The Key Newsletter September 2026 FINAL

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

THE KEY

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

SEPTEMBER 2026

President’s Message

Welcome to Fall 2026: Standing on Greatness, Soaring Toward Our Future Dear Hawk Community, Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester!

There is always something inspiring about the beginning of a new academic year. Our campus comes alive again with new faces, renewed energy, ambitious dreams, and the shared promise of what is possible when we come together as one Hawk family.

As we begin this semester, we do so standing on greatness—honoring the generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters whose determination and accomplishments have built the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) we know today. Their legacy gives us a strong foundation, but our responsibility is to continue building upon it.

This year, we have another opportunity to write the next chapter of UMES with intentionality. We will undoubtedly encounter challenges, as higher education continues to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. Yet challenges have never defined UMES. Our response to them has. We are resilient. We are innovative. We believe in our students, our mission, and the transformative power of education.

To our new students: welcome to the Hawk family. Dream boldly, take advantage of every opportunity, and know that there is an entire community here committed to your success.

To our returning students, faculty, and staff: welcome home. Thank you for continuing to bring your talents, passion, and commitment to this remarkable university.

The next chapter is ours to write. Let us write it boldly, lead with purpose, and continue to Soar Above and Beyond.

Here’s to an extraordinary Fall 2026 semester!

Hawk Pride!

Heidi M. Anderson, Ph.D. President IN THIS ISSUE

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140th Anniversary: Founders Week Kickoff

Meet 2026 Student Leaders

Updates on Vet School Plans

New VP of EMSE Shares Vision

Abbott to Keynote Veterans Gala

Meet Cricket: New NAA President

STEM Stars 3rd Cohort

Faculty/Staff Updates

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SEPTEMBER 2026

2026 Founders’ Week: Celebrating 140 Years of Excellence in Education Founders’ Week 2026 marks the beginning of the 140th year of educating students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). From Founders’ Week 2026 through the upcoming year, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are planning activities that Honor Our Past and Empower Our Future!

From humble beginnings in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy with fewer than a dozen students, UMES is recording its largest student enrollment at more than 4,000 students for fall 2026. What began as a private school founded by elders of the Methodist Episcopal Church has grown into a public center of education and research vital to the dynamism of UMES’s geographical region.

As a Land-Grant HBCU, UMES has its roots in agriculture and natural sciences. The university’s unique programs of study have evolved through the decades to include everything from pharmacy and health professions to hospitality programs, engineering, digital media studies and more.

Over the years, UMES has hosted some of history’s most notable leaders, entertainers, athletes and academics, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Coretta Scott King, Michelle Obama, Jesse Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Thurgood Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Robinson, Desmond Tutu, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis, B.B. King, Rev. Jamal Bryant, Stacey Abrams and more.

UMES grads have also gone on to make valuable contributions to the world, including: Joyce Abbott, (C'83) who is the inspiration for Quinta Brunson's hit ABC comedy series “Abbott Elementary.”

Pro-football Hall of Famer Art Shell (C’68) who was the first black head coach in the National Football League.

Saxophonist Clarence Clemons (C’64) who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

FOUNDERS WEEK KEYNOTE ADDRESS Join fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends on campus during Founders Week (September 7-13) for a host of activities celebrating UMES’ historic achievements and ongoing mission.

Hawk Pride – Catch It!

Founders’ Week Keynote Speaker

RACHEL SWARNS Pulitzer Prize winner, former New York Times reporter & author of “American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama” “The 272: The Families who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church”

Wednesday, September 9 SSC Theater 11:00 am

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SEPTEMBER 2026

FOUNDERS’ WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Simon A. Haley School of Agriculture & Natural Sciences Naming Event Hazel Hall 10 am Kings & Queens Cooking Competition Location TBD 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Founders’ Week Keynote Address SSC Theater 11 am UMES History Trivia Day Location TBD Time TBD Thursday, September 10, 2026 Maroon & Gray Day Show Your Hawk Pride - Wear School Colors All Day Young and Ambitious Panel SSC Theater 11 am Hytche Museum Reception Hytche Arena 4 pm Friday, September 11, 2026 Wreath Laying Ceremony Kiah Burial Plot 12 Noon History of UMES Tours Olney Historic Marker 2 pm I Love UMES: Faculty, Staff, Alumni Interviews Across Campus All Day Saturday, September 12, 2026 Community Day of Service Hawks Corner 9 am to 12 Noon UMES 140th Anniversary Darty Location TBD 2 pm Sunday, September 13, 2026 Church Service & Birthday Party Metropolitan United Methodist Church/SSC Theater 11 am

UMES Today: Did You Know?

Did you know: UMES is home to one of only two aviation programs at an HBCU. The other is Tuskegee University in Alabama, which is private, making UMES the only public HBCU in the nation with an aviation program.

UMES is the only accredited college in the nation with a four-year sequential arts program.

UMES is the HBCU in the nation with a PGA-Certified professional golf management program.

The average GPA of UMES student athletes for 2025-26 was 3.5.

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Meet UMES 2026-27 Student Leaders Miss University of Maryland Eastern Shore Brooke “Brookie” Chaney

Mister University of Maryland Eastern Shore Malachi Robinson

Classification: Senior Major: Biology Pre-Med Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Previous Leadership Roles: Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, Miss Maroon and Gray

Classification: Senior Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Capitol Heights, MD Previous Leadership Roles: SGA Vice President, SGA Executive Assistant

This position means everything to me because it represents growth, resilience, and purpose in action. When I first arrived at UMES, I didn’t know anyone and had never been so far from home. But I was always taught that you can bloom wherever you are planted and that is exactly what I’ve done here. UMES gave me the opportunity to get involved, maximize every resource available, and grow both academically and personally. It has shaped me into the leader I am today and taught me what it truly means to uphold a standard of excellence.

Being named the 31st Mister UMES means a lot to me. It shows off all the hard work, dedication, and personal growth that I had to put in. If you had asked my freshman-year self, I would have never imagined being in this position. This achievement is not only a testament to my journey, but also a reminder that growth and perseverance can take you further than you ever expected.

Being the 58th Miss UMES is not just a title; it is a responsibility and an opportunity to give back to the university that poured so much into me. I want to represent that excellence with pride and show current and future students that no matter where you start, you have the power to grow, lead, and leave a lasting impact.

I plan to use this role to create greater unity across campus. At UMES, we are a diverse community with many different personalities, backgrounds, and interests.

My goal is to ensure that every student feels seen, included, and valued. I want to be a leader who represents all students with integrity and pride. Someone they can look to as both an advocate and a symbol of unity. I aim to create an environment where everyone feels they belong and knows they have someone in their corner.

I plan to use my role by intentionally living out my platform, “Crowned in Purpose: Setting the Standard.” I believe that when we raise our standards, we elevate not only ourselves, but our entire campus and community.

SGA President: Armani Dukes To me, serving as the 57th SGA President is far more than holding a title, it is a profound responsibility grounded in transparency, advocacy, and accountability. This role represents an opportunity to honor the legacy and foundation built by the 56 presidents before me, while also pushing forward to create meaningful and lasting change. I am committed to preserving the values that define our university, while actively working to expand opportunities for future generations. I understand that this position carries great weight, and although I have served in leadership roles before, I recognize this will be my most demanding yet transformative experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and fully prepared to serve with purpose and integrity.

Classification: Junior Major: Mechanical As the 57th SGA President, I plan to lead through my C.H.A.N.G.E. platform, an initiative centered on Engineering Hometown: West intentional progress and student-centered leadership. Creating Opportunities through programming, Orange, NJ resources, and access. Honoring our Legacy respecting and remembering where we came from. Advocating Previous Leadership Campus Wide Concerns making sure the needs of the campus are being met. Nurturing Unity bringing every Roles: SGA Vice part of this campus together as one force. Governing Effectively having checks and balances to hold President, Resident ourselves and each other accountable. Ensuring Transparency making sure everyone is in the know what’s Assistant, Hawk going on at the university. Through this framework, my administration will usher in a new era of leadership, one Mentor that is rooted in service, driven by impact, and committed to building a stronger, more unified future for UMES.

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Campus Activities Board Vice President Abigail Limiri

Campus Activities Board President Izaiah Izore Classification: Junior Major: Fashion Merchandising Hometown: Columbia, Maryland Previous Leadership Roles: Campus Activities Board Vice President

Classification: Senior Major: Biochemistry Hometown: Bear, Delaware Previous Leadership Roles: Campus Activities Board Secretary

Being elected CAB President means a great deal to me because it reflects not only the trust my peers have placed in me, but also my personal growth since coming to UMES. When I first arrived, I didn’t feel fully grounded or confident in my place here. Over time, I had to learn how to find my footing, overcome that uncertainty, and push through adversity. This role represents that journey for me—proof that I was able to kick the door down into spaces I once didn’t feel I belonged in and now help hold that door open for others.

I plan to use my role to make student life more diverse, engaging, and intentional. I want to encourage students to take risks when it comes to planning events and to do things outside the norm of what has been done before.

My goal is to be the one who pushes creativity, challenges tradition when needed, and creates space for new ideas to thrive. I also want to ensure students feel comfortable stepping into leadership and expressing themselves freely, while helping build a campus environment that is more inclusive, active, and exciting for everyone at UMES.

This position means growth, impact, and responsibility.

Through my experience in CAB, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about being seen, it’s about being consistent, reliable, and intentional behind the scenes. Stepping into this role represents an opportunity for me to build on that foundation and expand my influence, not just in operations but in shaping the direction and impact of CAB as a whole.

It’s a chance for me to challenge myself, grow as a leader, and contribute to something bigger than myself.

I plan to focus on intentional programming, collaboration, and student connection. By creating events that reflect a wider range of student interests, we can increase engagement and make more students feel included. I also want to strengthen partnerships with other organizations to create larger, more impactful experiences across campus. Most importantly, I want students to feel seen and heard. That means being approachable, open to feedback, and making sure student voices are reflected in what we plan and execute. My goal is to help create an environment where CAB doesn’t just host events but truly enhances student life and contributes to a more connected and engaging campus community.

SGA Vice President: Christopher Tollison This role is about serving and representing students. It's more than a title to me. It's about being a voice for students.

I want to make sure they feel heard, supported, and valued.

For me, this job is also about growing as a person and finding my purpose. I want to make a difference on this campus. I want to help create a place where every student feels like they belong. I want students to feel at home here.

I plan to use this role by turning my C.H.R.I.S platform into action. That means creating more opportunities for students to share their voices, improving access to campus resources, and increasing overall campus involvement. I also want to strengthen the connection between students and administration so that communication is more consistent and effective. Overall, my goal is to help build a more united, supportive campus where every student has the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Classification: Junior Major: Aviation Science Hometown: Chicago, IL

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SEPTEMBER 2026

Progress Continues Toward Opening Vet School Accrediting Body Visited UMES Campus in June The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) met another milestone in its quest to establish the state’s first veterinary school.

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education (AVMA COE), the accrediting body for veterinary programs, visited UMES in June. During the visit, members of the AVMA COE met with UMES’ principal administrative officers to evaluate how the program aims to meet the 11 standards for accreditation. These standards cover critical areas such as governance, finances, physical facilities, clinical resources, curriculum, and outcomes.

The next step in the accrediting process is for the AVMA COE to determine if the UMES SVM is eligible for a Letter of Reasonable Assurance, which would allow UMES to recruit and admit potential students for its inaugural cohort slated for Fall 2027.

While the university awaits the AVMA COE’s decision, UMES continues to prepare by establishing a competitive program that will fill the unmet veterinary needs on the Eastern Shore, throughout the state and beyond. A list of applicant prerequisites and additional information on the proposed selection process can be found on the admissions page at the School of Veterinary Medicine website.

Women’s Flag Football Arrives at UMES The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has announced the addition of Women’s Flag Football as its 16th NCAA Division I sponsored sport. Women’s flag football will begin play during the 2026-27 athletic year and compete within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), which announced its sponsorship of the sport in June.

“In alignment with the mission of UMES, we remain strategic in our efforts to expand programming and provide meaningful opportunities for student-athletes," said Tara A. Owens, vice president of Athletics and Recreation. "It is especially exciting to compete in the MEAC while helping to promote the growth of women's flag football at an HBCU institution. We also look forward to contributing to the sport's development at the collegiate level and welcome members of our community to support this initiative."

Increased participation and student interest have fueled women’s flag football’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with more than 300 teams expected to compete nationwide during the 2026-27 academic year. Women's flag football is also set to reach the global stage as it prepares to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games.

"The addition of women's flag football is an exciting step forward for the MEAC and our member institutions," said MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills. "These sports further strengthen our commitment to supporting the growth of women's athletics, while enhancing the championship experience across our conference."

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New VP of EMSE Shares Plans for Future “Coach” Clemmons Aims for Student Success Dr. Brian Clemmons Dr. Brian Clemmons joined the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) on June VP of EMSE 1 as vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Experience (EMSE). Before coming to UMES, Clemmons spent close to a decade at Bowie State University where he oversaw increases in the institution’s overall enrollment, first-year enrollment and student retention during his tenure. He’s looking to do the same at UMES.

“I used to have a nickname, ‘Coach Belichick,’ even though that nickname isn’t as strong as it used to be,” Clemmons, who played football as an undergrad at Duke University, said with a chuckle. “I feel like I’m a coach at heart, because I love being part of teams and I’m very strategic in executing a plan.”

As EMSE VP, Clemmons will oversee UMES admissions and recruitment, financial aid, residence life, student conduct, and counseling and health services. He plans to use metrics to improve onboarding, student retention and financial aid issues.

“When examining HBCU graduation and retention data, there’s an assumption that the students aren’t smart enough to graduate when the real issue is affordability,” he said. “One practice is getting students registered earlier in order to take advantage of five-month payment plans for smaller, more affordable payments. Another is analyzing data in order to work with philanthropic engagement so the story can be told to potential donors in order to bring more money into the institution.”

UMES Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Experience Dr. April Johnson, who previously worked with Clemmons at Bowie State, said Clemmons’ leadership style will mesh well with his new team.

“He definitely is a coach,” Johnson said. “He likes to talk with you, find out what your skillsets are, what you’re doing in terms of your career path and helps you get there.”

Johnson said Clemmons’ extensive experience in financial aid and enrollment management will help make for a smoother transition for both incoming and returning students.

“He understands all the moving parts involved in enrolling a class and has the ability to bring people together to identify and resolve challenges that can improve the student experience,” she said. “Students will notice a difference in our processes and procedures, and most importantly, they will no longer experience the ‘Hawk Shuffle’.”

Clemmons said the key to successful student engagement isn’t that different from succeeding on the football field – it’s about the fundamentals.

“We need to do the important things in order to keep students engaged and retained at our institution,” he said.

Summer Interns Get Top Place Finishes for Research Interns through the NextGen Agricultural Research Experience for Undergraduates and UMES Extension summer programs earned high marks in a Three-Minute Thesis competition in July: Winners were 1st Place: Caleb Harris, a junior general agriculture major with a concentration in plant and soil science for “Ghost Forest: A Problem That’s Spiraling Out of Control” (Dr. Stephanie Stotts) 2nd Place: Narisa Marks, a freshman biochemistry major for “Now Hiring: The Foundation of the Next Antibiotics” (Drs. Behnam Khatabi and Mozhgan Sepehri) 3rd Place: Osmar Mertus, a sophomore chemistry major for “The Importance of Recycling on a Cellular Level” (Dr. Seungmae Seo) (l to r) Osmar Mertus, Narisa Marks and Caleb Harris. Photo by Todd Dudek, UMES Ag Communications

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SEPTEMBER 2026

Alum Is Inspiration Behind ABC Hit Series “Abbott Elementary”

UMES Grad Joyce Abbott to Speak at Veterans Gala Noted author, educator and University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate Joyce Abbott will be the keynote speaker during the UMES’ annual “Salute to Veterans” Gala and remembrance event on Thursday, Nov. 12.

The event, co-sponsored by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place at the Richard A. Henson Center Ballroom on the UMES campus and begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour followed by dinner.

The dinner serves as a way for the University and the surrounding community to show their appreciation and gratitude to military members past and present.

“We are proud to partner with UMES to support this event that recognizes the men and women who have proudly served this country,” said Bill Chambers, president of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce. “The gala is a great tribute to all who have served our great nation and shouldn’t be missed.”

Abbott, who graduated from UMES in 1983, served in the United States Army for 10 years, ascending to the rank of staff sergeant. She also completed a 10-month tour in the Persian Gulf War. Following her honorable discharge, Abbott was chosen for one of the first cohorts of the nationally regarded Troops to Teachers program.

She later served as an educator in the School District of Philadelphia from 1996 to 2022 and was included in the “Who’s Who Among America’s Finest Teachers” in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

Abbott was also the inspiration behind the name for the hit ABC television show “Abbott Elementary,” which was created by her former sixth-grade student Quinta Brunson.

"We are delighted that Joyce Abbott, a distinguished educator and former member of the U.S. Army, will grace this year's Salute to Veterans event as our keynote speaker,” UMES Vice President of University Relations David Balcom said. “She represents the best of our alumni community and her service to the country is greatly admired by us all."

Joyce Abbott

The event will be emceed by Jake Day, Maryland Secretary of Housing & Community Development, and former mayor of Salisbury.

Tickets are $80; $600 per table of eight. Proceeds from the event support Silver Star Scholarships for student veterans enrolled at UMES, or the sons and daughters of veterans.

ATTEND THIS YEAR’S VETERANS GALA! SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT UMES.EDU TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND TABLES SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE PROCEEDS BENEFIT VETERAN STUDENTS AND DEPENDENTS

Individual Ticket: $80 8-Person Table: $600

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SEPTEMBER 2026

Meet “Cricket” Handy!

UMES Welcomes New National Alumni Association President Editor’s Note: Christen “Cricket” Handy is the newly elected president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore National Alumni Association (NAA). Handy, a Pocomoke City native, is a 2008 graduate who majored in Human Ecology with a concentration in child development. Here’s her Q&A with UMES News.

How long have you been involved with the NAA, and why did you run for president?

I’ve been involved since October 2022. I joined the Tri-County Alumni Chapter, which is where I learned about the NAA. [I ran for president because] I saw a need. There was a gap that I knew I could bridge between the school and community, the different generations of alumni, and alumni and students.

Christen “Cricket” Handy National Alumni Association President

What does it mean to serve in this role?

It means honoring our past and empowering our future. It means giving students opportunities that they didn’t know they could have and ones we as alumni didn’t have. It’s about being present, available and open to hear from those I serve, from all generations. I'm a solution-based person so if I can assist, I will.

Why is being a member of the NAA important in 2026?

It’s important to give back to what got you where you are. So, regardless of whatever woes you had while you were in school, that piece of paper afforded you the opportunity to have a career and your livelihood that you have now, so it’s important to help someone along the way.

What ideas do you have to make the NAA even more relevant now?

One initiative we’re looking at is a health and wellness component. Some of the different chapters do things such as hiking events and participating in a 5K. I’d like to make that a national initiative. Another thing is to increase younger alumni participation and representation, because a lot of people feel that the NAA is for older people. My goal is to emphasize the importance of being part of the NAA when students arrive to UMES as freshmen, so that they understand what it means to be an alum. You understand that when you graduate, you become part of this alumni family and it’s something you’re looking forward to. We want to be as present as possible with the current student body, so that they have something to look forward to and that it doesn’t stop after they graduate.

How is the NAA working to attract more recent graduates to join?

As the national membership chair of the NAA, I was in charge of recruitment. We knew that you couldn’t wait until graduation and send an email to get them enrolled. I came to the graduation brunch and talked with students and encouraged them to sign up. With this past graduating class of 300, we were able to enroll 80 students, which was more than we’ve ever had from a graduating class. Being local and being close to Princess Anne and the campus, that is definitely beneficial in building that connection with students and it’s something I look forward to doing.

How do you see the Mackenzie Scott donation fitting into the NAA’s toolbox of motivating members to support their alma mater?

It’s a way to show that if someone of that stature can donate, that everyone can donate no matter how much or how little they can afford. Every little bit adds up. The question I would get often is “What do I get for the money I donate?” You get the satisfaction of helping a Hawk along the way. We give scholarships yearly, throughout the year. Everything we do is for the student body.

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For Third Cohort of STEM STARS, It’s a Family Affair The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) welcomed its third cohort of STEM STARS in the fall of 2025 and discovered several of the students had UMES roots long before entering the freshman class. STEM STARS stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Students Achieving Results in Science.

“The first thing that stood out to me wasn’t really tied to their academics, it was more so tied to legacy,” said Dr. Tiara Cornelius, director of the UMES STEM STARS program and a 2007 UMES graduate. “Many of the students in this cohort either had one parent or both parents or grandparents who attended the University.”

UMES President Heidi M. Anderson and Dr. Tiara Cornelius with third cohort of STEM STARS

The STEM STARS program’s mission is to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who pursue and earn graduate degrees in STEM disciplines. The first cohort arrived at UMES in the summer of 2023 thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) Driving Change Initiative Award. In that time, the program has enrolled 29 students in various STEM majors, and two members of its first cohort graduated in three years. All members of the three cohorts, which are automatically enrolled into the Richard A. Henson Honors Program, were selected by Cornelius.

Among the students in the third cohort with familial ties to UMES is Carrington Rashaw, a sophomore exercise science major. Rashaw, whose parents not only graduated from UMES but also worked there, said it was never far from her mind.

“I actually grew up on campus and lived there until I was nine,” Rashaw said. “Seeing the tight-knit community in both UMES and Princess Anne, and the support I received on campus, I knew from an early age that I belonged at this school.”

Rashaw said being selected for the group put into perspective the importance of the program and the detailed process Cornelius goes through when choosing the members of the cohort.

“Dr. Cornelius does a really good job of making sure that everyone in the cohort has the necessary organizational, time management and professional skills required, which I appreciated because it put me on the right track my freshman year,” Rashaw said.

Another legacy member among the third cohort is sophomore Kylie Martin, a mathematics major from Nokesville, Va. Martin’s connection to UMES was multi-pronged as both of her parents graduated from the institution, and her older brother Makai, is a member of the charter STEM STARS cohort.

“Being a STEM STAR allows you to hold yourself to a higher standard and every semester you have to meet that bar and continue to be academically forward,” Martin said.

Cornelius said the addition of a fourth cohort is on hold in order to find additional funding that will replace the HHMI grant money once it expires.

“We want to make sure that before we take on any additional students we are able to help them financially during their time here at UMES. Right now, our focus is making sure our first three groups finish their academic journeys,” she added.

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Faculty & Staff Updates Faculty Member Receives Prestigous Research Grant

In his own words...

STEM STAR Gilbert Pinkett III Shares His Summer Experience at NASA I had the privilege to be an aerospace engineering/ Sounding Rocket mission management intern for NASA this summer.

There, I was able to oversee and physically help with the...Sounding Rocket mission launch! I then transitioned into designing and running finite element analyses utilizing NASA software to ensure balloon component compliance with the atmospheric balloon program.

One of the parts I prepared a design review for will be implemented onto an atmospheric balloon this fall! The rocket had my name written on it, and I was able to prepare a poster presentation acknowledging the university. I wanted to show where the contributions of the university’s STEM STAR program have brought me.

I look forward to the fall 2026 semester!

Gilbert Pinkett III is a mechanical engineering major who is part of the first cohort of UMES STEM STARS

Dr. Jiabing Fan, assistant professor in the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UMES, has received a competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) Award (R16).

The $572,000 award will support his research program over a four-year period.

Dr. Jiabing Fan

Fan’s research focuses on developing innovative therapeutic strategies for age-related chronic diseases, with particular emphasis on bone regeneration and age-associated bone loss disease. This NIH award represents a major milestone for Dr. Fan’s research lab and highlights the continued growth of research excellence at UMES. Together with his previously funded Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) award, this NIH award will further accelerate the development of stem cell– based therapeutic platforms toward future clinical translation. This achievement reflects the strong support from department, school, and university leadership and underscores UMES’s commitment to advancing innovative, interdisciplinary research that addresses critical challenges in human health.

Delmarva Public Media Wins 17 AP Awards Delmarva Public Media won a record 17 awards, including first-place awards in eight categories, from the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcaster Association in May. Delmarva Public Media is a collaboration of three radio stations operated by UMES and Salisbury University.

Bryan Russo with Stacey Abrams Jada Skye Brown, a senior digital media studies major, and Sydney Rutledge-Smith, a recent UMES graduate, were among the team’s award-winning recipients for their work.

“Local news coverage is getting harder and harder to do well in this everchanging media landscape, and these awards are a testament to the tenacity, dedication and their commitment to delivering thorough, interesting and objective news stories about our region,” said Bryan Russo, UMES professor and chief content officer for Delmarva Public Media.

Professor Publishes New Book The edited volume of The Contributions of Black Women in International Affairs

by Dr. Constance Pruitt, assistant chair for the department of Social Sciences, has been published and is now available.

Dr. Constance Pruitt

Give: Keep UMES Strong for 140 More Years Scan the QR code to make your donation securely online today.

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.

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

OUR VISION

University Relations University of Maryland Eastern Shore 30665 Student Services Center Lane Princess Anne, MD 21853-9902

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.

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.

Make checks* payable to the UMES Foundation and mail to:

OUR MISSION

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