Read Dr. Jarrell’s column on how the state’s 2025 legislative session impacted UMB and learn about student, faculty, and staff achievements; news from around the University; and upcoming events.
To see previous editions of The President’s Message newsletter, go to the archives page on the Office of the President website.
President’s Column
HOW THE STATE’S 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IMPACTED UMB
As the Maryland General Assembly adjourned its 2025 legislative session, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) emerged tested and triumphant. Amid a backdrop of fiscal austerity and structural deficits, UMB’s presence in Annapolis was not only visible, it also was vital. From budget negotiations to policy advocacy, the University’s faculty, students, and administrators played a pivotal role in shaping legislation that impacts the health, education, and well-being of Marylanders.
The 2025 legislative session unfolded under the shadow of a looming fiscal crisis. With a projected $3 billion structural deficit and a sluggish economic outlook, lawmakers faced difficult choices. Gov. Wes Moore’s administration responded with a budget that included over $274 million in general fund reductions and a series of one-time fiscal maneuvers to balance the books. Despite these efforts, the University System of Maryland (USM) saw a 7 percent cut in state funding — translating to a $25.9 million reduction for UMB.
Yet, even in this constrained environment, UMB’s leadership worked tirelessly to advocate for the University’s priorities. Their efforts ensured that UMB’s value — as Maryland’s only public health, law, and human services university — remained front and center in legislative deliberations.
Budget Realities: Cuts, Restorations, and Strategic Investments
UMB’s Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget includes $359.1 million in state support, a significant reduction from the previous fiscal year. However, the University secured critical restorations and targeted investments that underscore its statewide impact:
- $1.4 million was allocated for the Rural Health Equity and Access Longitudinal Elective (R-HEALE) Scholarship program, supporting health equity.
- $1 million was provided to establish an emergency dental clinic at the School of Dentistry.
- $785,000 was maintained for the Governor’s Wellmobile, a mobile health care initiative to support underserved communities.
The leadership and tireless advocacy of UMB leaders resulted in the restoration of $12.4 million to the Cigarette Restitution Fund, securing critical support for cancer research at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and preserving a vital resource for patients across Maryland.
Capital funding also reflected UMB’s strategic priorities, including:
- $42.9 million for the new School of Social Work building
- Nearly $3.3 million for the School of Medicine’s Health Sciences Research Facility III
- $862,000 to complete the Dental Ambulatory Surgery Center
These investments, while hard-won, reflect the legislature’s recognition of UMB’s role in advancing health equity, research, and workforce development.
Policy Advocacy: Where Expertise Meets Impact
Beyond budgetary matters, UMB faculty and students were deeply engaged in shaping legislation across a wide spectrum of issues. Their testimony and research informed debates on public health, criminal justice, education, and economic development.
One significant piece of legislation was the passage of the Maryland Second Look Act (HB 853), which allows individuals who have served at least 20 years of a sentence to petition for a reduction. Faculty from the Francis King Carey School of Law, including professors Michael Pinard, JD, and Monique Dixon, JD, (in photos, left) provided compelling testimony that helped frame the bill as a step toward restorative justice and racial equity.
In the realm of health care, the Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025 made permanent the pandemic-era provisions allowing audio-only telehealth services. The School of Social Work and Maryland Carey Law provided critical support for this legislation, highlighting its importance for underserved populations.
Legislation That Didn’t Cross the Finish Line
Not all legislative efforts succeeded. Several bills aimed at regulating animal research, expanding collective bargaining rights, and mandating demographic data collection were held in committee. UMB opposed or monitored many of these bills, citing concerns about operational flexibility, unfunded mandates, or duplicative oversight.
For instance, UMB’s Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA, provost and executive vice president, testified against legislation that would have extended collective bargaining rights to graduate assistants and faculty, arguing that UMB’s shared governance model already provides robust avenues for engagement and advocacy.
Student Voices, Real-World Impact
One of the most inspiring aspects of the 2025 session was the active participation of UMB students. From law students testifying on cannabis reform and medical debt to social work students advocating for licensure compacts and telehealth access, UMB students brought passion, expertise, and lived experience to the policymaking process.
Their involvement not only enriched legislative debates but also exemplified UMB’s commitment to experiential learning and civic engagement. These students are not just future professionals — they are current changemakers.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As UMB reflects on the 2025 session, several themes emerge. First, the University’s ability to secure funding and influence policy — even in a difficult fiscal environment — speaks to its credibility and strategic focus. Second, the breadth of legislative engagement — from criminal justice reform to economic development — demonstrates UMB’s interdisciplinary strength.
“The 2025 legislative session reaffirmed UMB’s role as a leader in public service, research, and education. In a time of fiscal constraint and policy complexity, the University not only defended its interests, it also advanced the public good.”
However, challenges remain. The structural deficit facing Maryland is likely to persist, requiring continued vigilance and advocacy. Moreover, the evolving landscape of higher education, health care, and public policy will demand innovative solutions and cross-sector collaboration.
UMB is well-positioned to meet these challenges. With a dedicated Office of Government Affairs team, engaged faculty and students, and a clear public mission, the University will continue to be a vital partner to the state of Maryland.
In conclusion, the 2025 legislative session reaffirmed UMB’s role as a leader in public service, research, and education. In a time of fiscal constraint and policy complexity, the University not only defended its interests, it also advanced the public good.
As Maryland navigates the road ahead, UMB will remain a steadfast advocate for equity, innovation, and impact. The work continues, but the foundation is strong.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
Laurels is a roundup of student, faculty, and staff achievements that is published 11 times a year in The President’s Message newsletter. This month’s edition includes kudos for (in photo, from left) Mark Graber, University System of Maryland Regents Professor, Francis King Carey School of Law, who received the prestigious Fellowship in Constitutional Studies from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation; Joga Gobburu, who was appointed the School of Pharmacy’s Gyi Endowed Memorial Professor in Pharmapreneurship; and Ashea Hatcher, laboratory animal technician, School of Medicine, who was named UMB’s April Employee of the Month.
Download UMB Laurels for June 2025
New Hires
See a LIST OF NEW HIRES at UMB central administration and our seven schools for May.
News and Notes
Class of 2025 graduates stand during the Francis King Carey School of Law’s Hooding Ceremony on May 23 at the Hippodrome Theatre. (Photo by Matthew D’Agostino)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025!
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) held graduation ceremonies May 19-24, with over 1,600 students receiving their degrees from UMB President Bruce Jarrell or Provost and Executive Vice President Roger Ward. On our Graduation 2025 website, you will find stories, photo galleries, video well wishes from Gov. Wes Moore and University System of Maryland Board of Regents Chair Linda Gooden, as well as reflections from graduates of each of UMB’s seven schools (go to the bottom of this article to see excerpts from the video).
Left: Ronald Chisom is hooded during the School of Social Work Convocation. Right: Bruce Jarrell with Robert Morris at the School of Dentistry Convocation. (Photos by Matthew D'Agostino)
CHAMPIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SOCIAL JUSTICE RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREES FROM UMB
UMB bestowed Doctor of Public Service honorary degrees upon Ronald Chisom, co-founder of the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, and Robert E. Morris, DDS ’69, MPH, FICD, a School of Dentistry (UMSOD) alumnus. Chisom, nominated for the honor by the School of Social Work, has been a tireless advocate for social justice for more than 60 years and continues to travel the country facilitating his Undoing Racism Community Organizing workshop. Nominated by UMSOD, Morris was recognized for his decades-long efforts as a philanthropist, public health pioneer, and champion of health education.
‘AIDS, POSTERS, AND STORIES OF PUBLIC HEALTH’ EXHIBIT AT THE HSHSL
The Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) is proud to host “AIDS, Posters, and Stories of Public Health: A People’s History of a Pandemic.” The traveling exhibition explores how communities have used posters and storytelling in response to the AIDS crisis and will be on display on the HSHSL’s second floor until June 12. These posters use drawing, personal narratives, accessible language, and collective design to send a clear message: More than 40 years after the crisis began, AIDS is not over.
PEARL GALLERY NORTH SHOWCASES CREATIVE SPIRIT OF UMB
On a sunny day with a gentle, warm breeze wafting across the manicured green space, guests gathered May 1 to celebrate the unveiling of Pearl Gallery North, a new exterior vinyl art installation featuring selected works from 1807, UMB’s art and literary journal. Attendees enjoyed custom-made cookies featuring artwork by Deborah Cartee, former clinical associate professor at the School of Dentistry, and received copies of past 1807 issues. Jennifer Litchman, chief external relations officer and senior vice president, and founder and chair, Council for the Arts & Culture, said, “Some people might think this is a small thing, a little thing at a university that has so many big things to deal with — but I think right now, the way the world is, this is what we really need. These small things turn into being a big part of helping us deal with the day-to-day intricacies of life.” (Watch a video about the unveiling.)
UMB RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
UMB has earned its first STARS Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, highlighting the University’s sustainability efforts and success across academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. “Earning Silver for our first-ever submission to the program is a great accomplishment,” said Elizabeth Main, director of the Office of Sustainability. “It helps us capture and celebrate the great progress we’ve made while also identifying areas for focus and improvement.”
THE RISE CENTER IS OPEN AND READY TO SHINE
The smiles from caregivers and toddlers beamed light inside the Rise Early Learning and Family Support Center on May 13, celebrating the opening of the School of Social Work’s (UMSSW) innovative initiative in Upton/Druid Heights. Across two floors at 940 Madison Ave., families will find everything they need to receive support for caregivers and their children, from educators to teach children from birth to 4 years old; to resources, supplies, food, classes, and rooms to unwind in after a busy day; to areas where families with teens can receive guidance and assistance.
The Rise Center offers educational opportunities for children from birth to 4 years old. (Photo by Matthew D’Agostino)
Upcoming Events
JUNE 12: VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FOR RURAL HEALTH EDUCATORS
Join the Physician Assistant Leadership and Learning Academy for a dynamic workshop designed to support and strengthen clinical preceptorship in rural and underserved settings. Workshop highlights include: Understanding the Challenges Facing Rural Preceptors; Exploring Effective Precepting Models for Rural Settings; and Innovative Strategies to Expand Precepting Capacity.
JUNE 18: MAXIMIZING YOUR RESEARCH WITH THE HSHSL’S DATA TEAM
The Data and Bioinformation Services team at the Health Sciences and Human Services Library offers expert guidance on data and bioinformation topics to UMB faculty, staff, and students. In this session, participants will discover how to leverage the library’s services and resources to maximize their research.
JUNE 20: ‘HOMEOWNER OPTIONS’
Join UMB’s Launch Your Life program, led by Consumer Credit Counseling, to learn strategies around homeownership when hardships arise. This workshop is designed to help struggling homeowners explore the options available to save their home from foreclosure and what to do if that is not possible.
Save the Date
AUG. 5: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT WITH UMB POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
UMB Police and Public Safety invites the University and local communities to National Night Out, an annual community-building event that promotes positive relationships between police and the communities they serve. The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. and feature free food, games, giveaways, and more at the BioPark (873 W. Baltimore St.). Watch The Elm website and The Elm Weekly newsletter for more information coming soon.
SEPT. 9: UMB NIGHT AT ORIOLE PARK
Join fellow UMB students, faculty, and staff members for a baseball game and the chance to get a co-branded Orioles/UMB baseball cap when the Orioles host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Information on how to buy tickets is coming soon.
SEPT. 11: FOURTH ANNUAL FACULTY CONVOCATION
The UMB convocation to celebrate the new academic year will feature faculty keynote speakers and recognition of the 2025 Distinguished University Professors. The event will be held on Koester’s Lot, in front of the Saratoga Building.
Video of the Month
Watch Class of 2025 graduates from UMB's seven schools engage in a conversation with Provost and Executive Vice President Roger Ward — looking back at their time at the University and looking forward to new challenges in their chosen professions. (A longer version of the “Seven Students, One Conversation” video can be found on the Graduation 2025 website.)