A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends
Carnegie classifies UMES as Doctoral University The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has qualified as a member of a new peer group among doctoral degree-granting institutions. UMES is now a Doctoral University (moderate research activity), according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Only seven percent of the nation’s 4,664 institutions of higher education are considered “Doctoral Universities” in the latest Carnegie survey. UMES becomes the third University System of Maryland institution to earn that status, joining the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the University of Maryland College Park. The new designation brings to fruition a 12-year effort by UMES faculty to move up in classification as a university producing at least 20 research/ scholarship doctorates (Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s) each year. It also fulfills a long-term goal established during the tenure of former President Thelma B. Thompson, who in 2003, challenged the university to pursue a higher Carnegie classification, as well as, develop more peeraccredited academic programs. “I am extremely pleased and excited that UMES has achieved our
February 12, 2016
long-held strategic goal of attaining Carnegie classification as a Doctoral University,” President Juliette B. Bell said. “This change will greatly expand our ability to serve as the research and economic engine for Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” Bell said. “I applaud the faculty and staff for their diligence in helping us reach this milestone in the University’s history.” The change means UMES eventually will be eligible for additional government funding earmarked to support graduate studies and accompanying research initiatives. CARNEGIE / continued on page 6
LOCAL BUSINESSES TO PARTNER WITH UMES AND THE USDA An effort destined to provide major, public, economic benefits on the Shore for socially disadvantaged groups
fish, tilapia fingerlings, fruits and vegetables. Titled “Awareness and Best Marketing Practice Training for Socially Disadvantaged Groups on the Lower Eastern Shore of Delmarva,” it targets Somerset, Wicomico, Accomack, and Dorchester counties, where a significantly higher percentage of persons live below the poverty line when compared to any other county in each of the states on average. Currently, feasibility
A partnership between the UMES School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, the USDA Rural Development office and local businesses will bring major benefits to several counties, initially, on the lower Eastern Shore. The UMES project, funded by the USDA Rural Development office in the amount of $172,270, has been designed to provide awareness and stir interest among socially disadvantaged groups in developing cooperatives and markets for the sale of various consumer products, including sheep, goats, yellow perch whole
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Letitia Nichols, a 2000 alumna and director, USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative Program, spoke on how the study will potentially impact USDA’s global agenda.
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Homecoming Artists Honda All-Star Gourmet Lunch Challenge Series PT Student Wins Award
Dr. Bell accepts a certificate of special congressional recognition from Bill Reddish, Community Liaison for Congressman Andy Harris, for receiving a 2015 USDA Rural Development Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant.
USDA / continued on page 6
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Alumni Homecoming Letter Alumni Present Play
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Alumni Central Athletics Hall of Fame SGA President Makes National News Mosely Black History Exhibit 48 Hour Fundraiser Announced Dietetic Interns Visit State House Hytche Gallery Opens PMG Student meets LPGA Golfer
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Calendar of Events