Provost Faculty Fellows Program Provides New Leadership Opportunities
Inaugural cohort completed in May
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”
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 familiarwith 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 FirstYear 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”
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.
JUSTICE ON CAMPUS EverWonderWhat 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
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?”
Ouryoungest 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 wonderwho 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
Justice Brown is a 2022 UMES graduate who now works as the Marketing Coordinator for the UMES Strategic Communications and Marketing Team.
Participant in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program in Marine and Estuarine Science
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 ”
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 andTourism 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
UMESAthletics Enters New EraAfter Housev. NCAA Settlement
UMES can now directly compensate student-athletes
The Unive standard landscap Earlier th which no athletes
"The deci support a opportun and energ Recreatio the finan of Athlet athletics
In specific reference to name, image, and likeness (NIL), the court athletics, ensuring that student-athletes receive fair compensatio direct NIL payments and other financial benefits to student-athlet , p y g p 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, BigTen, BigTwelve, 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”
Setting theAdvocacyAgenda
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 NewYorkerwho 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 theirvoices 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 theirwillingness 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
Congratulations to the Delta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc on its 75 anniversary. Delta Nu was chartered on the UMES campus th (Maryland State College) on May 27, 1950.
Alumni Updates
University alumni are doing great things! From new businessventures to promotions and new leadership positions, UMES alumni continue to soarbeyond the nest!Areyou a UMES alumwho is soaring? Wewant to hearfromYOU!
Shareyourprofessional achievements, personal milestones, and/orleadership accomplishmentswith us Send information to keynewsletter@umes.edu to be featured in an upcoming edition Please rememberto includeyourcontact information
Ayesha Coker (Class of 1999, Human Ecology), Vice-P 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 careerwith 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 inVirginia, 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 inVirginia, 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 NationalTeacher of theYear 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 educatorwho teaches with purpose ”
Longtime Research Farm ManagerRetires
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 andTeaching 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 higheryields 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 su equipment and inputs, and low commodity prices of grains, fa generation”
C ld k h h d d f i b f
fo sti stneduts ohw lliw tcapmi eht ,etats ,noiger dna eht dlrow
dna devresrednu stneduts dna gnidivorp ,lanoitacude ,hcraeser dna ytinummoc tnemegagne seitinutroppo ot mrofsnart eht sevil
yllacirotsiH kcalB ytisrevinU taht secarbme ,ytisrevid SEMU si dettimmoc ot gnivres noitareneg-tsrif
sA a cilbup 0981 tnarg-dnal
RUO NOISSIM
University Relations
30665 Student Service Center Lane
Princess Anne, MD 21853
DoYouHaveStoryIdeasfor TheKey?
yllacirotsiH kcalB ytisrevinU taht si dezingocer rof pihsredael ni deretnec-tneduts ,noitacude lanoitpecxe ,hcraeser ,noitavonni dna ssenevisulcni
SEMU lliw eb eht tnenimeerp cilbup
RUO NOISIV
roF erom ,noitamrofni tisiv ude.semu.www
,erutlucirga ,ecneics ,gnireenigne dna .noitaiva
SEMU sedivorp elbadroffa ssecca ot rehgih noitacude elihw gnivird noitavonni ni sdleif ekil
