plan. I entered graduate school at 31 and secured my first professional role at 33. Along the journey, I seized opportunities that ignited my passion and aligned with my purpose. I’ve continuously reinvented both myself and my career. Remember, we’re all works in progress and there’s always room for growth.

I’m just getting started and so are you!”

Whetheradvocatingforthearts,championingwomen’s issues,orsupportingthenextgenerationofleaders, Jennifer’simpactisfeltfarbeyondthe wallsofUMB.

West Baltimore.’Thiscompellingdocumentaryseriesspans fiveinstallmentscapturingthetransformativejourneysof fiveremarkableyouthsfromBaltimore’sWestSide. Filmedoveraspanofsevenyears,theseriescombinestheir experiencesfrom6thgradethroughhighschoolgraduation andintocollege,illuminatingtheirresilienceandsteadfast determinationasfirst-generationstudents.

TransformingPerspectives

JenniferalsoestablishedUMBrella,theUMBRoundtable onEmpowermentinLeadershipandLeveraging Aspirations.Sinceitsinceptionin2014,UMBrellahasbeen instrumentalinfosteringasupportivecommunitydedicated toadvancingwomen’ssuccessandleadershiproleswithin UMB.Throughcoachingprograms,networkingevents, symposia,andadvocacyefforts,UMBrellaactivelyworks towardscreatingamoreinclusiveandequitable environmentforwomenacrossalllevelsofthe organization.

JennifertakesprideinUMBrella’ssignificantimpact, stating,“Many participants in our coaching program have achieved salary increases, promotions, or secured entirely new positions.”Thisunderscoresthetangibleandpositive effectsonthelivesandcareersofwomenatUMB, highlightingtheircommitmenttoadvancementandsuccess.

InitiativeandImpact

Asaleader,Jennifer’sapproachextendstomanagingthe immediatetasksathand—shepossessesakeeneyefor

identifyingunmetneedsandactivelyworkstoaddress them.ReflectingoninitiativeslikeUMBrellaandtheArts Council,Jenniferemphasizes,“Neither of those endeavors were outlined in my job description. There was no directive to create something for the university or its female population.”

Sheadds,“However, recognizing a gap, I took the initiative to fill it.”Sheunderscorestheimportanceofvision, resilienceanddedicationinestablishingandintegrating suchinitiativesintotheinstitutionalframework.

MakingaDifference

Besidesherprofessionalcommitments,Jenniferremains deeplyengagedincommunityservicebylendingher expertisetovariousnon-profitorganizations.Sheserveson theboardsofmultipleorganizations,includingthe President’sAdvisoryBoardofPortDiscoveryChildren’s Museum,Baltimore’sEverymanTheatreandthe YumiCARESFoundation.

Additionally,shecontributesherleadershiptotheWomen’s LeadershipAdvisoryBoardoftheRonaldMcDonaldHouse CharitiesofBaltimore.Recognizedforheroutstanding contributions,Jenniferhasbeenhonoredasoneof BaltimoreMagazine’sWomenWhoMoveMaryland,as wellasbeingnamedamongTheDailyRecord’s‘Top 100 Women’inboth2016and2022.

SheisalsoadistinguishedmemberoftheLeadership MarylandClassof2017andisaffiliatedwithCHIEF—a privatemembershipnetworkdedicatedtosupporting womenexecutives.JenniferresidesinAnnapoliswithher husband,Jonathan,theirtwochildren,andtheirbeloved pets,TheothepugandKittenthecat.

Dr. Judy L. Postmus (Ph D., ACSW) Dean of University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW)

I am dedicated to continual selfassessment and strive to approach situations with cultural humility.

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Dr.

L. Postmus

Transformative Leadership in Challenging Times

Socialworkplaysapivotalroleineducation,serving

asafoundationfordirectstudentsupportandbroader initiativesineducationandadvocacy This multifacetedapproachaimstoempowerindividuals, advancesocialjusticeandensureequitableaccesstoand successineducationforall.Socialworkleadersshoulder theresponsibilityofprovidingdirectsupporttostudents whilealsospearheadinginitiativesforsystemicchangeand equitableaccesstoeducation.Thiscomprehensiveapproach underscoresacommitmenttoempowerindividuals, championsocialjusticeandguaranteeacademicsuccessfor everyindividual.

Inthisvein,theappointmentofanewdeantoaprestigious institutioncanheraldtransformativechange.Atthe UniversityofMarylandSchoolofSocialWork (UMSSW),JudyL.PostmusundertooktheroleofDean onJuly1,2020,steppingintoapositionthatdemands vision,compassionanddedicationtoadvancingthe principlesofsocialjusticewithintherealmofeducation andadvocacy.Followinganextensivenationalsearch, PostmussucceededRichardP.Barth,PhD,MSW,whohad guidedtheschool'sendeavorssince2006.

PostmusarrivedatUMSSWequippedwithawealthof experiencegarneredfromadistinguishedcareerpath.Prior toherappointment,shespent14yearsatRutgers University'sSchoolofSocialWork,whereherroles encompassedprofessorshipandleadershipinpivotal initiatives.Notably,Postmusservedasthefounderand directoroftheCenteronViolenceAgainstWomenand Children,aninstitutiondedicatedtoresearchingand combatingvariousformsofviolenceagainstwomen throughinterdisciplinarycollaborationandcommunity engagement.

TransformingTrajectories

Throughoutheracademicjourney,Postmus'sresearchhas revolvedaroundaddressingthecomplexchallengesof physical,sexualandeconomicvictimizationfacedby women.Hercommitmentculminatedintheestablishment oftheRutgersViolenceAgainstWomenResearch Consortium,backedbyagrantfromtheNationalInstitute ofJustice.Collaboratingwithresearchersfromdiverse disciplines,theconsortiumendeavorstodeepen understandingandinformpolicyonissuessuchasintimate partnerviolence,sexualassaultandteendatingviolence.

Postmus'strajectoryisdeeplyrootedinherupbringingand earlycareerexperiences.RaisedinMiamitoimmigrant parents,shewasdrivenbyadesiretoempower marginalizedcommunities,amissionshepursuedthrough rolessupportingat-riskyouthandsurvivorsofdomestic abuse.HerjourneytowardsleadershipatUMSSWreflectsa steadfastcommitmenttosocialjusticeandequitywithin academiaandsocietyatlarge.

LeadingThroughCrisis

Asmentioned,PostmussteppedintoherroleonJuly1, 2020,amidstthechallengesposedbytheCOVID-19 pandemic.Reflectingonherinitialtenure,Postmus acknowledgesthedifficultiesencountered.Sherecallsthat thefirsttwoyearswerechallenging.Thefirstyearwas entirelyremoteandthesecondremainedpredominantlyso. Sheelaboratesontheuniqueobstaclesofleadingremotely duringaglobalcrisis,emphasizingtheimpactoffostering connectionswithintheschoolcommunity.Sheexplains, "Establishing relationships and understanding the school's culture was particularly challenging during that period, yet

we have made significant strides in navigating both the pandemic and enrollment hurdles."

Continuing,Postmusunderlinesheracknowledgmentof inevitablemisstepsinleadership."I recognize that errors provide growth opportunities when approached with humility, openness and a readiness to learn,"shestates."I perceive constructive feedback as valuable insights that enable me to gain fresh perspectives and evolve into a more adept and considerate leader."Shehighlightsherongoing commitmenttoenhancingherinclusiveleadership capabilities."I am dedicated to continual self-assessment and strive to approach situations with cultural humility," sheaffirms.

NavigatingLeadership

BeingthesecondwomantoholdthepositionofDeanatthe SchoolofSocialWork(SSW),Postmusbringsa collaborativeleadershipstylehonedbyherextensive backgroundinacademia.Embracingthecorevaluesof UMB,shefostersacultureofinclusivityandvaluesdiverse perspectiveswithinherteam.Postmusemphasizes adaptabilityandemploysabalancedmanagementapproach, drawinginspirationfromDanielGoleman’srenowned theoriesoneffectiveleadershipstyles.

"I actively engage others and prioritize listening to gather feedback and input,"explainsPostmus.Thisapproachleads tobetter-informeddecisionsandfostersasenseof ownershipandinvestmentamongteammembers.She acknowledgestheadvantagesofthismethodnoting instanceswhereconversationshavesteeredherawayfrom lessoptimalpaths.Postmusreflects,"There have been occasions where I've been set on a particular course only to realize through discussion that alternative routes may be more suitable."

However,Postmusacknowledgesthechallengesinherentin collaborativedecision-making.Itrequirestimeandinsome cases,decisionsmustbemadeswiftly.Tomitigatethis,she leveragestechnologysuchasMSTeamsandtextingto facilitatereal-timecommunication,ensuringtimely collaborationevenwhenteammembersarenotphysically present.Additionally,shehighlightsthenecessityof involvingdifferentstakeholdersbasedonthenatureofthe decisionathand.Postmusexplains,"Not everyone can be involved in every decision. However, there's a risk of individuals feeling excluded, so careful consideration is essential to maintain inclusivity and transparency."

ChampioningWomeninLeadership

Postmuschampionstheadvantagesofwomentakingon leadershiproleshighlightingthepropensityfor collaborationandopenness.Yet,sheconfrontstherealityof heightenedscrutinydirectedatwomenleaders,as evidencedbyrecenteventsinvolvingHarvardPresident ClaudineGay."Women face intensified scrutiny,"Postmus observes.

Shestressestheimperativetochallengesocietalnormsthat imposeunrealisticstandardsonwomen,particularlywomen ofcolor—whooftenfindthemselvesnavigatingadelicate balancebetweenexhibitingstrengthandbeingperceivedas overlyassertive."There's a pervasive belief that if you display strength, you're labeled aggressive. Conversely, showing vulnerability may cast doubt on your managerial abilities,"sheremarks.

AddressingEnrollment Challenges

Undertakingleadershipamidsta nationwidedeclineinsocial workschoolenrollments, Postmusrecognizedthe necessityforamultifaceted approach.Sheadvocatesforan effectiverecruitmentstrategy, onethatundergoesregular evaluationtoensureitsefficacy Postmusunderscoresthe importanceofreshapingpublic perceptionssurroundingthe profession,highlightingthe diverserolessocialworkers undertakebeyondtheir involvementinthefostercare system.

ForPostmus,commonmisconceptionsportraysocial workersprimarilyasindividualswhoremovechildrenfrom theirfamiliesandplacetheminfostercare.Whilesocial workersdooperatewithinthefostercaresystem,their reachextendsfarbeyond.Theycanbefoundingovernment andnonprofitagencies,hospitals,retirementcommunities, substanceabuseandbehavioralhealthorganizations,as wellasengagedincommunityworkandpolicy development.

Sheemphasizestheburgeoningopportunitieswithinthe field,notingitsgrowthtrajectoryandtheincreasing demandforsocialworkersacrossvariousemployment sectors."Contrary to prevailing beliefs, social work is a profession offering diverse career paths,"Postmusasserts. "Moreover, the misconception of low pay is gradually shifting as rising demand elevates salaries within the field."

LeadershipBeyondProfessionalBoundaries

Postmusaccentuatestheprofoundimportanceoffostering personalconnectionsandembracingvulnerability recognizingcolleaguesasmultifacetedindividuals.She candidlysharesherownintersectionalidentitieswhich profoundlyshapeherperspectiveasbothapersonanda leader.Asadaughterofimmigrants,afirst-generation scholar,aWhitewoman,amemberoftheLGBTQIA+ community,andapersonwithdisabilities,Postmusbringsa wealthofexperiencestoherleadershiprole.

Activelyengagedwithcolleagues,Postmusiscollaborating onanarticledelvingintotheuniquechallengesencountered byleaderswithdisabilitiesandintersectingidentities.The aimistofosteramoreinclusivedialogueonleadership withindiversecontexts.Sheacknowledgestheformidable barriersthatwomenleaders,particularlythosewith disabilities,ethnicityandotherintersectingidentities,face whenrevealingtheirpersonalbackgrounds.The forthcomingarticlewillexplorestrategiesforleadersto navigateandcommunicateabouttheirdisabilitiesandother socialidentitiesthatmayimpacttheirleadershipstyleand howtheyareperceivedbyothers.

ReimaginingSocialWorkEducation

Despitethechallengesthatlieaheadintherealm,Postmus isemergingasatransformativefigure,harnessingthepower ofcollaboration,diversityandadaptabilitytonavigatethe intricaterealmofacademiaandsocialwork.Herfirm dedicationtoreshapingperceptionsandcultivatinga vibrant,inclusivecommunityatUMSSWreflectsa visionaryoutlookthattranscendsmereprofessional excellenceembracingtherichnessofindividualidentityand connection.

Hutchins

Illuminate and Empower Approach to Exceptional Deanship

DuringthetransitionphaseattheUniversityof MarylandFrancisKingCareySchoolofLaw,a wordofanticipationfilledtheair.DonaldTobin’s announcementofsteppingdownasDeansparked conversationsacrossthelegalacademiarealm.Among thosewhofeltthereverberationsofthisnewswasRenee Hutchins,thentheDeanoftheLawSchoolatthe UniversityoftheDistrictofColumbia.

Asdiscussionsunfoldedandthevacancyloomed,Hutchins foundherselfduringaflurryofencouragementfromher formercolleagues.ThefacultyatCareyLawdidn’tjustsee herasapotentialcandidate,theysawherastheidealfitto

leadtheinstitutionforward.Theyurgedhertoconsider returningtoherroots,to‘come home’andtakeonthe mantleofleadership.

ForHutchins,theprospectofreturningtoCareyLawhelda profoundsignificance.Thiswasn’taboutoccupyinga positionforherratheritwasaboutreconnectingwitha placethathadplayedapivotalroleinshapingheracademic journey Thewarmthofhermemories,coupledwiththe untiringsupportshereceivedpushedhertomakethe decisiontoapplyfortheDeanshipaneasyone.

Followinganextensivenationalsearch,theUniversityof MarylandBaltimore(UMB)extendedanofferto Hutchins—anofferthatresonateddeeplywithher Reflectingonheracceptance,Hutchinsshares,“I was overjoyed to return to the school I loved and the place where I became an academic.”Herreturnwasareunion withacommunitythatheldaspecialplaceinherheart.

At Carey Law, faculty members are deeply invested in the achieving of societal good. They recognize that the courses they teach serve as conduits for their students’ passion for positive change.

WhatsetsCareyLawapart,accordingtoHutchins,isits academicprowessandmoreimportantlyitscommitmentto makingatangibledifferenceintheworld.Whetherit’s navigatingthecomplexitiesofthebusinessrealm, advocatingforenvironmentalsustainability,delvinginto historicalnarratives,grapplingwithcriminaljusticeissues, orseekingtoreformimmigrationprocesses,thefacultyand studentsalikeapproachtheirworkwithasharedsenseof purpose.

SteppingintotheroleofDeanoftheUniversityof Maryland

FrancisKingCareySchoolofLawatthe UniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB),Hutchins startedalegacyofexcellenceandacommunitydrivenbya collectivedesiretoeffectpositivechange.

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Renee Hutchins

Dean of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

GuidingwithGrace

Hutchinsreflectsonherroleasaleaderandasserts,“In my opinion, I have the best deanship in the country.”Quoting thelateJudgeNathanielR.‘Nate’JonesoftheSixth Circuit,withwhomsheclerked,sheshares,“Just make your own corner of the world a little bit brighter. If we all do that, the world will be a better place.”ForHutchins,this sentimentembodiestheethosembracedbyeveryoneather institution.Shereflects“In my experience, it is not that common to work with such a large group of people who are on the same page in that regard.”

Whenitcomestoherleadershipapproach,Hutchinsdraws inspirationfromheresteemedcolleagues.Communication andtransparencyareparamountinherleadershipstyle.She acknowledges“People may not always agree with the decisions I make, but they should be able to understand them.”Beyondthat,sheemphasizesamanagement philosophyof‘Hire smart people and let them do their jobs.’Thistrustinherteamhighlightsherbeliefinfostering acollaborativeandempoweredworkenvironment.

PioneeringPerspectives

Hutchinsarguesthattherepresentationofwomeninhigher educationleadershipisimperativefortwokeyreasons. Firstly,sheemphasizestheprincipleofequityasacore valueatUMB.Notably,theinstitutionhasmadenotable stridesinthisregard,withfiveoutofitseightdeansbeing women.Secondly,Hutchinsaccentuatestheimportanceof perspective.ShecontendsthatherfellowfemaleDeansand VicePresidentsbringfreshanddiverseviewpointsto discussionsaboutUMB,ultimatelyfortifyingthe institution’sstrength.

Addressingtheprogressmade,Hutchinsacknowledgesthat whilestrideshavebeentakeninadvancingthe representationofwomeninhighereducationleadership,it isessentialtomaintainvigilance.Shepointstorecent instancesofwomenuniversitypresidentsfacingscrutiny duringCongressionalhearingsasevidenceofongoing challenges.“It will be delightful when we no longer have to focus on the novelty of women as leaders,”sheasserts, envisioningafuturewherethegainsmadeareboth sustainedandsustainable.

Furthermore,Hutchinsstressestheimportanceofachieving bothrepresentationalandpayequityforwomenleaders. Sheenvisionsascenariowherewomencandevotetheirfull energyandattentiontotheirroleswithoutthedistractionof

inequality.This,shebelieves,iscrucialforfosteringatruly inclusiveandeffectiveleadershiplandscapeinhigher education.

ThePIEofStrategicPriorities

DeanHutchinsarticulatesavisionforCareyLawthatis foundedonthreefundamentalpillars—Progress,Impact andExcellence(PIE).

Firstly,sheemphasizesprogress,particularlyasthelaw schoolcommemoratesitsbicentennialthisyear.Hutchins seesthismilestoneasanopportunityforreflection, acknowledgingthesignificantstridesmadesinceits inception.Shesays,“There was a time, not all that long ago, when [as a Black woman] I would not have been admitted as a student at this school,” she reflects, “and now I am leading it.”Thistransformationsymbolizesprogress andHutchinsurgesacollectivefocusonacknowledging andcelebratingthedistancetraveled.

Secondly,Hutchinsunderscorestheimportanceofimpact. Despitebeingthefourtholdestlawschoolinthenation witharichhistory,shebelievesit’scrucialnottoreston pastachievementsbutrathertoactivelyengageinmakinga difference.“We have to lean into making an impact in this neighborhood, in this state, in this nation,”sheasserts. Hutchinsviewslawyersaspivotalinshapingcritical decisionsforthecountry’sfutureandemphasizesthe responsibilityofstudentsandfacultyaliketobeagentsof positivechange.

Thirdly,Hutchinshighlightstheexcellenceinherentwithin CareyLaw’sfacultyandstudentbody.Shecelebratestheir remarkabletalentsandachievements,recognizingtheir contributionsasoneofthedrivingforcesbehindher leadershipsatisfaction.However,sheacknowledgesa

challenge—thereluctanceto boastabouttheir accomplishments.AsDean, Hutchinsencouragesher facultytoshowcasetheir workproudly,citing examplessuchasaprofessor submittinganamicusbriefto theSupremeCourt.“We should not be the best-kept secret,”shedeclares.

Toactualizethisstrategy, Hutchinsandhercolleagues arespearheadingtwokey initiatives.Firstly,theyaimto bolsterthefacultyfollowing intentionalreductionsdueto budgetaryconstraints.

Hutchinsseesthisasan opportunitytoensurestudents haveaccesstodedicatedandknowledgeableprofessors acrossallcourses.Additionally,sheprioritizesequipping CareyLawgraduateswithcomprehensiveskillsessential forsuccessinvarioussectors.Thisinvolvesexpandingthe school’sclinicalofferingstoprovidestudentswithpractical experienceandtransactionalskillsdemandedbythe businesssector

Furthermore,Hutchinsemphasizestheimportanceof diversecareerpathwaysforgraduates,includingclerkships andpositionsacrossdifferentemployertypes.She underscorestheschool’scommitmenttoprovidingstudents withawell-roundededucationthatpreparesthemforroles inlawfirms,businesses,non-profits,andpublicagencies alike.UnderHutchins’leadership,CareyLawaimsto upholditslegacyandtoevolveintoaninstitutionthat fostersprogress,drivesimpactandexemplifiesexcellence inlegaleducation.

SustainingEnergyandPassion

Hutchinsreiteratesthecrucialimportanceofimpact, emphasizingthefervorandcommitmentitdemands.She observesthatmanystudentsoftenfeeldisillusionedintheir initialyearoflawschool,enteringwithaferventdesireto effectchangeintheworldonlytoencounteracurriculum thatprioritizesfoundationalsubjectslikecontracts,property andtorts.Hutchinsassertsthatlawschoolsmustoffer coursesthatsustainthepassionandenergyoftheirstudents, nurturingtheirdesiretomakeadifference.

FollowingthetragicdeathofFreddieGrayinpolice custodyinBaltimorein2015,Hutchinsandhercolleagues respondedbyofferingacoursetitled‘Freddie Gray’s Baltimore.’Thiscourseaimedtohelpstudentscomprehend theseeminglysenselessactsofpoliceviolenceagainstGray andhighschoolstudentsduringtheunrestfollowingGray’s funeral.Throughacomprehensiveexplorationof Baltimore’shistoryandananalysisofvarioussocial policiesincludinghousing,transportationandeducation, thecoursesoughttocontextualizetheconditionsthatgave riseto‘Freddie Gray’s Baltimore.’Today,thelawschool continuesthiscommitmentbyofferingacourseonlawand socialchangefocusingonthefoundationalprinciplesof buildingdemocracy

AtCareyLaw,facultymembersaredeeplyinvestedinthe achievingofsocietalgood.Theyrecognizethatthecourses theyteachserveasconduitsfortheirstudents’passionfor positivechange.Furthermore,theyinstillinstudentsthe understandingthatjustaspastpolicieshaveshapedthe worldwelivein,futurepolicieshavethepotentialtocreate anewworld.Hutchinsandhercolleaguesfirmlybelieve thatstudentshaveboththerightandtheresponsibilityto contributetoshapingthisfutureworld,embodyingthe ethosofproactivecitizenshipandsocialengagement.

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Dr. Sarah L

.

J

.

Michel

Navigating Change and Excellence in Healthcare Education

Resilienceandaferventcommitmenttoinnovation areindispensablequalitiesforleadersinacademia andpharmaceuticalsciences.Theseleaders spearheadtransformativeresearch,cultivate interdisciplinarycollaborationsandnavigatethe complexitiesofscientificadvancement.

Exemplifyingsuchvisionaryleadership—SarahL.J. Michel—acceleratesprogress,propellingthehealthcare domaintowardgroundbreakingdiscoveriesandenhancing globalhealthoutcomes.Dr.Michel'sjourneytowards academicleadershipastheDeanoftheUniversityof MarylandSchoolofPharmacy(UMSOP)atteststoher adaptabilityandstrongcommitmenttoexcellence.

NurturingResilience,FosteringPassion

Dr.Michel'searlyyearsweremarkedbyconstantchange, asherfamilyrelocatedfromEnglandtotheUnitedStates whenshewasjusteightyearsold.Herfather'scareerasa chefledthemtomovefrequently,instillinginhera profoundsenseofadaptabilityandflexibility.Despitethe challengesofadjustingtonewenvironments,Dr.Michel embracedtheopportunitiespresentedtoher,excellingin hereducationandultimatelypursuingaDegreein ChemistryatCornellUniversity

ItwasatCornellwhereDr.Michel'spassionforscience wasignited,thankstotheguidanceofadedicatedchemistry professorwhoinspiredhertodelvedeeperintothe discipline.Armedwiththisnewfoundenthusiasm,Dr. Michelembarkedonaremarkableacademicjourney, earningherPh.D.inChemistryfromNorthwestern UniversityandcompletingaPostdoctoralFellowshipin BiophysicsattheJohnsHopkinsSchoolofMedicine.

InspiringChange

Throughouthercareer,Dr.Michelhasdemonstrateda remarkableabilitytoadaptandseizeopportunitiesasthey arise.HertenureattheUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore (UMB)beganin2004whenshejoinedtheFacultyofthe

DepartmentofPharmaceuticalSciences.Overtheyears, shehasdistinguishedherselfasbotharespectedprofessor andavisionaryleader,servingasChairoftheDepartment andlatersteppinguptotheroleofAssociateDeanfor GraduateStudies.

InOctober2023,Dr.Michelreachedanewpinnacleinher careerwhenshewasappointedastheDeanofthe UniversityofMarylandSchoolofPharmacy.Inthisrole, sheleadswithasteadfastdedicationtoadvancing pharmaceuticaleducation,researchandinnovation. Drawinguponherextensiveexperienceandexpertise,Dr Michelisshapingthefutureofpharmacyeducationand drivingimpactfulchangewithintheindustry.

MentorshipandEngagement

Dr.Michelbringsawealthofexperiencetohernewroleas DeanofUMSOPwhichincludeshertenureasapast presidentoftheUMBFacultySenate.Reflectingonthis experience,Dr.Michelunderlinesitsformativeinfluenceon herleadershipphilosophy,particularlyinshapingherviews oncollaborationandsharedgovernance.

“

With flexibility and strategic thinking, we can push ourselves further in turn helping our students, faculty and sta achieve their career aspirations and address our nation's health care challenges. It’s an exciting time to be dean

Dr. Sarah L.J. Michel Dean of University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP)

DuringherPresidency,Dr.Michelmanagedapivotaldaylongretreatfocusedonsharedgovernance,whichbrought togetherkeystakeholdersincludingthen-UMBPresident JayPerman,MD,alongwithvicepresidents,deansand representativesfromfacultyandstaffsenates,aswellas studentgovernment.Theoutcomeofthisretreat—a statementonsharedgovernance—hassincebecomea cornerstoneofthecampuscultureatUMB.

Dr.Michel'sbeliefincollaborationandshareddecisionmakinginformsherapproachasDean.Whileshe emphasizestheimportanceoflisteningandengagingwith variousstakeholders,sheacknowledgesthenuancednature ofdecision-makingwhichisinfluencedbyamyriadof factorsandstrategicconsiderations.

ThisnuancedapproachextendstoDr.Michel'sschedule management.Recognizingtheneedforpurposefultime allocation,shehasrestructuredherdailyagendatobalance meetings,strategicthinking,researchendeavors,and mentorshipactivities.Dr.Michel'scommitmentto

mentoringextendstoherinteractionswithPh.D.studentsin herlab,whereshefostersanenvironmentofindependence whileprovidingessentialguidanceandsupport.

Despitenotbeingtrainedasapharmacistherself,Dr. Michelisproactiveinfamiliarizingherselfwiththeday-todayoperationsofpharmacyfacultybyvisitingpractice sites.Thishands-onapproachreflectsherdedicationto understandingthediversefacetsofthepharmacyprofession andaligningherleadershipstrategiesaccordingly.

CreatingPathways

Dr.Michel'scommitmenttodiversitystemsfromher personalexperiencesandprofessionalconvictions. Reflectingonherearlyyearsinacademia,sherecallsthe starkabsenceofwomenfacultyduringherdoctoral programatNorthwesternUniversity.Despitethe subsequenthiringofafemalefacultymember,Dr.Michel vividlyremembersencounteringdisparagingremarksfrom malecolleaguesregardingthenecessityofherappointment.

Theunder-representationofwomeninacademic departmentsparticularlyinfieldslikechemistryremainsa pressingissuenationwide.Thus,whenconsideringhernext careermove,Dr.MichelwasdrawntoUMSOPbythe presenceofNatalieD.Eddington,Ph.D.,FAAPS,FCP.Dr EddingtonwasatthetimechairoftheDepartmentof PharmaceuticalSciencesandofferedDr.Michelaposition withinadepartmentthatboastedadiversefaculty composition.Dr.Eddington'ssubsequentappointmentas DeanofUMSOPfurtherreflectstheinstitution's commitmenttofosteringinclusivityandgenderdiversity

Dr.Michel'sadvocacyforgenderequityextendsbeyondher personalexperiencestoinstitutionalpoliciesthatsupport womenfaculty Whenfacedwiththeprospectofbalancing heracademiccareerwithmotherhood,Dr.Micheltook proactivestepstoaddressthelackofformalpolicies regardingfacultytenureextensionforchildbirthoradoption atUMB.Collaboratingwiththefacultysenate,shehelped draftapolicythatremainsineffecttodayprovidingvital supportforfacultymembersnavigatingparenthoodwhile pursuingtheiracademicendeavors.

AsaleaderatUMSOP,Dr.Michelhasspearheadedvarious diversityinitiatives,includingforgingpartnershipswith institutionsliketheUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore County(UMBC)tosupportunderrepresentedminoritiesin thepharmaceuticalsciences.Throughinnovativeprograms modeledaftersuccessfulinitiativeslike UMBC's Meyerhoff Scholars program,Dr.Michelisworkingto createpathwaysforDiversity,EquityandInclusionin academiaensuringthatallaspiringscientistshavethe opportunitytothriveandcontributetogroundbreaking researchandinnovation.

NextGenerationofPharmapreneurs

DeanMichelisrenownedforheradeptnessinensuringthe smoothoperationofUMSOPwhilesimultaneouslysteering theinstitutiontowardsitsstrategicobjectives.Atthecoreof herstrategicvisionliesUMSOP'sexclusive ®Pharmapreneurship initiativeencompassingthreekey areasoffocus—futurepharmacists,master’sprogramsand research.

Recognizingtheevolvingnatureofthepharmacy profession,DeanMichelisspearheadingeffortsto reimaginepharmacyeducation.Centraltothisendeavoris theoverhauloftheDoctorofPharmacycurriculum,aimed atequippingstudentswiththeskillsandmindsetneededto thriveinacontinuallychanginghealthcareenvironment.By

infusingpharmapreneurshipprinciplesintothecurriculum, DeanMichelseekstocultivateacultureofinnovationand adaptabilityamongstudentsempoweringthemtonavigate complexhealthcaresystemsandpioneernewventures.

Inadditiontorevitalizingpharmacyeducation,Dean MichelisexpandingUMSOP'sofferingstoaddress emerginghealthcareneeds.Thisincludesthedevelopment ofinnovativeMaster’sandDoctoralprogramssuchasthe nation'sfirstPh.D.inPalliativeCareandaMaster’s programinMedicalCannabisScienceandtherapeutics. Theseinitiativesnotonlyprovidestudentswithspecialized trainingbutalsocontributetoUMSOP'sstatusasanational modelforpharmacyeducation.

DeanMichelemphasizestheimportanceofUMSOP's multidimensionalapproachtoeducation,whichsupports studentswithinspecializedprogramsandalsooffers opportunitiesforPharmDstudentstoengagein interdisciplinarylearning.Throughelectivecoursesand dual-degreeprograms,UMSOPempowersstudentstotailor theireducationtotheiruniqueinterestsandcareergoals, fosteringacultureoflifelonglearningandprofessional growth.

Drivenbyacommitmenttoexcellenceandinnovation, DeanMichelenvisionsUMSOPasahubofcutting-edge researchandclinicalservicesthatpromote pharmapreneurshipamongfacultyandstudentsalike.With afocusonflexibilityandstrategicthinking,sheisdedicated topropellingUMSOPtowardsgreaterheights,equipping individualstoaddressthecomplexchallengesfacing healthcaretoday.Indeed,underDeanMichel'sleadership,it isanexcitingtimetobepartofUMSOP'sjourneytowards excellenceinpharmacyeducationandinnovation.

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Dr.

ISusan Buskirk

Empowering Growth and Mission Fulfillment at UMB

ntegrityandaccountabilityarefundamentalpillarsof

theresearchandacademiclandscape.Theyare intertwinedconcepts,eachreinforcingtheotherto ensuretheproductionofreliable,credibleandtrustworthy knowledge.

AsastalwartguardianoftheseprinciplesstandsDr.Susan Buskirk.BeingtheVicePresident,ChiefAccountability OfficerandInstitutionalOfficialforHumanandAnimal ResearchattheesteemedUniversityofMaryland, Baltimore(UMB),sheembodiesadedicationtoexcellence thatpermeateseveryfacetofherrole.

AtUMB,arenownedresearchinstitutionthatconsistently securesoverhalfabilliondollarsannuallyinexternal grantsandcontracts,theneedformeticulousoversightand untiringsupportisvital.Dr.Buskirk’smultifacetedposition placesheratthenexusofthisresponsibility,whereshe upholdsthehigheststandardsofethicalconductand ensurescompliancewithregulatoryframeworksgoverning humanandanimalresearch.

LeadingtheOfficeofAccountabilityandCompliance (OAC)atUMB,Dr.Buskirkoperateswithasteadfast commitmenttotheuniversity’scorevalues.Withinthis framework,shefostersatransparentculturethatmeetsas wellasexceedsregulatoryrequirements.Herleadership ensuresadherencetoprotocolsandalsoinstillsconfidence amongstakeholdersintheintegrityofUMB’sresearch endeavors.

Inhercapacity,Dr.Buskirknavigatesthecomplex intersectionofacademicpursuitandethicalobligationwith finesse,guidedbyanethosthatrejectscompromiseand embracesauthenticity.Herapproachunderscoresherbelief thatexcellenceisnotsimplyagoalbutanon-negotiable standardtowhichUMBaspires.

Asatrustedstewardofaccountabilityandcompliance,Dr. Buskirk’scontributionsextendtheconfinesofhertitle, shapingtheverycoreofUMB’sresearchecosystem.Ina realmwherethepursuitofknowledgemustalwaysbe temperedbyethicalconsiderations,herstanchcommitment

servesasarolemodelonthepathtowardsresponsible innovationandacademicexcellence.

NavigatingtheNexus

Dr.Buskirk’strajectorytohercurrentrolemayappear atypical,butithasuniquelyequippedherwiththeskillsand dedicationthatdefinehersuccess.Commencingher professionaljourneyasacriticalcarenursespecializingin traumaandemergencycare,shehonedherabilitiesinhighpressureenvironments.Transitioningtooutpatientnursing withinanHIVprogramintheearlynineties,shefound herselfimmersedinclinicalresearchatwhatwouldlater becometheInstituteofHumanVirologyatUMBSchoolof Medicine.

TheseformativeexperiencesendowedDr.Buskirkwitha diverseskillsetdemandingadeptproblem-solvingandthe abilitytomakewell-informeddecisionsswiftlyand effectively.Moreover,theyinstilledwithinheraprofound appreciationforthecommunitiessheserved,fosteringa fearlessandempatheticapproachtoherwork.

Dr.Buskirk’sprofessionaljourneyadvancedwhenshe steppeduptotheroleofUMB’sInauguralResearch ComplianceSpecialist.Drivenbyherpassionforexploring innovationsinresearchandhealthcare,shepursuedand

“

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Buskirk has underscored the importance of evidence-based decisionmaking—a principle she diligently applied within the Oce of Accountability and Compliance (OAC).”

Dr. Susan Buskirk Vice President, Chief Accountability Ocer and Institutional Ocial for Human and Animal Research

attainedamaster’sdegreeinbiotechnologystudies.Her fervorforadvancingknowledgeandensuringtheintegrity ofresearchremainsundiminished,assheavows,“UMB is conducting some of the most cutting-edge research globally... My aim is to uphold the unquestionable integrity of these endeavors.”

ExcellencePersonified

Dr.Buskirk’scontinualsearchforexcellenceandfirm commitmenttoachievingthehigheststandardsofquality, efficiencyandeffectivenessisexemplifiedbyanearly successinhercareer.In2002,asfederaloversightof researchintensified,theAssociationfortheAccreditationof HumanResearchProtectionPrograms(AAHRPP) introducedstandardsforexcellenceinthisdomain. Recognizingthesignificanceofthisdevelopment,she seizedtheopportunitytopositionUMBasaleaderin researchcompliance.

Underherastuteleadership,UMBachieveditsfirst accreditationfromAAHRPPin2005,distinguishingitself infivekeyareas.Dr.Buskirk’sdedicationtoexcellence extendedfrommereaccreditationassheactivelypromoted theprogrammodelinternationallyandnationally,sharing insightsgleanedfromUMB’ssuccess.Herexpertiseand contributionswerefurtherrecognizedassheservedasa councilmemberforAAHRPPandasaleaderof accreditationsitevisitteams.

ThePathtoCompliance

Dr.Buskirk’stenureasthefirstDeputyChief AccountabilityOfficeratUMBsawasignificantexpansion ofherresponsibilitiesin2014.Thisexpansionincluded oversightofcriticalareassuchastheUMBreporting hotline,complianceeducationandinstitutionalresponseto reportedconcernsincludingdiscriminationandTitleIX issues.Throughoutherdistinguishedcareer,Dr.Buskirkhas underscoredtheimportanceofevidence-baseddecisionmaking—aprincipleshediligentlyappliedwithintheOffice ofAccountabilityandCompliance(OAC).

Recognizingthepivotalroleofmetricsindriving organizationalimprovement,Dr.Buskirkleverageddatato informthecreationandexpansionofprogramsand initiativesaimedatenhancingOACefficiency,effectiveness andquality.Moreover,shechampionedtransparencyby providingstakeholderswithcomprehensiveprogram metrics,therebyfosteringacultureofopennessand accountabilityacrossUMB.

AnearlyfocalpointforDr.BuskirkwithinOACwasthe institution’shotline,recognizingitssignificanceasa conduitforreceivingvitalinformationdirectlyfrom employees.Underherleadership,OACembarkedon extensiveoutreacheffortstoenhancestakeholder engagementbyconductingorientationsandtraining sessionstounderscoretheimportanceandutilizationofthe hotline.

Dr.Buskirk’spassionforeffectiveleadershipandits profoundimpactonbothindividualsandinstitutionsis evidentinhersteadfastsupportforinitiativesaimedat fosteringpositiveinteractionswiththecompliancefunction. Notably,shefacilitatedtheestablishmentofacompliance consultationlineempoweringindividualstoseekguidance andsupportinnavigatingcompliance-relatedmatters.

Dr.Buskirk’sphilosophyisthat‘compliance is an outcome’ofthemission,strategy,structure,andcultureof anorganization.Whenachieved,theframeworkof accountabilityandcomplianceallowsfortheadvancements andinnovationsthatfulfillUMB’smission.

InvestinginExcellence

Dr.Buskirkisastaunchadvocateforprofessional development.Sheleadsbyexample,havingearneda doctorateinmanagementin2018.Heracademicjourney hasinspiredhertofosteracultureofcontinuouslearning withinherteam.Underherguidance,fouroutofsixofher directreportshavepursuedfurthereducation,attaining advanceddegrees.

Additionally,Dr.Buskirkhasfacilitatedherteammembers inobtainingprofessionalcertificationssuchascertified complianceandethicsprofessionalandcertifiedin healthcareresearchcompliance,enhancingtheirexpertise andpositivelyimpactingtheirwork.

ChampioningGenderEquity

Dr.Buskirk’sleadershiptranscendsheroffice,asshe activelypromotesthecareeradvancementandprofessional experiencesofothers.Asafoundingmemberofthe UMBrellaGroup(UMBRoundtableonEmpowermentin LeadershipandLeveragingAspirations),shespearheads effortstosupportthesuccessofwomenatUMBfurther advocatingfortheiradvancementatallorganizational levels.

InresponsetotheNational AcademiesofSciences,Engineering andMedicineReportonSexual HarassmentofWomen,Dr.Buskirk tookproactivemeasurestoaddress genderinequitywithinUMB.She successfullyadvocatedtoUMB’s Presidentfortheestablishmentofa TaskForceonSexualHarassment wheresheservedasco-chair.This pivotaltaskforcepavedthewayfor thecreationofthePresident’s CouncilforWomen,astandinggroup ofstakeholderschargedwithadvising UMB’spresidentonmattersof genderequityandotherissues impactingwomenacrossthe university.

Dr.Buskirkplayedafoundational roleasbothafoundingmemberand inauguralCo-chairofthiscouncil, furthersolidifyinghercommitmentto championinggenderequityand fosteringaninclusiveenvironmentat UMB.

AdvancingResearch

Dr.Buskirk’slatestendeavormarks theculminationofherextensiveexperiencesandher forward-thinkingvision.In2023,shepioneeredthe establishmentofUMB’sinauguralResearchCompliance CoordinatingCouncil(RCCC)whichwasaimedat bolsteringandadvancingtheuniversity’sresearchmission throughenhancedresearchcompliancemeasures.

RCCCservesasaplatformforfosteringcoordination, collaborationandcommunicationacrossvariousfunctional unitsassociatedwithresearchadministrationandoperations atUMB.Notably,thecouncilboastsrepresentationfrom eachofUMB’sschoolsengagedinresearchactivities,as wellascompliance-relatedfunctionalunits.Furthermore,it includesparticipationfromUMB’sresearchpartnerssuch astheUniversityofMarylandMedicalCenterandthe BaltimoreVeteransAdministrationMedicalCenter

Dr.Buskirk’svisionfortheRCCCisrootedinpromoting excellence,integrityandcreativityamongstakeholderswith theaimofdevisingholisticsolutionstocommonchallenges encounteredinresearchcompliance.

UnbridledDetermination

Dr.Buskirk’sfearlessnessdoesnotstopatwork.Attheage of48,sheembarkedonanewendeavor—learningtoride horses.Truetohernature,sheoptedfortheequestrian equivalentofatriathlon—Eventing.Competinginadult amateurcompetitionsindressage,stadiumjumpingand crosscountry,Dr.Buskirkdemonstratesherdetermination andadventurousspiritalongsideheroff-trackthoroughbred horse,Dollar

LeadingwithTransparency

Dr.Buskirkepitomizesauthenticity,transparencyanda deepcommitmenttoUMB’smissionofimprovingthe humanconditionandservingthepublicgood.Hergenuine dedicationtoempoweringotherstoreachtheirfullpotential ispalpableunderscoringhercommitmenttofostering excellenceandfacilitatinggrowthwithintheorganization.

RDr. Yolanda

Inspiring the Next Generation of Nurses

esilience,innovationandtransformativechange arethefoundationalbasisofeffectiveleadership andhealthcareeducation.Leadersandeducators whoembodyresiliencefindthestrengthtonavigate challenges,whileinnovationenablesthemtoforgenew pathsforward.

YolandaOgbolu—PhD,NNP,FNAP,FAAN—theBilland JoanneConwayDeanoftheUniversityofMaryland SchoolofNursing(UMSON)andaTenuredProfessor—is aremarkableindividualwhosejourneyembodiesresilience, innovationandacommitmenttotransformativechangein thisdomain.Herleadershipexemplifiesthesequalities, servingasaninspirationwithintherealmofhealthcare educationandleadership.

Yolanda’snarrativeofleadershipisaboutacademic achievementsalongwiththeliteralandfigurativeleapsshe tookearlyinhercareer,shapingherintothevisionary leadersheistoday.Recountingonesuchmoment,she reminisces,“I vividly remember one of the literal and figurative leaps I took early in my leadership journey.”It wasadefiningmomentduringhertenureasoneofthe12 RobertWoodJohnsonFoundation(RWJF)NurseFaculty Scholarsselectednationwide.Theleadershiptrainingwhich includedanOutward-BoundexperienceinAshville,North Carolina,pushedherbeyondhercomfortzone.

Thechallenge?Launchingherselfoutintotheairfroma zipline,zippingacrossavastchasmandembarkingona gruelingclimbtothepeakofTableRockMountain.Despite initialapprehension,Yolandaembracedthechallengeand fromthemountain’ssummit,sheglimpsedabreathtaking viewthatfueledherhungerformore.

I am happy to represent women including black women, nurses and West Baltimore, but I expect to be seen as more than these labels and to achieve goals that transcend expectations.

Yolanda’sjourneyfromNeonatalNursetoCertifiedNurse PractitionertoesteemedAcademicLeaderisashining exampleofherfirmdedicationtopersonalgrowthand professionalexcellence.With22yearsofhands-onnursing experienceunderherbeltandaPh.D.fromUMSON,she seamlesslytransitionedintoacademia,wheresheflourished invariousroles.

FromDirectorofGlobalHealthtoChairoftheDepartment ofPartnerships,ProfessionalEducationandPractice, Yolanda’strajectorywaspropelledbyherinsatiable curiosityandpassionforeffectingmeaningfulchange.Her researchinterestsledhertoCo-directtheCenterforHealth EquityandOutcomesResearch,whereshetackledcritical issuesattheintersectionofhealthcaredisparitiesand outcomes.

DedicatedWomenfromUniversityofMaryland,Baltimore

Yolanda Ogbolu Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON)

InJuly2023,Yolanda’sunconventionalspiritreachednew heightsasshewasappointedDeanofUMSON,markinga historicmomentasthefirstalumnaandthefirstpersonof colortoholdthisesteemedposition.

HailingfromWestBaltimorejustblocksawayfromthe UniversityofMaryland,Baltimore(UMB),Yolanda’sroots groundherworkinadeepunderstandingofthelocal community’sneeds.Herglobalperspective,gainedthrough extensiveworkinlow-resourcecommunitiesinNigeria, RwandaandLiberia,aswellashereffortstoaddresssocial isolationinWestBaltimoreinspiredbylessonslearned fromcommunitiesinBrazilsupportshercommitmentto equityandinclusioninhealthcare.

Whenconsideringhealthcareeducationandleadership, Yolandastandsastheguidinglightofinnovation, compassionandtransformativechange.Throughher dedicationtoadvancingnursingpractice,fosteringhealth equityandupliftingunderservedcommunities,she continuestoredefinetheboundariesofwhatispossiblein healthcareleadership.

TranquilResolve

Yolandaemergesasatransformativeforceguidedby lessonslearnedamidstthechallengesofanOutwardBound expedition.HerjourneyfromtheheightsofTableRock Mountaintothecorridorsofacademicleadership epitomizesthepowerofcollaboration,courageandvision.

ThelessonsYolandagleanedfromherOutwardBound experienceresonatedeeplywithinherprofessionalethos. Shechampionscollaborationasthecornerstoneofeffective leadership,recognizingitscapacitytosurmountobstacles andfosterinnovation.“My superpower is the ability to be calm,”sheshares,reflectingonherapproachtoleadership. Inthefaceofadversity,Yolanda’stranquildemeanor steadiesherownresolvewhilstalsoinspiringthosearound hertonavigatechallengeswithclarityandcomposure.

DrawingfromherbackgroundasaNeonatalNurse Practitioner,Yolandaemphasizestheimportanceof maintainingcomposureinhigh-stakessituations.“You must be calm in a life-or-death situation with a baby you are assisting with taking their first breath,”sheasserts, highlightingtheinvaluableskillsethonedthroughyearsof frontlinehealthcareexperience.

Yet,Yolanda’sleadershipextendsfrommorethanresilience toencompassaprofoundbeliefinthepowerofhope. Rejectingthenotionofhopeaspassive,shechampionsa proactiveapproachtoshapingthefuture.“What I see in front of me does not dictate what the future can look like. I can imagine a different future, but I must create it,”she asserts,embodyingavisionarymindsetthatpropelsher towardstransformativechange.

InclusiveLeadershipinAction

Yolandaexemplifiesempowermentandadvocacywhereshe isleveragingherpositiontochampionthevoicesof womenandunderrepresentedgroups.Withacareer spanningdiverseclinicalandacademicroles, Yolanda’sjourneyreflectsacommitmentto fosteringinclusivityandadvancingopportunities forall.

Asaleaderinapredominantlyfemaleprofession, Yolandarecognizestheuniqueplatformsheholds toadvocateforwomenandindividualswho identifyassuch.Priortoundertakingherroleas Dean,shespearheadedtheNurseLeadership Institute—agrant-fundedinitiativeaimedat equippingnurseswiththeskillsandcollaboration necessaryforfutureleadershiproles.Her dedicationtoempoweringwomenincludesher professionalendeavors,assheactivelycontributes toUMBrella—aninitiativesupportingwomenat UMBbyfosteringcommunityandenhancing leadershipcapabilities.

Yolanda’supbringinginWestBaltimoreandher experiencesasawomanandnursepractitionerhave profoundlyshapedherperspectiveandgoals.Yet,she cautionsagainstreducingindividualstoasinglenarrative, drawinginspirationfromChimamandaNgoziAdichie’s TEDtalkonthedangersofa‘single story.’“I am happy to represent women including black women, nurses and West Baltimore,”sheasserts,“but I expect to be seen as more than these labels and to achieve goals that transcend expectations.”Inhermultifacetedroleasaleader,advocate andrevolutionary,Yolandaembodiesthecomplexityof humanexperienceandthepowerofinclusiveleadership.

LeadingChange

DeanYolanda’svisionforUMSONisgroundedina commitmenttoexcellence,inclusivityandcollaboration. Throughextensivedialoguewithstakeholders,herstrategic goalshavecrystallizedintofivefoundationalpillars,each shapingthefutureprogressivepathofnursingeducation andpractice.

Thefirsttwopillars,belongingandresourcesformthe bedrockofUMSON’smissiontocultivateasupportive communityforstudents,faculty,andstaff.Recognizingthe uniquechallengesfacedbymanystudentsincludingfirstgenerationlearners,parentsandmilitarypersonnel,Yolanda accentuatestheimportanceofprovidingessentialresources suchasfinancialaid,mentoringandscholarships.“If we seek to address the nursing workforce shortage, we must address the social needs of our students,”sheaffirms,

highlightingthepivotalroleofsupport systemsinnurturingthenextgeneration ofnurses.

Interprofessional Education emergesas thethirdpillar,emphasizingthevitalrole ofcollaborationamonghealthcare professionalsindeliveringoptimal patientcare.Yolandachampions initiativesthatfosterinterdisciplinary teamwork,recognizingitscapacityto enhanceclinicaloutcomesandimprove healthcaredelivery

Thefourthpillarpointsthe UMSON’s commitment to forging robust partnerships withclinical,community andinternationalstakeholders.From collaborativeeffortsinWestBaltimore addressinghypertensionandsocialisolationto engagementswithfaith-basedorganizationsandhealthcare institutions,Yolandaemphasizesthetransformativeimpact ofcollaborativeendeavorsinadvancingcommunityhealth andwellbeing.

Lastly,thefifthpillarshinesaspotlightonshowcasing UMSON’s achievements and contributions tothenursing profession.Throughinitiativesrangingfromcommunity outreachprogramsledbystudentnursestocutting-edge researchprojectsexploringinnovativehealthcaremodels, Yolandaseekstoraiseawarenessoftheschool’spioneering workandinspirefuturegenerationsofnursingleaders.

InDeanYolanda’svision,UMSONcontinuestoemergeas aguidinglightofexcellence,innovationandinclusivity Throughstrategicalignmentwiththesefivepillars, UMSONispoisedtoleadthechargeinshapingthefuture ofnursingeducation,practiceandresearchdrivingpositive changeatlocal,nationalandgloballevels.

Empowering women through education is not just about gender equality; it's about ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all.