COMMUNICATION
IS
A newsletter for UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends
THE October 9, 2009
CIRCLING
THE
WORLD
UMES, beating the odds In a time of national economic despair and marked uncertainty, UMES delights in a record enrollment, increasing 3.4 percent over fall 2008, a rise in average SAT scores for entering freshmen and marked improvement in retention. Boasting an enrollment in excess of 4,400 students, a growth trend that began fall 2006, UMES is also experiencing an increase, equaling some 33 points over the last two years, in average SAT scores for the entering class. In addition, retention rates have improved some four points over last year’s 66 percent, all while the 123 year-old institution continues to raise funds for scholarships at a level unparalleled in its history. “UMES remains true to its mission, undaunted in its efforts to provide a high quality education to students committed to earning a degree,” said President Thelma B. Thompson. “Increased enrollment, coupled with an increase in average SAT scores and an increase in retention rates attest to the fact that UMES is positioning itself as one of this nation’s premier HBCUs. I want to thank the faculty and staff who have worked to achieve these results; and the University System of Maryland for the challenge.” Founded in 1886, UMES is home to one of the most diverse student bodies of the 114 HBCUs in the U.S. Achieving record enrollments of over 4,000 students in the past three years, the latest release of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report ranks UMES in the top tier of historically black colleges. In addition, its innovative PGA certified Professional Golf Management program, stand-alone engineering and ODDS / continued on page 7
Photo by Jim Glovier
UMES president receives key to the city of Princess Anne
Photos by Jim Glovier
INSIDE
Page 2 Page 3 African Art at Mosely New BOV Members Material Science Research Jazz Fall Concert
UMES President Thelma B. Thompson, received the key to Princess Anne during the opening convocation at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on the UMES campus. “The Town of Princess Anne hereby designates the week of September 13 as ‘UMES Appreciation Week,’” said Frank White, president, Princess Anne Town Commissioners. The declaration was made in support of the university’s 123rd birthday celebration. Subsequently, the key to the city was extended to Thompson in acknowledgement of the many responsibilities that keep her traveling and working late. White said that he and his fellow commissioners wanted to make sure the president could always get back in the city, regardless of her travels and her hours. UMES was founded September 13, 1886, and Dr. Thompson became the thirteenth president of the institution on July 1, 2002. December 2002, she was given a key to Ocean City. For the occasion, then mayor James Mathias Jr. stated that the key was given in acknowledge of all the educational opportunities UMES has given to the hospitality industry in the city.
Page 4 Education Majors Attend Institution Student Researchers Recognized
Page 6 Page 5 Athletic News Single Parent Scholarships James McBride Visits
Page 7 Fall Theater Production New Student Convocation
Page 8 Calendar of Events