The Key, August 2025 Editition

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

THE KEY

A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends

AUGUST 2025

New Hawks: Welcome to UMES! Classes for Fall 2025 begin August 25 The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is excited to welcome both new and returning Hawks for the 2025-2026 academic year! New Student Move-In Day is Aug. 17, Returning Student Move-In Days are Aug. 23-24, and classes begin Aug. 25.

Latoya Jenkins EMSE Vice President emse@umes.edu 410.651.6687

If you need any assistance, the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Experience (EMSE) is here to help!

Dr. Reginal Garcon Associate Vice President & Registrar rgarcon@umes.edu 410.651.6443

Dr. April Johnson Associate Vice President aljohnson2@umes.edu 410.651.6687

Dr. Jamar Simmons Associate Vice President & Dean of Students djsimmons@umes.edu 410.651.8012

Dr. Darryl Isom Assistant Vice President, Admissions & Recruiting ddisom@umes.edu 410.651.6411

Danena Livingston Director, Office of Financial Aid drlivingston@umes.edu 410.651.7923

Dr. Malkia Johnson Director, Counseling Services mljohnson@umes.edu 410.651.6449

Sharone Grant Director, Student Health Services svgrant@umes.edu 410.651.6597

Larita Hugee Assistant Director, Office of Residence Life llhugee1@umes.edu 410.651.6144

Dr. Theresa Queenan Director, Career & Professional Development tqueenan@umes.edu 410.651.6447

Louise Gaile Director, Student Conduct & Community Standards ldgaile@umes.edu 410.651.7850

IN THIS ISSUE

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Provost Faculty Fellows

Justice on Campus

Spring 2025 Graduation Highlights

Athletics: NCAA Settlement

SGA President’s Agenda

Hawks Across the Globe

Alumni Updates

Research Farm Manager Retires

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Provost Faculty Fellows Program Provides New Leadership Opportunities Inaugural cohort completed in May

2025 Provost Faculty Fellows Graduation (Pictured left to right): Drs. Gabriela Vlahovici-Jones, George Ojie-Ahamiojie, Omar Attarabeen, Rondall Allen (Provost), Heidi M. Anderson (UMES President), Kausiksankar Das and Kawanda McCarthy-Williams.

Dr. Rondall Allen, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Provost, introduced the Provost Faculty Fellows program last fall to provide leadership and administrative experience for faculty members. Through the program, fellows take on projects designed to support UMES strategic priorities, including efforts to enhance recruiting, retention, research and academic excellence.

“I started the program because of a need for succession planning at the University and a strong desire from the faculty for leadership development,” said Provost Allen. “Realizing UMES has a lot of untapped potential and talent among our faculty, I felt the program could address both.”

2025 PROVOST FACULTY FELLOWS

DR. LILY CHI-FANG TSAI

DR. BRIDGETT CLINTON-SCOTT

Criminal Justice Professor & Administrative Director, Futures Institute

Human Ecology Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director

DR. OMAR ATTARABEEN

DR. KAUSIKSANKAR DAS

Pharmacy Administration Associate Professor

Natural Sciences Physics Professor & Director, Center for Student Excellence

All faculty are eligible to apply and up to 10 fellows are selected annually.

Fellows receive a stipend and $2,500 for professional development.

Each fellow is responsible for a focused project that supports a strategic priority of the University. Fellows also become familiar with campus-wide initiatives, strategic planning, and shared governance. They have opportunities to participate in leadership meetings and engage with colleagues in the Office of the Provost and other academic and administrative units.

The 2025 inaugural cohort celebrated its graduation in May. Provost Allen said the inaugural cohort was a success with fellows revising the First Year Experience course, developing a process to reenroll stop-out students, updating the Summer Bridge program, and identifying key factors (preadmission GPA, GPA at the end of first semester, credit hours earned at end of first semester) that will aid in the selection of prospective students to enhance retention and on-time graduation rates.

“I am genuinely thankful for the opportunity to have participated in the Provost Faculty Fellows leadership development training, which has supported both my personal and professional growth,” said Dr. Tamarah Thompson. “This experience enhanced my skills in team management, strategic planning, and interprofessional collaboration—areas that are essential to effective academic leadership.”

DR. KAWANDA WILLIAMS Pharmacy Practice Assistant Professor & Assistant Dean, Experiential Education

DR. GEORGE OJIE-AHAMIOJIE Hospitality Tourism & Management Associate Professor

DR. TAMARAH THOMPSON

DR. GABRIELA VLAHOVICI-JONES

Director, Didactic Education & Physician Assistant

Acting Composition Coordinator, English & Modern Languages

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AUGUST 2025

JUSTICE ON CAMPUS

Ever Wonder What Happens at UMES During the Summer?

By Justice Brown When tassels turn and dorm doors shut for the semester, you might think campus goes quiet. But at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), summer is anything but sleepy. It is prime time for our current and future Hawks to get ahead, try new things, and get a taste of college life before the fall.

Justice Brown is a 2022 UMES graduate who now works as the Marketing Coordinator for the UMES Strategic Communications and Marketing Team.

Behind those brick walls each July, incoming freshmen dive into the UMES Summer Bridge Program — an intensive, hands-on experience that helps them make the jump from high school to college life. They don’t just brush up on math and writing; they get a real head start. They learn how to handle new expectations, connect with professors, and get a sneak peek at what’s ahead so the fall semester feels a little less overwhelming.

But they are not alone. Future educators spend weeks on campus at Teacher University, experiencing what it is like to lead a classroom. The program aims to support more teachers of color and help them grow into strong, inspiring leaders.

High schoolers in the UMES Upward Bound Program, a federally funded program that guides students on the path to college, take field trips, live on campus, and get help with academics, SAT prep, and college applications. Many are first-generation college hopefuls, using this support to explore big questions such as, “What do I want to do after graduation?”

Participant in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program in Marine and Estuarine Science

Our youngest Hawks stay busy as well. Middle schoolers attend Envision Scholars Camp, a creative program sponsored by the UMES Fine Arts Department. They dive into art, performance, and leadership activities designed to spark imagination and build confidence.

Science lovers are active too. College students planning to become physical therapists or doctors get valuable hands-on training through the Gross Anatomy Pre-Matriculation Workshop, where they study real cadavers and prepare for the demands of graduate school. Others dive into fieldwork and lab research through the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Marine and Estuarine Science program, spending their summers exploring coastal ecosystems and marine life. Incoming and current college students who are accepted into the STEM Stars Program strengthen their research skills, build resumes, and work with mentors who help them aim higher in STEM fields.

So next time you drive past UMES in July and wonder who left the lights on, now you know. Hawks do not disappear in the summer. They keep the nest alive with learning, growth, and futures unfolding.

STEM Stars participants

Gross Anatomy Pre-Matriculation Workshop participants

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Highlights from the 138th Spring Commencement Gov. Wes Moore tells graduates: “Today is your day” University of Maryland Eastern Shore celebrated 292 students who received their degrees during the 138th Spring Commencement on May 16. The ceremony, in the William P. Hytche Athletic Center, was highlighted

by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who gave the keynote address.

“Regardless of your journey, regardless of your path, regardless of what contours you had to take to get there, today is your day,” Moore said.

The UMES Class of 2025 was full of tales of unexpected obstacles and the determination to see them through.

“I never thought I would go to college and no one in my family had ever made it past high school,” said Kaleigh Powell of Baltimore, who graduated with degrees in sociology and social work and a 4.0 grade point average. “The day I received my acceptance letter, I cried. It never seemed like it was an option.”

For Kenesha DeShields, an administrative assistant in the Office of Leadership and Engagement at UMES, it took nearly 20 years to return to school after initially dropping out in 2003. She returned in 2021 and graduated in May with dual degrees in sociology and social work.

“There were many sleepless nights, some tears, and times I wanted to quit,” DeShields said. “But through it all I remained centered.”

Kristian Francis, an accounting major from Frederick, Maryland, summed up the experiences and journeys of her fellow classmates as she gave the commencement senior student commentary.

“This moment isn’t just for us,” Francis said. “It’s for every person who prayed for us, supported us, or even doubted us. It’s for the version of you who once questioned your worth, your strength, your voice— and still rose to the occasion.”

Photos by Nijel Gamble & Todd Dudek

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Highlights from the 138th Spring Commencement (continued)

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Hawks Travel Across the Globe Increased interest in study abroad programs leads to record participation University of Maryland Eastern Shore students are taking a greater interest in study abroad compared to a decade ago according to recent statistics.

During the 2024-25 school year, close to 100 UMES students participated in at least one study abroad or global learning activity based on information provided by UMES’ Center for International Education (CIE). Over the past two years, 121 students traveled abroad, which is more than the 111 students combined between 2015 and 2023.

“We’ve seen accelerated and exponential growth in the program thanks to the leadership and vision of President Anderson and the Provost’s office,” said Phillip Broussard, Global Opportunities Director at the CIE. “We’re excited to see what global learning and international education programs will bring in the upcoming year.”

Travel opportunities taken during the school year included faculty-led trips to Ghana, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Zambia, and Greece. In June of 2025, the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management went to Zambia as part of its Guest Relationship Management class.

“The data illustrates a significant increase in students’ hunger and curiosity to learn about the world, languages, and cultures through the many programs that we have on campus,” Broussard said.

Broussard attributes this newfound interest in part to amplified promotion of global learning programs, mainly via social media, and by sharing testimonials of students that have participated in global learning programs.

“It was something we started last year by taking an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach in getting the message out there,” he said. “We are trying to meet the students where they are.”

Other initiatives include getting an average of 100 students to participate in study abroad annually, as well as increasing the number of students who apply for prestigious global awards such as the Middlebury and Fulbright scholarships.

“These are nationally competitive scholarships, so to have our students apply for these scholarships and have them follow through to complete them is important,” Broussard added. “Winning one of these scholarships can allow a student to study abroad for a year and even help them in their future careers.”

Alumni Spotlight: Linda Y. Cureton Linda Y. Cureton (Class of 2020, Philosophy) is the first African American to serve as chief information officer (CIO) for NASA (2009-2013). She currently serves as chief executive office (CEO) of Muse Technologies, Inc., a company she founded in 2013.

Cureton has more than 30 years of civil service experience, including serving as deputy director for the U.S. Department of Justice and deputy CIO for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Cureton earned a BS in mathematics from Howard University and masters degree/post-masters advanced certificate in applied mathematics from Johns Hopkins University before earning a doctor of philosophy degree in organizational leadership from UMES in 2020.

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UMES Athletics Enters New Era After House v. NCAA Settlement UMES can now directly compensate student-athletes The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is entering into a new standard of opportunities, recruiting, and retention as the landscape of NCAA collegiate athletics continues to evolve.

Earlier this year, UMES opted into the House v. NCAA settlement, which now allows UMES to directly compensate studentathletes.

"The decision to opt in to the settlement allows for financial support and revenue sharing to give student-athletes a real opportunity to earn income while acknowledging the time, talent, and energy they bring to UMES," Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Tara A. Owens said. "The decision will not increase the financial investment the University makes in the Department Vice President of Athletics & Recreation of Athletics. We are excited about the new landscape of college Tara A. Owens athletics and the future of Hawk athletics."

In specific reference to name, image, and likeness (NIL), the court settlement creates a more equitable model for college athletics, ensuring that student-athletes receive fair compensation and support. Participating schools can now offer direct NIL payments and other financial benefits to student-athletes, potentially including scholarships above the NCAA's previous limits. Schools can also engage in direct NIL contracts with student-athletes, such as licensing agreements, endorsement deals and brand promotion agreements.

“It is a dramatic change and everyone is adjusting,” Owens said. “We stand on our true values and giving our studentathletes the best opportunities academically and athletically. Through the revenue generated by our basketball programs, we have the ability to offer competitive financial packages to high performing student-athletes. I also encourage our alumni to continue to renew and purchase ticket packages as all gate revenue will assist in our recruiting endeavors. The UMES alumni can make a huge difference by coming out to games and supporting our student-athletes.”

Furthermore, the decision to opt in to the settlement enhances the student-athlete experience, increase visibility and access, and ensure competitive recruitment and positioning within the MEAC and Northeast Conference (NEC). While concerns over the current structure of NIL and the transfer portal continue to be a factor in the recruiting and retention of none-power four schools (ACC, Big Ten, Big Twelve, SEC), UMES is embracing the change.

For scholarship and roster management purposes, opting into the settlement allows institutions the opportunity to use a portion of their athletic revenue to directly benefit student-athletes, and scholarship limits may be eliminated, offering more flexibility in providing aid.

“In some cases, it can be a double-edged sword. For schools like UMES, it gives student-athletes more freedom and more power, which I support,” Owens said. “As someone who has mentored and coached young people, I want what’s best for them but on the other hand, we’ve become a feeder system for larger schools because as soon as we get a great athlete, we’ll have them for one year and they’re gone.”

As a counter to the current trends of the transfer portal, Owens says UMES’ mission remains education and athletic experiences that benefit the students and create a championship culture.

“We are committed to doing this with integrity. UMES athletics have a greater impact on the total student with a focus on the human being and complete development. We’ll stick to those things while giving financial support,” said Owens. “As we navigate this latest evolution of collegiate athletics, it is important to stay mission-focused and do the realistic and feasible objectives to position UMES in the best possible spot.”

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Setting the Advocacy Agenda Increased interest, engagement part of SGA President Jada Wilkinson’s platform Service and the willingness to fight for the underdog has always been paramount to University of Maryland Eastern Shore junior Jada Wilkinson.

“It’s been a lifelong thing for me,” said Wilkinson, a native New Yorker who is dual majoring in special education and human ecology with a concentration in child development. “I hate the thought of people not being seen or having their voices heard.”

Having that sense of duty is what led to Wilkinson joining UMES’ Student Government Association (SGA) in various capacities, including as SGA vice president during the 2024-25 school year. She was elected this spring as the 56th SGA president for 2025-26.

“A lot of people saw my potential and believed this was a space for me to be in as a student advocate,” she said. “It was just a matter of adjusting to the learning curves.”

Wilkinson said those learning curves included learning how to delegate responsibilities and trusting her fellow officers in the process of accomplishing a goal: “I learned the value of being on a team. I like doing a lot of things myself and knocking things out, but I understood there are some things you can’t do by yourself.”

Being elected as SGA president isn’t a role Wilkinson takes likely. As part of her presidential platform or “advocacy agenda,” she wants to focus on initiatives that include student safety, increased communication between the student body and administration, and increasing knowledge of campus culture. Wilkinson also said having increased student body participation in the SGA allows for a greater exchange of ideas and representation.

“I want our campaign season to bring a lot of hunger, drive, and ambition to be part of this,” she said. “It’s a great time for people to step out of their comfort zones and showcase their willingness to be the voice of the students, and I’m very excited about it.”

2025-26 SGA President Jada Wilkinson

2025-26 STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) AND CLASS COUNCILS

SGA President: Jada Wilkinson Vice President: Armani Dukes Chief of Staff: Destenie Barnaby Business Manager: Malini Davis USM Representative: Undecided Executive Assistant: Kaitlyn Roy Public Relations:* Victoria Casteel Senior Class Council President: Kayla Winn Vice President: Princaya Sanders Secretary: Bayinnah Newton Treasurer: VACANT Junior Class Council President: Faith Hall Vice President: Massarah McDade Secretary: Zandrea Brown Treasurer: VACANT Sophomore Class Council President: Syriya Greenidge Vice President: Abdulhafeez Akanbi Secretary: Madison Abdus-Sabur Treasurer: VACANT *Interim appointment **Freshman class officers will be selected at the start of the school year.

Alpha Chapter Celebrates 75 Years Congratulations to the Delta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on its 75th anniversary. Delta Nu was chartered on the UMES campus (Maryland State College) on May 27, 1950.

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Alumni Updates University alumni are doing great things! From new business ventures to promotions and new leadership positions, UMES alumni continue to soar beyond the nest! Are you a UMES alum who is soaring? We want to hear from YOU! Share your professional achievements, personal milestones, and/or leadership accomplishments with us. Send information to keynewsletter@umes.edu to be featured in an upcoming edition. Please remember to include your contact information.

Ayesha Coker (Class of 1999, Human Ecology), Vice-President of Marketing for Porsche Cars North America, has been named among the 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News. Coker and her co-honorees are recognized in the May 19 issue of the magazine.

Coker began her career with Porsche in 2010 as an experiential brand event manager, responsible for planning, developing, and managing major event marketing programs, including automotive shows and brand events. She became vice president of Marketing in January 2022, making her the first African American and first woman of color to join the leadership team there.

Charlie Holmes (Class of 1962, Sociology) received the John W. Voight Award in April from the Maryland Football Coaches Association for more than 20 years of loyal service as an assistant football coach.

Holmes played football at UMES and was drafted by the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Colts, before returning to UMES as a coach in the 1970s. Later in his career, Holmes served as an assistant football coach over running backs at Snow Hill High School (2002-2013) and at Parkside High School (2014-Present). Holmes lives in Salisbury with his wife Wanda, a retired high school principal.

Dr. Marvin Jones (Class of 1992, Special Education) was appointed Superintendent of Schools for Essex County Public Schools in Virginia, effective July 1. Prior to this appointment, Jones served as the Chief of Schools for Charles County Public Schools; he was with this district for more than 25 years.

“Moving on from Charles County Public Schools is such a bittersweet decision, my having had such a long and fulfilling experience here,” said Jones. “But as difficult as it is to leave, I am just as excited about the next phase of my career. I look forward to the opportunity to impact so many children and families in Virginia, just as I have in Maryland all these years.”

In addition to his undergraduate degree from UMES, Jones earned a master's degree in school administration from Bowie State University in 2007 and his doctorate in educational leadership from Delaware State in 2021.

Pam Klink (Class of 2015, Graduate Studies) was named the National Teacher of the Year by Magnet Schools of America (MSA) in April.

“Receiving this award from Magnet Schools of America is an incredible honor, but the true recognition belongs to my students,” Klink said. “Their passion, resilience, and curiosity are what inspire me every day. They are the reason I strive to be an educator who teaches with purpose.”

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Longtime Research Farm Manager Retires Merton “Earle” Canter, the man responsible for the daily operation of the campus farm and the fields at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Research, Extension and Teaching Farm, retired in June after 20 years of service with UMES. It’s a feeling of accomplishment, said Canter, who worked as UMES’ research farm manager, at harvest “when good crops and higher yields are achieved through all the hard work of the agricultural technicians.”

Some of the more unusual crops that have been grown at UMES, he said, are sugar beets, ginger, quinoa, industrial hemp, miscanthus, pigeon peas, callaloo and scotch bonnet peppers.

“The biggest challenge for agricultural producers is to stay sustainable,” Canter said. “With constantly rising costs of equipment and inputs, and low commodity prices of grains, farmers need best management practices to survive another generation.”

Canter would know, as he spent three decades farming before his post at UMES, including seven years working in nutrient management with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and extension education from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Although he will miss “the people and the challenges,” Canter plans on traveling and spending more time with his family, including three adult children and eight grandchildren. Also, “working on the house before I get too old to do anything.”

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University Relations 30665 Student Service Center Lane Princess Anne, MD 21853 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.

UMES provides affordable access to higher education while driving innovation in fields like agriculture, science, engineering, and aviation.

OUR VISION

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.

For more information, visit www.umes.edu.

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.