The School of Medicine’s executive director of professional development and education will use her prize to participate in the Professional Leadership Program for Women & Allies at Towson University.
Photo: Chanise Reese-Queen, second from left, stands with, from left, Chief Human Resources Officer Malika Monger, Provost and Executive Vice President Roger Ward, and President Bruce Jarrell. (Photo by Matthew D’Agostino)
As executive director of professional development and education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), Chanise Reese-Queen, EdD, MSA, knows all about the value of lifelong learning.
“I genuinely enjoy expanding my knowledge and strengthening my skills,” said Reese-Queen, who works in the Office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development at UMSOM. “For me, learning is not simply about acquiring information, it’s also about growth, impact, and contributing meaningfully to the workplace and communities I serve.”
Reese-Queen will soon have another opportunity to expand her knowledge, having won the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) annual James T. Hill Scholarship at the University’s Employee Recognition and Service Awards Luncheon on March 25 at Westminster Hall.
The $2,000 prize is awarded annually to a deserving employee and must be used to support professional development expenses related to certifications, vocational and trade schools, colleges and universities, and specialty training.
Watch a video about the Employee Recognition event below or on YouTube.
Reese-Queen said she’ll apply the scholarship toward participation in the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute’s Professional Leadership Program for Women & Allies at Towson University.
“The program’s emphasis on values-based leadership while navigating complexity, collaboration, leadership voice, and effective communication aligns directly with my leadership journey,” said Reese-Queen, who also is pursuing a Master of Science in Law degree at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. “The skills gained will strengthen my executive presence, enhance my communication, and provide transferable skills I can apply immediately and carry with me throughout my career and personal leadership growth.”
Leading UMSOM’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) program operations, Reese-Queen serves as the primary point of contact for the learning management system, assists faculty and staff with designing CME educational activities, and ensures adherence to regulatory guidelines from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.
She has participated in numerous development opportunities during her tenure at UMB, including the Emerging Leaders Program and the UMBrella Coaching Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she attended an “I Am Remarkable” session during UMB’s Staff Development Week and became an “I Am Remarkable” facilitator to strengthen her presentation skills, later presenting for several organizations, including the University System of Maryland’s Women’s Forum.
“Early in my career, I learned the importance of taking ownership of my professional development through education, leadership training, certifications, and service,” she said. “Whenever an opportunity to learn presented itself — whether through formal education or applied training — I pursued it, especially when it aligned with my career goals.
“While managing a four-year leadership program for nonprofit and Chamber of Commerce executives hosted at various universities, I also participated as a learner, gaining deeper insight into the curriculum to ensure that participants received meaningful, high-quality leadership training while advancing my own professional development,” she added.
Wonder Drake, MD, professor, Department of Medicine, and senior associate dean of faculty affairs at UMSOM, spoke highly of Reese-Queen and contributed to her scholarship nomination with a letter of support.
“I have had the privilege of witnessing her exceptional professionalism, her unwavering commitment to the mission of UMB, and her profound impact on the professional development of faculty, staff, and learners across our institution,” said Drake, who is Reese-Queen’s supervisor. “Chanise exemplifies the spirit of the Hill scholarship — outstanding service to the University coupled with a deep and demonstrated dedication to advancing the professional growth of UMB employees.
“Chanise has consistently strengthened our CME and faculty development infrastructure,” Drake added. “She implemented and now administers a robust learning management system, enhanced institutional partnerships across the University of Maryland Medical Center and University System of Maryland, expanded access to grand rounds for physicians systemwide, and championed initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in continuing education.
“Her leadership extends well beyond UMB through her work as an accreditation surveyor, her respected national presentations, and her elected leadership roles within professional organizations.”
Reese-Queen is looking forward to participating in the Professional Leadership Program at Towson.
“The insights gained will benefit my team through clearer communication, stronger collaboration, and more intentional leadership,” she said. “At the institutional level, this experience will enhance my ability to mentor others, lead initiatives, and contribute to a culture that values leadership development and continuous learning.
“I believe that when individuals grow, teams, departments, and organizations grow as well,” she added, “and professional development plays a critical role in that process.”