The Key, May 2025 Edition

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

THE KEY MAY 2025 A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Governor Wes Moore to be keynote speaker at UMES 138th Spring Commencement UMES graduation set for May 16 The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) welcomes Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to serve as the spring 2025 commencement speaker. The graduation ceremony will take place May 16 at 10 a.m. in the William P. Hythe Athletic Center on the school’s campus in Princess Anne.

“We are honored to have Gov. Moore bring his message of resilience and achievement to our graduating students,” said UMES President Heidi M. Anderson. “His story is about both inspiration and perspiration – hard work – and resonates with all.”

Moore, the 63rd governor of the state, is Maryland’s first Black governor in the state’s 246-year history and is just the third African American elected governor in the history of the United States.

Moore is a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, where he received an associate’s degree in 1998, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He went on to earn his bachelor's in international relations and economics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

In 2005, Moore deployed to Afghanistan as a lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division, leading soldiers in combat. Immediately upon returning home, Moore served as a White House Fellow, advising on issues of national security and international relations during the George W. Bush administration.

Tickets are required for guest admission to the graduation ceremony. More information regarding tickets and other frequently asked questions can be found at https://wwwcp.umes.edu/commencement/ frequently-asked-commencementquestions/

Moore has held investment banking positions with Deutsche Bank and Citibank and has written several books. He also founded BridgeEdU to help students transition to college and served as CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation.

In his first foray into elected office, Moore ran for Maryland governor in 2022, emerging from a crowded field of Democrat contenders, and then defeating his Republican general election opponent. He was sworn in as governor in January 2023.

IN THIS ISSUE

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72nd Honors Convocation

UMES hosts Scripps Spelling Bee

Author & activist Dyson speaks at UMES

Highlights from 1st Hawk Con

Hawks Hoops

Man the Shore Summit

Alumni Updates

SGA President Featured

24-Hour Film Challenge

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72nd Honors Convocation highlights achievements of more than 900 students More than 900 University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) students were recognized for their academic accomplishments during the University’s 72nd Honors Convocation at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. The April 3 event celebrated the achievements of students who received dean’s list (3.5 GPA or higher), departmental distinction (3.7 GPA or higher), departmental honors, and Awards of Excellence from their respective schools during the spring and fall of 2024.

“Our honorees have demonstrated that they set the mark for others to follow,” said Dr. Rondall Allen, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at UMES, who presided over the ceremony. “They are a testament to UMES’ commitment to high quality education and student achievement. They are beacons of hope and role models to those who desire to achieve the same kind of academic success.”

Todd J. Nock, a 2020 graduate and the mayor of Pocomoke City, Maryland, was the event’s keynote speaker. During his address to the audience, he focused on the power and positivity of rain and the growth it provides.

“We are living in a time when our communities, our democracy, and our shared values are weathering some serious storms,” he said. “What we need now more than ever are people who don’t wait for sunshine. We need people who are unafraid to stand in the rain with purpose, courage, and compassion.”

Continued on next page Honor graduates from spring and fall 2024 semesters were recognized in a ceremony on April 3.

UMES graduate and Pocomoke City Mayor Todd J. Nock served as keynote speaker for the Honors Convocation Program.

(Photos by Joey Gardner)

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The deans of the four undergraduate schools were also on hand to present the Awards of Excellence, which highlights exemplary qualities including: Demonstrated leadership abilities; Outstanding academic performance; Effective communications skills with fellow students and faculty; A high degree of integrity and the ability to work with fellow classmates; The potential for continued scholarly work; and Evidence of overcoming physical or personal obstacles to earn a degree.

Among the Awards of Excellence winners were Tracy Ewli-Kwakutse (School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences), Melanie Elder (School of Education, Social Sciences, and the Arts), David Martin (School of Pharmacy & Health Professions) and Danny Pham (School of Business and Technology).

Honor graduates from all the schools were asked to stand and be recognized during the Honors Convocation event. The UMES Gospel Choir and UMES Thunderin Hawks pep band also performed. Hundreds of honor graduates, family, faculty and friends were in attendance.

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UMES hosts Scripps Spelling Bee competition The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) hosted the 2025 Scripps Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee competition in March.

Wicomico Middle School seventh grader Megan Barrientos won with the spelling of the word “besieged.”

Every year, students from all walks of life have the opportunity to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program. The Scripps National Spelling Bee partners with organizations and institutions across the country to bring events to elementary and middle school students.

UMES is a regional partner. The University is proud to have hosted the Maryland Eastern Shore regional spelling bee, which is free to the public, every year since 2013 (except 2021 due to COVID).

This year’s judges were: Dr. Urban Wiggins, vice provost for Decision Science and Visualization at UMES Dr. Amy Hagenrater-Gooding, professor of English and Modern Languages at UMES Diamond Nwaeze, 4-H STEM youth development educator at UMESExtension Professor and interim chair of the Department of Business, Management, and Accounting at UMES, Dr. Kate Brown, was the Bee’s announcer.

Earl Holland, director of Public Relations at UMES, served as the emcee and transcriber.

The next phase of the Scripps National Spelling Bee takes place with the preliminaries on May 27 and concludes with the finals on May 29.

Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee winner Megan Barrientos with UMES President Heidi M. Anderson; judges Dr. Urban Wiggins, Dr. Amy HagenraterGooding, Diamond Nwaeze; announcer Dr. Kate Brown and bee mascot.

(Photos by Keaira Hilliard)

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Dyson delivers powerful message at UMES Academic, author, activist kicks off Presidential Lecture Series The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) hosted acclaimed author and academic Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on Feb. 19 to launch the University’s Presidential Lecture Series.

UMES President Heidi M. Anderson introduced the Presidential Lecture Series this year.

“We are excited to bring guest lecturers to enlighten our student body, faculty, staff, alumni and the community, giving them the opportunity to learn more and ask questions,” said President Anderson. “Dr. Dyson was the perfect speaker to kick off this series.”

Dyson is currently the Centennial Chair and a distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University. He is the author of more than 25 books, including seven New York Times bestsellers.

Dyson has also been a frequent commentator on radio and television, including NPR’s Morning Edition, NBC’s Meet the Press and the Today show, and CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

During his talk at UMES, which took place in the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Dyson discussed black progress in America, the current political climate and its impact on African Americans, and even the Kendrick Lamar/Drake rap dispute.

Following his nearly 45-minute speech, there was a discussion and question-and-answer session with Dyson led by Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing Robert Vickers.

One of the first questions asked to Dyson was about how African Americans were able to endure and thrive in oppressive situations.

“There’s no question that we have been through bitter calamities, chaos, and difficulty,” Dyson said. “We endured ...Jim Crow, when we were being lynched and murdered with the mayhem of American society. We kept going.”

With the first of the lecture series complete, President Anderson is optimistic that the lecture series will become an annual event for the campus and local community.

“I hope to start a dialogue and a conversation where we bring together the world’s most phenomenal individuals to have voices on our campus so our students, faculty, and staff can experience wisdom from these individuals,” she said.

(Photos by Keaira Hilliard)

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Highlights from UMES’ First Hawk Con Event included vendors, artists showcase, costume contest and more The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s inaugural Hawk Con took place in the Student Service Center on March 1.

The event featured art and comic book exhibits, a costume contest, panel discussions and more. Hawk Con was produced by the UMES Department of Fine Arts and provided an opportunity to spotlight the school’s Sequential Arts Program. UMES offers the only four-year Sequential Arts Program in the nation at a public institution.

Check out photo highlights from the event.

(Photos by Keaira Hilliard)

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Hoops: Three Hawks represent UMES at HBCU All-Star Game Students Zamara Haynes, Mahogany Lester and Evan Johnson have marked their names in the annals of University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) women’s and men’s basketball history with selections to the 2025 HBCU All-Star game.

Haynes and Lester were each selected to represent UMES in the inaugural women's basketball HBCU All-Star Game while Johnson will represent the Hawks in the fourth iteration of the men’s game. The games feature the top 24 players in women's and men's HBCU basketball who have exhausted all NCAA eligibility from the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, SIAC conferences, as well as Tennessee State, Hampton and North Carolina A&T State universities.

In her final year at UMES, Haynes led the Hawks in scoring, assists and minutes played, and was second on the team in steals. For her efforts, she was named an All-MEAC Second Team selection for the second straight year after earning a spot on the All-MEAC Tournament team as a sophomore. Haynes was 12th in the MEAC in scoring average with 11.6 points per game, fourth in made free throws with 93, ninth in assists per game with 82 for the season and 10th in the conference in steals per game with a career-high 47 on the year.

Haynes also broke the 1,000-point career mark this season while scoring double digits points 19 times this season, including a game-high 25 in a win against University of Dayton.

A graduate student, Lester joined the program in 2019 and has been a regular starter for the Hawks, starting 102 of 120 games, including all 61 games the team has played across the last two seasons. Lester set a career-high for minutes per game with 27.4 this season while hitting 78-of-181 shots at a 43.1 percent rate and 33-of-92 three pointers at 35.9 percent. She also pulled down 169 rebounds this season to give her 630 total for her career while hitting a career-high for assists at 45.

For her career, Lester scored 823 points while putting up 242 this season at an average of 7.8. She also recorded 44 steals this season, her third straight with 40-plus, while also blocking 10 shots for 50 in her career.

A transfer from Durham, North Carolina, Johnson solidified himself as one of the top scoring guards in the MEAC this past season. Johnson averaged 14.0 points per game while shooting over 39 percent from the three point line (59-148) and converting 86 percent from the free throw line (68-79). He ranked among the top ten in the MEAC in assists per game with 2.5 and three point makes per game with 2.6. He capped off his collegiate career with back-to-back 22 point performances in the final game of the regular season and the first round of the MEAC Tournament.

Johnson is the second men’s player to be selected as an HBCU All-Star from UMES, joining former Hawk forward Nathaniel Pollard who appeared in the game and won the MVP in 2023.

Zamara Haynes

Mahogany Lester Evan Johnson

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UMES hosts Man the Shore Summit Event focuses on importance of black and brown males in education The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) Department of Education hosted its annual Man the Shore Summit on April 3. The concept behind the event is that representation matters - especially in the classroom.

“Fewer than two percent of educators are black men, and it can be an uphill battle at times,” said Dr. Richard H. Warren, Hazel Profesor of Education and event organizer. “We want to equip our black and brown boys with the necessary skills and competencies that they will need to be productive citizens in the world.”

This year’s Man the Shore event took place in the Student Service Center on the UMES campus, and both middle school and high school students were invited to attend. Before returning to UMES, his alma mater, in 2020, Warren was Maryland’s 2019 public schools Teacher of the Year.

“It was a combination of helping them to mature and learn the skills they need to be successful in the world – manhood and identity, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, learning about community and legacy,” Warren said.

Students from the UMES Men of Color in Education Program were actively involved with the Man the Shore Summit. The UMES Men of Color in Education Program seeks to address disparities in the classroom through the High School Teacher University program, the M.A.D.E Men University Cohort program, and the Man the Shore Educator Network.

“When I’m advocating for black and brown male educators, I’m advocating for all children,” Warren said. “All students, no matter what their background or race, benefit from having a black or brown male educator.”

UMES welcomes director of agricultural research Dr. Vagner Benedito, professor of biochemical genetics and plant physiology, is the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) new associate dean for 1890 Research Programs and associate director of the University’s Agricultural Experiment Station (AES).

Benedito holds a dual appointment in the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS) to conduct research and manage the UMES-AES, including activities funded through Evans-Allen, McIntire Stennis and the associated state matching funds, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

In his new post, Benedito will mentor and support faculty and students associated with the AES and help develop grant applications and funding opportunities. He will also work closely with UMES Extension as well as the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station and establish linkages with relevant public and private sector entities.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Benedito fulfill such a critical role of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences and the university in the support of its land-grant mission,” said Dr. Moses T. Kairo, SANS dean. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to UMES, and I am confident he is well-equipped to keep abreast of changes in the funding landscape from reporting to compliance, and in seeking opportunities for leveraging more funding.”

Benedito comes to UMES from West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where he headed the Laboratory of Plant Functional Genetics. His research looks at how genes contribute to the development of traits of agronomical and nutritional importance by studying genetic models of crops.

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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 and year of graduation.

Anthony Brew (Class of 2005, Criminal Justice) has been selected to lead the Montgomery County’s (MD) Human Resources Department as its new Chief Human Resource Officer. Brew joins Montgomery County with more than two decades of experience in leading employee engagement and talent management at large organizations, including in Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Brew holds a bachelor's degree in criminology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an Executive MBA from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.

Crystal Berger (Class of 2000, English), the founder and CEO of Baltimore-based EBO Corp, secured a $200,000 investment from TEDCO to help take automation, inclusivity, and AI innovation to the next level. Berger’s company is one of the only Black women-owned AI start-ups in the U.S.

Alexander Ryan Wycoff (Class of 2023, Aviation Science) became a pilot with Delta Air Lines in March at age 23.

UMES VP Jenkins racks up recognitions Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Experience Latoya Jenkins was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for 2025 by the Baltimore Daily Record. Jenkins, one of more than 2,000 women named an honoree since the award’s inception 30 years ago, will be recognized during a May 5 awards celebration at Towson University.

“These inspiring leaders have made significant contributions to Maryland and beyond,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record. “They are high-achieving role models who mentor and encourage future generations to pursue their own paths and ambitions.”

This is the second significant recognition for VP Jenkins in recent months.

In February, Jenkins and University Professor Madhumi Mitra were selected to participate in Leadership Maryland’s 2025 Executive Program.

They will join senior-level executives throughout the year to discuss critical issues facing Marylanders and to be a force for positive change.

Jenkins and Mitra are just the latest in a series of leaders from UMES to be selected for Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program. UMES President Heidi M. Anderson was a 2019 graduate, Chief of Staff Robert Mock was a 2021 graduate, and Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Tara Owens graduated in 2024.

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‘UMES has molded me into the individual I am today’ Online publication Watch the Yard featured UMES’ 2024-2025 SGA President Keith Ceruti II in its April edition Excerpts from the Watch the Yard interview below: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as a Student Government Association (SGA ) president so far?

That adversity is inevitable and your ability to accept and adapt will determine your effectiveness as a leader.

You may not always immediately overcome an obstacle; however, a momentary stumble is never a permeant downfall.

What made you decide to attend University of Maryland Eastern Shore for undergrad?

I chose to attend the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as its the most unique HBCU I’ve ever stepped foot on. From being the only HBCU in Maryland that (is a) 1890 Land Grant to being the first public HBCU to have a School of Veterinary Medicine, UMES is a hidden gem that continues to shine unlike any other. When you couple the rich history of our illustrious institution and our unique programs such as PGA Golf Management or Aviation Science, I firmly believe there is no institution remotely close to offering a fraction of what we have to offer.

How has University of Maryland Eastern Shore molded you into the person you are today?

Through innumerous opportunities to cultivate my intellect, professional career, and personal demeanor.

Around every corner of this institution there are opportunities for all, ranging from attending conferences and impactful internships, to working with our state’s government. I attribute this all to my peers, professors, and administrators who always uplift and challenge me to strive for nothing less than excellence.

How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

Our administration supports mental health with the support of UMES Counseling Services headed by Dr. Malkia Johnson. The ability to refer students to these services with 110 percent confidence in our counseling department is a relief as college is undeniably challenging. Additionally our administration is dedicated to being fully authentic, vulnerable, and transparent. Great leaders are selfaware and forthcoming with who they are. I would especially like to attribute this to my SGA Vice President Jada Wilkinson, who exemplifies these core values in everything that we do.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership to me is having the wisdom to put aside your own interests for a greater vision and common goal. As a leader you are an authoritative figure who has a responsibility to the people you serve.

Civil servitude is a responsibility, not a privilege; and It should be in use for the good of all mankind.

SGA President Keith Ceruti II

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Lights, Camera, Action!

UMES Film Club participates in 24-Hour Film Challenge Students from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) Film Club participated in a 24-hour film challenge March 28-29. The concept centered on students creating, filming, and editing a short film in that period, and offered a way to use the digital media skills they’ve learned outside of the classroom.

In all, two films were produced during the challenge and screened in April as part of the Department of English & Modern Languages weeklong festival of events. As part of the challenge, digital media studies professor Roxana Walker-Canton said films all had to be between three and 10 minutes long, and students must include: Six locations (inside, outside, off-campus) An on-campus UMES sign (twice) At least two actors aged 45 or older At least eight extras (twice) A balloon, a person eating, and a person wearing all white “You have to get your cast together, come up with your script, film, and then edit,” said Allen Potts II, a digital media studies student who participated in the challenge. “You have to have the right mindset in order to meet those goals within the deadline.”

Added Tyjaun Johnson, Film Club president: “It can be tough, but I think that’s what also makes it fun. Being able to work with people from different majors and having them see what we do and have them embrace this process is a great experience.”

Walker-Canton is optimistic this year’s event will inspire more students outside of the digital media studies program to be involved in the next 24-hour film challenge. “We want students to come out and give us a try and add some media production to their academic background,” she said. “For our students majoring or minoring in the program, we want them to fall in love it and keep that passion.”

Honored to Support: Donate to UMES Today Help our student Hawks continue to soar above and beyond by making your contributions to UMES today!

Make checks* payable to the UMES Foundation and mail to: University Relations University of Maryland Eastern Shore 30665 Student Services Center Lane Princess Anne, MD 21853-9902 *Please include any designation requests Or, scan the QR code to make your donation securely online.

Questions?

Contact University Relations Vice President David Balcom at dabalcom@umes.edu or 410.651.6199.

As a public 1890 land-grant Historically Black University that embraces diversity, UMES is committed to serving firstgeneration 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.

UMES will be the preeminent public Historically Black University that is recognized for leadership in student-centered education, exceptional research, innovation, and inclusiveness.

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

For more information, visit www.umes.edu.

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

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.

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

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