The Key, November 2025 Edition

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

THE KEY

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

NOVEMBER 2025

Remembering Dr. Earl S. Richardson Alum was past president of Morgan State; supported lawsuit that led to $577 million settlement for Maryland HBCUs The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) community is mourning the passing of Dr. Earl S. Richardson, a proud alumnus and former faculty member whose lifelong dedication to education left an indelible mark on Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Richardson’s memorial service was held on the UMES campus at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts in September; he was 81 years old.

Earl Stanford Richardson was the youngest of 14 children born to Philip, Sr., and Lena Mae Richardson in Westover, Maryland. He attended public schools in Somerset County before becoming the first person in his family to attend college in the fall of 1961. During his freshman, sophomore and junior years at Maryland State College (now UMES), Richardson served as class president. He graduated with honors in May 1965, earning a B.A. in social science.

After graduation, Richardson was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years and earned the rank of Captain.

After four years of service in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to UMES, where he held several leadership roles, including director of career planning and placement, acting director of admissions and registration, executive assistant to UMES President William P. Hytche, and part-time lecturer.

In 1982, he became assistant to the president of the University of Maryland system before being named president of Morgan State University in 1984, a role he held until his retirement in 2010. During his 26-year tenure as president, Morgan State saw tremendous growth in enrollment, academic reputation, and campus expansion. (continued on page 11)

Scan to donate to the Earl S. Richardson Endowed Scholarship Fund

IN THIS ISSUE

Pages 2-3 2025 Founders Week Highlights

Page 4 Airplane Donation

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

Homecoming Events Schedule

New Faculty Members

Alumni Choir Concert

New PGA Program Leader

Mock Heads to Peru State

Alumni Updates

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NOVEMBER 2025

Standing on Greatness UMES Celebrates 2025 Founders Week Students, faculty, staff and community members celebrated the University’s founding in September with a week of activities, including a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony, Young & Ambitious panel featuring recent UMES graduates, and historic marker placement at the site of the University’s first building: Olney.

Rev. Jamal Bryant, founding pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore and current senior pastor of 10,000+ member New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Atlanta, served as the week’s keynote speaker, encouraging students to stand on the foundation of greatness laid out for them and to remember, “You have enough weight” to make a difference.

The Founders Week Young & Ambitious panel featured recent UMES graduates who are doing great things, including: Bakari “Glitch” Copeland, professional basketball player and on-air personality Saadia Feliciano, compliance manager and past national president of Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society Faithlyn Irving, UMES Women’s Triple Jump record holder Paul Jerry, actor, comedian and model featured in House of Cards (Netflix) and We Own This City (HBO Max) Jayla Koriyan, YouTube influencer, content creator and author Serena Studivant, assistant director for Commuter Student Success at UMBC Darius Timmons, director of College and Career Placements at Connexions School Anthony Stewart, president and CEO of Stewart Financial Services and American Classic Agency, hosted a webinar on financial freedom, and the Office of Alumni Relations & Special Events hosted a cocktail reception and dinner for long-time UMES staffer Dean John Tilghman to round out the week of festivities.

Rev. Jamal Bryant

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NOVEMBER 2025

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NOVEMBER 2025

Soaring High: UMES Receives Airplane Donation

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s aviation maintenance program has received a transformative donation from Piedmont Airlines, marking a major milestone for aviation education on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Piedmont Airlines has donated a retired aircraft along with two static RollsRoyce turbofan engines—resources that will provide students with unprecedented access to real-world training tools. Local officials noted that a donation of this magnitude is unlike any seen before in the region.

Eric Morgan, president and CEO of Piedmont Airlines, described the gift as a strategic investment in workforce development and community advancement.

“Over the years, we began to understand that if we can hire locally out of those communities, and if we can train locally—keeping the people in their own community—we have a better opportunity to retain those employees longterm once they develop the skills that our industry requires,” Morgan said.

He emphasized that the partnership benefits both students and employers in the region.

“It’s an investment in tomorrow for the community. And it’s an investment in our business. We need talented workers with specific certifications and highly technical skills to work on sophisticated aircraft. If we can help create a workforce development pathway that allows local students to gain those credentials, it benefits everyone.”

This marks the first time Piedmont Airlines has donated both standalone engines and a full aircraft to an educational institution.

“American Airlines enabled us to make this donation, which we believe will benefit us over the years—but also benefit the aviation industry and employers across the Eastern Shore,” Morgan added.

The UMES aviation maintenance program prepares students for high-demand careers in aircraft systems repair and maintenance—a field experiencing critical workforce shortages nationwide.

Source: WMDT47, media reports

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NOVEMBER 2025

HOMECOMING WEEK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Church After Next, 10am to noon; Metropolitan United Methodist Church Fellowship Feast immediately following church service; SSC Patio Praise Unplugged: The 2025 Gospel Concert, 6pm to 8:30pm; Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Maroon & Gray Madness: Official Hawkcoming Kick-Off, noon to 2pm; SSC Rotunda & Cafeteria Topflight Pep Rally, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Hytche Athletic Center The Late Shift: SSC Takeover, 7:30pm to 10pm, SSC TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Legacies Over Lunch: Faculty and Staff Alumni Lunch, 11am to 1pm, SSC Cafeteria Stay Plottin’: The Official Homecoming Darty, 5pm to 9pm, SSC Courtyard WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 The Hawk Street Market: Student Vendor Fair, noon to 2pm; SSC First Floor The Coronation of 2025 Mister and Miss University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 6pm to 8pm, Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts Coronation Ball and Reception, immediately following the Coronation, SSC Ballroom Class of 1965 Reunion, Henson Center Ballroom THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 The Nest Fest: You Name It, We Got It!, 11am to 2pm, SSC Theatre Brims & Gems: Life Member & Class Reunion Sneaker Ball, 7pm to 11pm, Henson Center 2025 Hip Hop Hawkcoming Concert, 8pm to 11pm, Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts Tentative schedule/events subject to change; visit umes.edu for most up-to-date information Note: Some events require ticket purchase for admission

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Alumni Central, 11am to 4pm, SSC Rotunda & SSC Game Room Friday on the Yard, noon to 3pm, SSC Courtyard Best of the Nest: Former Student Leader Reception, 3:30pm to 4:30pm, SSC Multipurpose Room Annual Alumni Meeting, 5pm to 7pm, SSC Alumni Beats-n-Bingo, 7pm to 10:30pm; Henson Center 2025 Hawkcoming Step Show, 8pm to 11pm, Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts Friday After Next, 10pm to 2am, Brew River (Salisbury) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Destination 1886: 2025 Hawkcoming Parade, 9am to 10:30am, UMES Campus Hawkcoming Tailgate Experience 2025, 10am to 4pm, Student Development Center parking lot Men’s & Women’s Basketball Games, 2pm to 6:30pm, Hytche Athletic Center Overtime: Grown Folks Event, 7pm to 1am; Henson Center Ballroom Sirius Saturdays, 9pm to 2am, Brew River (Salisbury) Class of 1975 Reunion; SSC Multipurpose Room

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 The Final Flight Brunch, 10am to 2pm, JoJo’s Family Restaurant (Salisbury)

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NOVEMBER 2025

Nearly 30 New Faculty Members Join UMES for Fall 2025 The University of Maryland Eastern Shore added 29 professors, researchers, and lecturers this school year, marking one of the University’s largest infusions of new faculty members in its history.

“Each new faculty member brings fresh perspectives, expertise, and a deep commitment to student success,” said Dr. Rondall Allen, UMES Provost. “Their arrival strengthens our academic community, expands opportunities for research and innovation, and ensures that we continue to provide our students with an exceptional, high-quality education. These new faculty members represent an investment in the future of UMES, and we look forward to the impact they will make on our campus and beyond.”

Dr. Sandeep Aryal

Dr. Bernice Bediako

Dr. David Die

Dr. Vernandi R. Greeen

Dr. Shao-Hsuan Hsia

Dr. Hun-Jin Jeong

New faculty members for fall 2025 include: School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Dr. Jinglu Ai Dr. Shao-Hsuan Hsia Catherine Campbell Dr. Rebekah Torchon Dr. Susann Galloway Dr. Chang Hoon Shin Dr. Anwer Ul Azim Dr. Matthais Goldstein Dr. Mary Harshman

Dr. Jia Liu

School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences Dr. Bernice Bediako Dr. Abiodun Omotayo Dr. William Burke Jesu Raj Pandya Dr. David Brown Dr. Preeti Sharma Dr. David Die G. Sean Schley

School of Education, Social Sciences, and The Arts Dr. Vernandi R. Greene Dr. Stephen Minter Brandon Graves Saswati Sen Dr. Lauren Herbert Karen Simon Jocelyn Martin

Dr. Shalini Saini

Dr. Chang Hoon Shin

Saswati Sen

Dr. Rebekah Torchon

School of Business, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Technology and Tourism Management Dr. Shalini Saini Dr. Sandeep Aryal G. Sean Schley Dr. Hun-Jin Jeong Dr. Haydar Teymourlouei Dr. Jia Liu

New faculty members with Provost Rondall Allen

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Providing Hope on Two Continents UMES Concert Choir Alumni perform to raise funds for Tanzanian clinic Alumni of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore concert choir took the stage for a performance aimed at helping others a world away. On Saturday, Oct. 4, singers who performed under former UMES choir director Dr. Sheila McDonald Harleston put on a celebration of music and a benefit concert to raise funds for the Kamachumu Health Clinic in Tanzania. The event was free to the public The event brought together concert choir members of different eras of Harleston’s tenure at the University who performed an array of music ranging from the classics, standards, and spirituals not heard in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts in close to a decade.

“The choir members start talking about the different recitals and concerts we’ve had before and about those who performed with us and the ones who are no longer with us,” said Harleston, who began the first of her three stints at UMES in 1990 before retiring permanently in 2017. “It takes you back and the memories start to flow.”

Getting members of the alumni choir to come together from all parts of the country wasn’t an easy feat, but Harleston relied on her former students in aiding in various aspects such as coordinating practices and keeping in contact with members.

Some of those performers traveled from as far away as Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, and Florida, while others were as close as within miles of campus.

The mission to raise funds for the equipment and development of the Tanzanian health clinic is personal to Harleston and her husband, Dr. Robert Harleston, a former Criminal Justice Department chair at UMES. The Kamachumu Health Clinic’s co-founder, Dr. Justinian Ngaiza, has been a family friend of the Harlestons, as well as Robert Harleston’s oncologist for years. The purpose of the clinic is to allow Tanzanians to receive the medical treatment they need incountry instead of traveling to nearby countries such as Kenya and Uganda.

“We’ve been big supporters of building the clinic,” Robert Harleston said. “So, when the idea of having a benefit concert was mentioned, he was very appreciative.”

As the opportunity to perform on the Ella Fitzgerald stage again draws close, Sheila Harleston is optimistic that the choir can provide hope for those in Tanzania and within the campus community.

“I hope that people are inspired,” she said. “Inspired to help give to an important cause as well as inspire those on the campus who have a passion for music.”

Dr. Sheila McDonald Harleston

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NOVEMBER 2025

Meet New PGA Program Leader UMES welcomes G. Sean Schley The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is proud to announce the appointment of G. Sean Schley, PGA, as the new Lecturer and Director of its prestigious PGA Golf Management Program. With a distinguished background blending leadership, education, ministry, and community service, Schley brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to this role.

Schley’s professional journey is marked by his deep commitment to service and leadership. Currently serving as Associate Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Port St. Lucie, Florida, he has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to guiding individuals both spiritually and professionally. His extensive ministry experience includes roles as Chaplain and Director of Development at the Isabelle Ridgway Care Center, Chaplain for the Florida State University Men’s Basketball Team, and various pastoral positions within churches across Ohio and Florida.

Academically, Schley holds both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts degree from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Florida A&M University.

His academic and professional excellence has been recognized through multiple scholarships, leadership roles, and published works. Notably, he was the first African American elected as Campus Council President at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio and has contributed to national educational journals.

Schley’s diverse leadership extends beyond the pulpit and classroom.

He is a respected member of numerous professional and fraternal organizations, including Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, where he served as Chaplain at various levels. His dedication to mentorship and community engagement has been a cornerstone of his career.

In his new role at UMES, Schley is poised to leverage his multifaceted background to enrich the PGA Golf Management Program, guiding students not only in the technical and business aspects of golf management but also in character development and ethical leadership.

His holistic approach aligns perfectly with the university’s mission to prepare graduates for success both on and off the course.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore warmly welcomes Mr. Schley and looks forward to the innovative leadership and inspiration he will bring to our PGA Golf Management Program.

G. Sean Schley

2025-26 UMES Men’s Golf Team Vincent Coleman, sophomore from Atlanta, Georgia Jaden Hanson, freshman from Sunbury, England Bryan Janocha, senior from Wilmington, Delaware Emil Liddell, freshman from Vancouver, Canada Pedro Marchioni, graduate student from Sao Paulo, Brazil Max Osten, sophomore from Vancouver, Canada Marcos Ramirez Martin, freshman from Ayamonte, Spain Andreas Roman, freshman from Gibraltar, Spain Jeter Teng, sophomore from Taoyuan City, Taiwan

2025-26 UMES Women’s Golf Team Alysa Davis, freshman from Vancho Palos Verdes, California Busha Fatima, freshman from Lahore, Pakistan Jaida Jacobs, freshman from Porcupine, South Dakota Tinyan Liu, freshman from Hong Kong, China Pearl Omaruaye, freshman from Lagos, Nigeria Charlene Pak, sophomore from Woodstock, Maryland Sydney Raines, sophomore from Oakland, California Baylei Sandford, freshman from Houston, Texas

Jerel Walker, Head Coach Steve Menz, Assistant Coach

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UMES Chief of Staff Named Peru State College President Dr. Robert Mock moves to new role in January University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Robert C. Mock Jr., has been selected as the next president of Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska. He will assume the presidency in January 2026.

Dr. Mock joined UMES in 2018 as the first cabinet appointment of President Heidi M. Anderson. Over the past seven years, he has held several key leadership roles, including vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Experience and interim athletic director.

Dr. Robert C. Mock, Jr.

“Dr. Mock has been an extraordinary servant to UMES – thoughtful, effective, and deeply committed to student success,” said Dr. Anderson. “His leadership, integrity, and ability to bring people together have elevated every initiative he has touched. Peru State College is gaining not only a proven leader, but also a visionary who understands the transformative power of higher education. I am confident he will inspire the campus community and guide Peru State into an exciting new era of growth and achievement.”

A celebration to honor Dr. Mock and say farewell is being planned for the UMES community.

Before joining UMES, Dr. Mock served as president of Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte Campus, vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Kentucky, and associate vice provost for Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas– Fayetteville. He also held leadership positions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he served as both director of Recruitment & Retention and associate dean in the College of Professional Studies.

Dr. Mock holds a B.S. in Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, an M.A. in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education, both from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He also served honorably in the U.S. Army and National Guard from 2002–2010, following the events of 9/11.

WINTER 2025 COMMENCEMENT Saturday, December 13, 2025 10am William P. Hytche Athletic Center

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NOVEMBER 2025

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.

Stewarts Recognized for Contributions to UMES The Office of Alumni Relations & Special Events hosted a celebratory event in October to recognize the contributions of two prestigious alums and raise funds for George A. and Peggy W. Stewart Endowment Fund. The Stewarts established the fund to provide scholarships and academic support to deserving students, reflecting their shared belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity. Peggy Stewart is a 1970 graduate (Education) and George Stewart is a 1972 graduate (Physical Education).

Active participants in alumni engagement and university initiatives, the Stewarts have been honored on the UMES Donor Roll. Peggy Stewart has also been recognized as a recipient of the UMES Legacy Award. Through their continued support, they enrich campus life and expand opportunities for student achievement.

Wallop Named National Alumni President of the Year Teonna L. Wallop (Class of 2000, Criminal Justice) was named National Alumni President of the Year by the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame during its 11th annual Legacy of Leaders Alumni Honors ceremony in September in Atlanta.

Wallop graduated from the UMES in 2000 with a B.S. in criminal justice and a minor in political science. She later earned an M.A. in mental health counseling from Bowie State University. A licensed mental health therapist, Wallop has more than 20 years of experience working with youth and adults in the legal and law enforcement fields, including service with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and in Washington, D.C. Wallop has served as president of the UMES National Alumni Association since 2020, following her role as 2nd Vice President, and also leads the UMES Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter, Inc. She is a certified alumni recruiter and represents UMES on the Board of Visitors, the Fundraising Steering Committee, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Steering Committee.

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Remembering Dr. Earl S. Richardson

NOVEMBER 2025

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(continued from page 1) Richardson was also a pivotal advocate for equity in higher education. His leadership contributed to a landmark $577 million settlement between the state of Maryland and its four HBCUs, the result of a 15-year federal lawsuit addressing disparities in state support for public institutions.

He earned both his M.S. (1973) and Ed.D. (1976) degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.

Richardson married Sheila Bunting in 1976, and they had one son, Eric Anthony, during their 48-year marriage.

Richardson’s vision and service helped shape opportunities for countless students, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Note: Photo at far left is the Earl S. Richardson Library on the campus of Morgan State University

Giving Matters: Donate to UMES Today Help our student Hawks continue to soar above and Body Copy 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.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Inquiries regarding the application of Federal laws and non-discrimination policies to University programs and activities may be referred to the Office of Equity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator by telephone at 410.651.7848 or e-mail (titleix@umes.edu).

An archive is available at www.umes.edu/TheKey The Key is published by University Relations keynewsletter@umes.edu 410.651.7580

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

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.

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

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.

For more information, visit www.umes.edu.