COMMUNICATION
IS
A newsletter for UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends
THE September 21, 2012
CIRCLING
UMES announces spelling bee competition for local schools
PHOTO BY AMANDA RIPPEN-WHITE
A Lower Shore elementary or middle school student will have an opportunity next spring to participate in the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee. UMES announced Sept. 12 it will sponsor a A student from competition to identify the region’s top-speller, Somerset County Intermediate listens as who will win an all-expense paid trip to the spelling bee is Washington, D.C. for the nationally televised announced. event. “We know students face tough challenges in the classroom every day,” UMES President Juliette B. Bell said. “And we want to do our part to inspire them – and acknowledge their achievements.” Top administrators from public schools in Somerset and Wicomico counties joined Bell at a kick-off event at Somerset Intermediate School. Both school systems have agreed to encourage their elementary and middle school educators to conduct school-level competitions. “My experience with the Baltimore Bee back in 2007-2008 showed me that this kind of event promotes a healthy competition, builds self-esteem, and promotes academic rigor,” said Somerset schools Superintendent Marjorie Miles. “Spelling is a fundamental skill that can unlock so many academic potentials within children. My advice to the schools, and more important the children – have fun and enjoy the competition!” Students who attend public as well as private and home schools in BEE / continued on page 6 Page 2 Literacy Project Mosely Gallery Concert Choir Comic-con
Page 3 Dumpson Named Senior VP Dean of Ag Named Faculty & Staff Spotlight
WORLD
U.S. News lists UMES in top tier of black colleges
Administrators at UMES and area public schools react as UMES spelling bee mascot, “Hun E. Bee,” doles out a sweet gift. Pictured from left are: Dr. Marjorie Miles, Somerset superintendent of schools; Dr. Juliette B. Bell, UMES president; Bill Robinson, UMES public relations director; Kim Miles, director of secondary education for Wicomico County schools; and Josh Coughran, principal Somerset Intermediate School.
INSIDE
THE
The latest independent study by “U.S. News & World Report” has been released and for the sixth consecutive year, UMES is ranked in the top tier of the nation’s historically black colleges and universities. UMES was rated 33rd, joining fellow Maryland HBCUs Morgan State and Bowie State in the upper tier. Dr. Juliette B. Bell, beginning her first year as UMES’ president, comes to the post from Central State University, an HBCU in Ohio also in the top tier. “We’re pleased our peers continue to think highly of UMES,” Bell said. “Our goal is to move the university from ‘excellence to eminence’ and this annual survey certainly can provide inspiration in reaching those heights. We’re prepared to do the hard work it takes.” According to U.S. News, the nation’s historically black colleges are increasing becoming more appealing to students of all races. UMES’ student body is roughly 75 percent African-American. The separate peer survey asks the president, provost and admissions dean at each of the 80 HBCUs qualified to be ranked to rate the academic quality of other black schools. Peer assessment accounts for 25 percent of the equation with equal weight given to graduation and retention rates. The strength of the faculty, student selectivity—high school class standing and test scores—and the institution’s financial resources make up the other half. The same formula is used in the “Best College” rankings for regional universities. UMES’ ranking over the past six years coincides with strong enrollment numbers. This year, the university enrolled 950 freshman and 181 transfer students for a student body of just over 4,500, Tyrone Young, director of admissions, said. Admission test scores have risen 60 points over the past four years with mean SAT scores having risen 14.5 points over the past year. Undergraduate students have 34 degrees to select from, while graduate students choose from among 14 master’s degrees and seven doctoral programs. UMES also boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 25-to-1, 26 accredited academic programs and a steadily improving retention rate. University supporters have responded to these positive trends by making record-breaking contributions. UMES this summer was named a Circle of Excellence Education Fundraising Award winner for 2012 by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It was one of 65 four-year institutions to be honored and the only HBCU to earn the distinction.
Pages 4-5 Founders' Week Ceremonies
Page 6 Cropper Named Golf Coach Swann Named Head Baseball Coach
Page 7 School News
Page 8 Calendar of Events Smithsonian Exhibit Harcum Book Available