UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
THE KEY
A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends
FEBRUARY 2026
Before taking the court for their first match, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore men’s volleyball team had already made history.
UMES Men’s Volleyball Kicks Off Its First Season!
UMES, which opened its inaugural campaign with a 3-2 victory on Jan. 5 against the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, became the first Historically Black College or University to field a Division I men’s program. The milestone was the most recent in a chain of events that began nearly 2 ½ years ago when UMES President Heidi M. Anderson and Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Tara A. Owens announced the creation of the program, aided by $250,000 grant from the First Point Volleyball Foundation. UMES became the 68th school to sponsor the fast-growing sport at the NCAA DI-II level.
UMES Is the First D1 HBCU to Offer Men’s Volleyball Program
“We're trailblazers in many ways at UMES and this is yet another example of us carving a new path by adding men's volleyball to our robust athletic program," President Anderson said. "With volleyball's popularity on the rise everywhere it made sense to launch men's volleyball.” Note: An ESPN film crew has been chronicling the UMES men’s team for a documentary on the Rise of HBCU Volleyball that is expected to air sometime this year. (continued on page 3)
IN THIS ISSUE
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Upcoming Events
Winter Commencement
Vet School Updates
Faculty/Staff Achievements
Page 8 SANS Spring Seminar
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Donor Spotlight
Alumni Success
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FEBRUARY 2026
Upcoming 2025-26Events UMES Men’s & Women’s Volleyball Teams Dean of Harvard Divinity School Will Speak at UMES
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore will welcome Dr. Marla F. Frederick, Dean of Harvard Divinity School, to the Princess Anne campus on Feb. 5 in honor of Black History Month. Dr. Frederick is the first black woman to serve as Dean of Harvard Divinity School in its 207-year history. She became the 18th Dean on Jan. 1, 2024. In addition to her role as Dean, Dr. Frederick is a professor of Religion & Culture and a professor of African American Studies at Harvard. Before becoming Dean of Harvard Divinity School, Dr. Frederick served as the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. She also previously served on the faculty at Harvard in the Department of African and African American studies. Dr. Frederick earned her BA from Spelman College and her Ph.D. at Duke University.
Regional Spelling Bee, HawkCon Return to UMES The University of Maryland Eastern Shore plays host to the Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee and the secondannual HawkCon on Saturday, March 7. Both events start at 10 a.m. The Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee, which has been hosted by UMES since 2013, will feature the top spellers from public and private elementary and middle schools in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties for the opportunity to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The event will take place at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts and is free and open to the public. For more information on the Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee, go to https://wwwcp.umes.edu/bee/ HawkCon, which takes place in the Student Services Center ballroom, will highlight and showcase comic books and the creators behind them, including the works of UMES Sequential Arts students. The event will also include a costume contest sponsored by the organizers of Ocean City Comic Con. For more information on HawkCon, go to https://wwwcp.umes.edu/hawkcon/
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UMES Men’s Volleyball Soars Owens, who helped oversee the establishment of Division II men’s volleyball at Central State University, said the addition of the new program at UMES will bring a new level of excitement. “The sport has a great amount of popularity and is a growing sport,” she said. “I think our community will be blown away by the athleticism of this sport and the talent on the court.” This year’s squad, comprised of 18 student-athletes –12 of whom are freshmen – will be led by Dr. Anitra Brockman, who has experience developing championship-caliber teams. Brockman, who coached both men’s and women’s volleyball at Central State, led the CSU men to two Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championship game appearances and a SIAC title in 2024 before coming to UMES. “It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as the first coach of the men's volleyball program at UMES," Brockman said. “I appreciate the overall vision of President Anderson and Vice President Owens have as we embark on promoting diversity in our sport. We have a great opportunity to build a championship level program and make a positive impact in our community.” This year’s schedule features 11 home dates, which included the Jan. 14 home opener against Virginia Wesleyan University and the April 18 finale against Manhattan University. That game will feature two of the newest programs joining the Northeast Conference (NEC). With its entry into the NEC, UMES is immediately eligible to compete in the conference tournament and vie for the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Tournament. Added Brockman: “Entering the NEC in men's volleyball positions our program on a larger platform and reinforces our commitment to providing top-tier opportunities for our student-athletes. This milestone reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for our student-athletes and showcasing their excellence on a national stage. We are excited for what this means for our institution, our community and the future of the sport.”
FEBRUARY 2026
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2025-26 UMES MEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM Nikilas Blumenstock, freshman from Dayton, Ohio Jordan Brockman, sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio Jaxon Clark, freshman from Atlanta, Georgia Jeremy Coleman, freshman from Bloomington, Illinois Tavion Ford, senior from Belize Kenyon Haynes, 5th-year senior from Chicago, Illinois Joshua Hightower, freshman from Irvine, California John Howard III, freshman from Pleasantville, New Jersey Drew Johnson, freshman from Joliet, Illinois Jarrett Key, freshman from Boca Raton, Florida Romel McCloud, freshman from Turner, Oregon Gabriel McWhite, sophomore from Baltimore, Maryland Andre Mills, junior from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Marcellus Owens, freshman from Atlanta, Georgia Edward Piloton Jr., junior from Honolulu, Hawaii Tristan Rowley, freshman from Denver, Colorado Curtis Tom, freshman from Danville, California Chase Valentine, freshman from Kaysville, Utah Dr. Anitra Brockman, Head Coach Chey Cooper, Assistant Coach
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FEBRUARY 2026
Winter Commencement UMES Celebrates 230 New Graduates The University of Maryland Eastern Shore welcomed 230 new graduates during its 28th Winter Commencement ceremony, December 13, 2025. “We’ve spent years dreaming about graduation, and now it’s finally here,” said Terrell Lawrence, of Bowie, Maryland, a business administration major selected to give the student commentary. “As we reflect on this journey, please remember that this is not the end of your book, just the end of a chapter in your story.” Derionah Abner’s path to Princess Anne began as a junior college transfer looking to play volleyball while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The Orlando, Florida native and former All-MEAC conference honoree walked across the stage during Winter Commencement for the second time, as she received her master’s in rehabilitation counseling. “It has shown me how far I’ve come and where I’ve come from,” she said. “Being able to play ball at the level I did, getting two degrees, and being the first in my family to get my master’s, I have a lot of thankfulness and gratefulness.” Shymir Coakley, of Salisbury, Maryland, was familiar with UMES, even participating in the Upward Bound program on campus in high school. While his collegiate journey started elsewhere, his next destination led back to UMES. Coakley said it was at UMES where he found his calling, majoring in finance. “UMES is a great place for opportunity if you go looking for it,” he said. “If you’re willing to put your best foot forward and stay focused, you’ll come out on top.” During her graduation remarks, UMES President Heidi M. Anderson addressed the newest Hawks leaving the nest, letting them know the importance of the day in their journey into making their mark on the world. “The ideals and traditions you have experienced at UMES will be forever a part of your life,” she said. “And you will occupy a unique and lasting place in the life and history of this University.”
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FEBRUARY 2026
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FEBRUARY 2026
UMES Continues to Make Strides Toward Opening Veterinary School New Associate Dean for Research and Innovation Named The University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Veterinary Medicine (UMES SVM) has appointed Dr. Reginald Miller as its new Associate Dean for Research and Innovation. Dr. Miller began his role December 2025 and will be responsible for leading the development of the School’s research enterprise, including research infrastructure planning, compliance oversight, and the expansion of strategic research partnerships. Dr. Miller brings nearly 30 years of experience in research administration, with particular expertise in infrastructure development and operational leadership. Since 2000, he has served within the Mount Sinai Health System, including serving as Director for the Center for Comparative Medicine and Surgery (2000-2017) and Dean for Research Operations and Infrastructure for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Dr. Reginald Miller
“I am very excited to be part of UMES’ effort to create new opportunities that address the lack of diversity and growing need for veterinarians in the workforce,” Dr. Miller said. “I especially look forward to mentoring the next generation veterinary research professionals.” “Dr. Miller brings exceptional expertise in research operations and a proven commitment to expanding scientific discovery,” said Dr. Stanley Robertson, Dean of the UMES School of Veterinary Medicine. “His leadership will be instrumental in building a strong research foundation that supports faculty excellence, student engagement, and the School’s mission to serve Maryland and the broader veterinary community.” Dr. Miller earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Tuskegee University in 1982 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. From 1988 to 1991, he completed a residency in laboratory animal and zoological medicine through the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in partnership with the Seneca Park Zoo. In addition to his research leadership, Dr. Miller serves as Director of Mount Sinai’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Engagement Initiative, which works to strengthen and expand faculty to faculty collaborations with HBCU medical schools, undergraduate institutions, and the Icahn School of Medicine. Dr. Miller’s appointment marks the first addition to Dean Robertson’s leadership team as the UMES School of Veterinary Medicine advances toward its anticipated 2027 opening, pending approval from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Scan the QR codes to follow us on social media and learn more about the School of Veterinary Medicine at UMES.
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FEBRUARY 2026
Faculty & Staff Achievements Two UMES Staff Members Graduate from Leadership Maryland Program UMES Chief of Staff and Vice President of Presidential Strategy LaToya Jenkins and Dr. Madhumi Mitra, a full professor in the Department of Natural Sciences, graduated from the Leadership Maryland program in December. Jenkins and Mitra were two of 51 selected to participate in the eight monthlong hands-on learning program.
UMES Chief of Staff LaToya Jenkins (l) with Dr. Madhumi Mitra at Leadership Maryland graduation
“On behalf of our staff, board, and membership, I congratulate the Executive Program Class of 2025 and Emerging Leader 2nd Class on their incredible achievement,” said David Fike, President and CEO, Leadership Maryland. “I am confident they will continue to drive meaningful change in their communities and across Maryland as part of our alumni network.”
As part of the most recent class, Jenkins and Mitra participated in an orientation and closing retreat that bookended five, twoday sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multiculturalism/diversity across the state. The Leadership Maryland Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state. Jenkins and Mitra join President Heidi M. Anderson and Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Tara Owens as the most recent UMES graduates from the influential program.
Love Named Teacher Educator of the Year, Earns Fellowship Dr. Tyler Love, a faculty member in the Department of the Built Environment at UMES, has been named the 2026 Region I Teacher Educator of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). The award recognizes outstanding middle school, secondary, and postsecondary educators for their classroom innovation and commitment to advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE). ACTE has also selected Love as one of its NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellows for 2026. He is one of only six fellows selected nationwide. Love, a UMES graduate, serves as the University’s director of CTE programs and coordinator of technology and engineering teacher preparation. As the only tenured professor of CTE in Maryland, he has led groundbreaking efforts to expand educator preparation pathways across the state. He developed the state’s first Maryland Higher Education Commissionapproved undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in CTE teaching licensure, work-based learning (WBL), and career counseling. These online programs have strengthened the state’s pipeline of qualified CTE teachers, WBL coordinators, and career coaches—ultimately supporting student career and college readiness. Love also helped secure more than $1 million in grant funding for initiatives focused on STEM and CTE professional development and for recruiting students from underrepresented backgrounds into STEM teacher education programs.
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FEBRUARY 2026
SANS Spring Seminar Features Renowned Energy Scientist Dr. Daniel Kammen to Kick Off Series Dr. Daniel Kammen, a world-renowned energy scientist and expert in renewable energy, climate policy and sustainable development will kick off the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences’ 2026 Spring Seminar Series in February. Kammen will speak on the topic of “Environmental Justice Lives!” on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Carver Hall Auditorium on the UMES campus. Kammen is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Energy and Climate Justice in the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering and professor in the Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. His research currently focuses on decarbonization of power systems around the world; energy access and social justice; materials science for low-carbon economies; big-data approaches to clean transportation; and the electrification of health facilities across Africa. He most recently served as senior advisor for Energy and Innovation at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID: 2021-2022). Kammen was appointed the first Environment and Climate Partnership for the Americas (ECPA) Fellow by Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton in April 2010 and served as Science Envoy for Secretary of State John Kerry and President Barack Obama (2016-2017).
Dr. Daniel Kammen
2026 Spring Seminar Series Schedule Feb. 12: Dr. Mozhgan Sepehri, UMES School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. Topic: Pedagogical use of virtual reality in the classroom. Feb. 19: Dr. Ana Cristina Fulladolsa, University of Maryland Extension. Topic: Plant Disease Clinic. Host: Dr. Behnam Khatabi. March 5: Dr. Eloisa Vendemiatti, West Virginia State University. Topic: Plant trichomes and pest resistance. Host: Dr. Simon Zebelo.
Kammen serves on the board of the Tetiaroa Society, dedicated to marine conservation and cultural survival in French Polynesia. He is also part of the Blue Climate Initiative, dedicated to accelerating ocean-based strategies to tackle climate challenges.
April 2: Dr. Margaret Young, Elizabeth City State University. Topic: Plant biotechnology. Host: Dr. Vagner Benedito.
He is working toward opening a Johns Hopkins University campus on the Kenyan coast, where a core research and teaching faculty will be based around a sustainable Blue Economy.
April 9: Tony Pipa, Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Center for Sustainable Development, Brookings Institution; host of the “Reimagine Rural” podcast. Host: Dr. Abiodun Omotayo.
Kammen has founded or is on the board of more than 10 companies, and has served the state of California and U.S. federal government in expert and advisory capacities. He was the first chief technical specialist for renewable energy and energy efficiency at the World Bank (2010–2011).
April 16: Dr. Andrew Ristvey, University of Maryland Extension. Topic: Remotely piloted vehicle systems (drones) in horticultural production systems. Host: Dr. Victoria Volkis.
Kammen was educated in physics at Cornell and Harvard universities and held postdoctoral positions at the California Institute of Technology and Harvard. Before moving to Johns Hopkins, he worked at the University of California, Berkeley, and at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.
April 30: Dr. Francisco Dini-Andreote, Penn State University. Topic: Microbial ecology. Host: Dr. Gordon Custer.
The seminar series runs through April 30 and is free and open to public.
Contact Dr. Ahmed Elnabawi at aelnabawi@umes.edu for more information.
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FEBRUARY 2026
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Buy a Brick for Your Sweetheart Celebrate This Valentine’s Day by Leaving Your Love Story at UMES—Forever Did you meet your sweetheart on the Yard? Fall in love between classes? Say “I do” because UMES brought you together? Honor your Hawk love story with an engraved legacy brick at the entrance of the Pharmacy and Health Professions Complex. For a gift of $250 per brick (or $500 for a double brick), couples can permanently commemorate where it all began—celebrating love, education, and the institution that shaped your journey. Engrave your names, milestones, or a meaningful date and become part of UMES history—one brick, one story, one legacy at a time, because some love stories deserve to be set in stone. Engraving includes two lines per brick, up to 14 characters per line including spaces. Text BUYABRICK to the phone number 71777 to get started, or contact Armajeanne Harmon Johnson at 410-621-2272 or aharmon1@umes.edu
Donor Spotlight
Longtime UMES Couple Continues to Give Back Daniel and Loretta Savoy are proud UMES alums and longtime supporters of their alma mater. In 2010, they established the Savoy Fund for Human Ecology, creating scholarship opportunities for students in child development, nutrition, and related fields. “As alumni of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, we were the first in our immediate families to pursue a college education,” Loretta Savoy said at the time of their initial $10,000 donation. “We received much assistance and care while attending. Our goal is to continue to give to the educational institution that gave much to us.” Daniel Savoy, a 1967 graduate in agriculture, spent four decades as an educator in Anne Arundel and Wicomico counties. He was principal of James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury from 1986 to 1997 and spent the last 10 years of his career as Wicomico County’s science coordinator. Loretta Savoy, a 1974 graduate in home economics, spent 37 years working in public schools, first as a home economics and child development teacher, then as Wicomico County schools’ food and nutrition supervisor. “We know it is important to provide assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue their educational aspirations,” said Daniel Savoy.
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FEBRUARY 2026
Building on a Legacy Recent UMES Graduate Allen Potts Is Finalist for Prestigious Entertainment Industry Internship A recent University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate is a finalist for a prestigious program helping HBCU students get their foot in the door in the field of media. Allen Potts, a digital media studies major, from Cranford, New Jersey, is vying for an internship in the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP). EICOP is an eight-to-10-week intensive internship that offers the ability to work behind the scenes with major studios, networks, agencies, record labels, production companies, and other leading industry organizations. “It's a very strenuous program where HBCU students get opportunities to work with companies such as Fox, Disney, ABC, places that have a 90% intern-to-hire ratio,” Potts said. “This is something that I'm trying to do in order to get my foot in the door in one of those ‘high partner’ companies.” Potts, who started at UMES as a computer science major, turned to digital media studies, something which became a passion for him. “I was initially afraid to change over to the major,” he said. “But once I sat in some classes and saw how the professors helped students and saw how hands-on everything was, I knew I had made the right decision.” During his time at UMES, Potts sought to “create a legacy,” which he did with his on-campus participation in activities such as the Residence Life Association, UMES Athletics, Discover UMES, and the Hawk Ambassador program. “I just didn’t want to be a person who came here, graduated, and just called it a day,” he said. “I knew this was going to be my alma mater and I wanted to leave a mark.” As a finalist in the EICOP program, Potts will now apply for a paid summer internship with one of the program’s partner companies. Once accepted for an internship, Potts will work his internship either in Los Angeles, New York, or Atlanta. While he waits to hear about his future internship, Potts plans to go back to his native New Jersey, where he will work with kindergarteners helping them to learn the basics of working with computers.
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FEBRUARY 2026
Food Pantry Is Available for Students in Need The HAWK S.H.A.R.E.S. food pantry program helps UMES students by providing a three-day supply of canned goods and non-perishable food to those in need. Many basic hygiene items also are available through the food pantry program. The program relies on referrals from UMES faculty, staff, and fellow students who have identified students with temporary food assistance needs. Students may self-refer too. Visit umes.edu and enter “food pantry” to apply for assistance or refer a student in need. Requests generally are answered within two business days and are filled based on what the food pantry has in stock. Donations are always needed and may be dropped off during regular business hours at the Residence Life office adjacent to the WESM Radio Station. The UMES HAWKS S.H.A.R.E.S. food pantry program is sponsored by the Office of Residence Life. Call 410-651-6144 if you have questions. Note: For safety reasons, donations of homemade products, open food items, or any items requiring refrigeration cannot be accepted.
Giving Matters: Donate to UMES Today Help our student Hawks continue to soar above and beyond by making your contributions to UMES today! Body Copy to the UMES Foundation and mail to: Make checks* payable
University Relations University of Maryland Eastern Shore 30665 Student Services Center Lane Princess Anne, MD 21853-9902 *Please include any designation requests Or, scan the QR code to make your donation securely online.
Questions? Contact University Relations Vice President David Balcom at dabalcom@umes.edu or 410.651.6199.
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The University of Maryland Eastern Shore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Inquiries regarding the application of Federal laws and non-discrimination policies to University programs and activities may be referred to the Office of Equity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator by telephone at 410.651.7848 or e-mail (titleix@umes.edu).
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University Relations 30665 Student Service Center Lane Princess Anne, MD 21853 OUR VISION The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) was founded in 1886 and is a historically Black, Carnegie-classified doctoral research, land-grant institution offering more than 90 academic programs and concentrations leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate.
OUR MISSION
UMES will be the preeminent public Historically Black University that is recognized for leadership in student-centered education, exceptional research, innovation, and inclusiveness.
UMES provides affordable access to higher education while driving innovation in fields like agriculture, science, engineering, and aviation.
As a public 1890 land-grant Historically Black University that embraces diversity, UMES is committed to serving first-generation and underserved students and providing educational, research, and community engagement opportunities to transform the lives of its students who will impact the state, region, and the world.
For more information, visit www.umes.edu.