Read Dr. Jarrell’s column on supporting UMB students 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
SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS WITH RESOURCES, OPPORTUNITIES
At the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), our students are not only central to our mission, but they also represent the future of human health, law, and social work. They give profound purpose to the work of our faculty and staff, and, beyond their academic commitments, they devote countless hours of their time to community service and civic engagement. To put it simply: UMB students make an incredible impact on our University, throughout Maryland, and in areas all around the world where they live, work, and study.
A lot is happening in the wider world around us, and much of what’s happening has had a direct impact on the lives of college students. Just last month, UMB Provost and Executive Vice President Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA, hosted a hybrid Face to Face program along with Patricia Scott, assistant vice president of enrollment administration and University registrar, to discuss the status of federal student loan limits for current UMB students compared with those for students newly enrolling after July 1, 2026. Some of the questions raised in the discussion weigh heavy on many of our students and prospective students.
Recognizing that these — and many other U.S. federal actions — have direct impacts on our students, I want to take this time to share some of the resources and opportunities available to help UMB students achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. In addition, it is important that our faculty and staff are aware of the resources available to our students.
Please note: Additional resources and opportunities beyond those listed below are available to UMB students through the Division of Student Affairs and each of our seven schools.
“As we dig deeper into the second half of the academic year, it is as important as ever that our students know where and how they can access support, explore new opportunities for growth, and prioritize wellness.”
First, I want to note that applications for our endowed scholarships open the last week of February and close May 31, 2026. Current and incoming UMB students may be eligible to apply for multiple competitive awards, which recognize academic achievement and commitment to the community, through a single application. While applicants will be considered for all competitive awards, students may only receive one scholarship.
The Office of Student Success, Leadership, and Engagement supports all students and student organizations through a wide range of interprofessional leadership and learning opportunities. This includes assisting students experiencing food insecurity, connecting students to civic and community engagement experiences, and providing students with opportunities to build and sustain community. The office also leads the President’s Symposium and White Paper Project, which is focused this year on civic engagement and civic leadership.
The University Student Government Association (USGA) works toward enhancing the quality of life for all UMB students through prioritizing and addressing student concerns. USGA hosts and co-sponsors events that provide Universitywide educational, cultural, and social programs. Students are welcome to attend monthly USGA Senate meetings to discuss current issues or to help plan student events.
The Writing Center offers individualized writing consultations grounded in writing as inquiry, professional practice, and self-reflection, as well as writing groups and workshops. The center provides support for writing practices including close reading, idea development, drafting and revision, genre awareness, citation practices, and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence tools. Consultation appointments are available Monday through Friday.
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is our hub for interprofessional global health and education. In addition to helping students identify opportunities abroad, CGE offers one-on-one advising sessions, connections with faculty mentors, access to funding resources, programming, and more. CGE also includes the Office of International Services, which provides immigration services for international students and scholars at UMB. Further, the Global Hub serves as a one-stop shop for personalized support for all international activities and engagement by UMB personnel and units.
The Student Counseling Center (SCC) provides short-term, professional counseling and psychiatric services for full- and part-time UMB students. This includes crisis care resources as well as access to mental health workshops and self-help resources. Further, SCC is offering a biweekly virtual support group for PhD students to come together to support and inspire one another.
The Office of Educational Support and Disability Services assists students with disabilities in obtaining reasonable accommodations through an interactive process involving the student and the school. As part of the accommodation process, it coordinates student note-taking assistance and offers a Testing Center for students approved for testing accommodations.
University Recreation and Fitness (URecFit) and Wellness supports students and the UMB community in the pursuit of well-being. Its facilities in the SMC Campus Center include a five-lane pool, fitness center, indoor track, multipurpose courts, and locker rooms with showers and saunas. Currently enrolled UMB students and UMB Shady Grove students have access to URecFit and Wellness facilities, and membership is available to all UMB staff and faculty. Beyond its facilities, URecFit and Wellness offers both in-person and online access to a wide variety of programs addressing holistic health, stress management, mental health, drug and alcohol awareness, and more. URecFit and Wellness also is one of the largest employers of students on our campus, offering both work-study and non-work-study employment opportunities.
The SMC Campus Center also is a great place for students on campus to get connected with resources, grab a bite to eat from Yes Chef!, shop at the bookstore, socialize with peers, and study.
Don’t forget! On the UMB website, you also can find the list of school-specific and Universitywide student organizations.
As we dig deeper into the second half of the academic year, it is as important as ever that our students know where and how they can access support, explore new opportunities for growth, and prioritize wellness. The combined efforts of our students, faculty, and staff ensure that UMB remains a place where our students thrive academically, grow personally, and build meaningful relationships as they prepare to lead in their chosen fields.
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) Guha Krishnamurthi, Francis King Carey School of Law, who had an article published in the Houston Law Review; Yvette Conyers, School of Nursing, who received a 2025-26 Faculty Scholars Grant from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Foundation of Nursing; and Liz Myers, School of Pharmacy, who was honored as the UMB Employee of the Month of November.
New Hires
See a LIST OF NEW HIRES at UMB central administration and our seven schools for January.
News and Notes
UMB EMPLOYEE PANTRY MEETS GROWING NEED
In late October, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency due to the funding halt for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as a result of the federal government shutdown. At UMB, a team formed to develop a plan to support our employees who may have been impacted. The result: the UMB Employee Pantry. Since Nov. 11, more than 550 bags with canned produce, cereal and shelf-stable milk, pasta, seasoning, personal hygiene items, baby formula, and more have been carefully packed for the pantry. Now, UMB leaders are extending access to this free resource through April 2026. “Opening an employee pantry made so much sense. It not only gives us a way to help our own, but to lead by example and to live our core values,” said Dawn Rhodes, chief business and finance officer and senior vice president.
UNIVERSITY EARNS CARNEGIE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION
UMB has received the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a national designation recognizing colleges and universities for deep, sustained, and reciprocal partnerships with their communities. Administered by the American Council on Education in partnership with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the designation is awarded through a rigorous, evidence-based review process. Institutions must demonstrate that community engagement is embedded across teaching, research, and service, and that their work produces meaningful benefits in partnership with community members and organizations. “Many institutions believe that universities need to pick between meaningful academic community engagement and robust research outcomes,” said Bill Joyner, assistant vice president for community engagement and partnerships. “UMB is proof that you can do both.”
IN MEMORIAM: MICHAEL GREENBERGER, JD
UMB mourns the passing of Michael Greenberger, JD, a visionary institutional leader, nationally respected professor and legal scholar, and devoted public servant whose work profoundly shaped the University’s role in service to the state of Maryland and the nation. In 2002, Greenberger founded what was originally known as the Center for Health and Homeland Security. Established in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the center was launched from the Francis King Carey School of Law with a vision to create a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary center capable of translating academic expertise into practical guidance for leaders confronting complex and evolving threats. Over time, the center evolved into what is now the Center for Cyber, Health, and Hazard Strategies, reflecting Greenberger’s understanding that cybersecurity, public health preparedness, emergency management, and national security risks are deeply interconnected.
PROUD TO WORK HERE, PROUD TO GIVE HERE UPDATE
As we enter the second half of this year’s annual Proud to Work Here, Proud to Give Here campaign, the Office of Philanthropy is excited to share that 6 percent of our colleagues have already stepped forward to make a gift, bringing us well within reach of our 10 percent participation goal. This momentum reflects the generosity and shared commitment that define our University community. Every gift — of any size — not only shows your pride for UMB, it also helps strengthen our mission and demonstrates the collective impact we can achieve when we come together. Participation in this fundraising effort is easy and secure, and there are several options for donations.
NEW SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK BUILDING TAKES SHAPE
The new University of Maryland School of Social Work building is becoming more recognizable by the day with considerable construction that spanned 2025. Columns and walls have been poured; existing utilities relocated and new pathways for utilities to serve the building in place; and 42 geo-exchange wells drilled and pressure tested, through the entire 10 miles of piping. Due to open in the second half of 2027, the building is nearing its halfway point rising on the corner of Greene and West Lexington streets. A topping off ceremony is set for February where the final steel beam is placed atop the structure that will ready the building for enclosure in 2026.
The new School of Social Work building is rising on the corner of Greene and West Lexington streets.
Upcoming Events
FEB. 12: LUNCH UNDER THE PIPES
The Westminster Preservation Trust, Inc., presents Lunch Under the Pipes at Westminster Hall featuring harpist Jacqueline Pollauf (in photo, right), who is known for her sensitive performances, dedication to teaching, and beautifully crafted compositions. The concert series is open to UMB faculty, staff, and students and the surrounding community. Guests are encouraged to bring their lunch; seating is provided.
FEB. 26: LAUNCH YOUR LIFE WEBINAR: ‘MATTERS OF THE HEART’
This interactive well-being workshop focuses on cardiovascular health and resilience, exploring key factors that influence heart health across the lifespan. Topics include risk factors and prevention, blood pressure management, stroke, and heart disease. Participants will learn practical, heart‑healthy strategies to help reduce cardiovascular risk and support overall well-being.
Save the Date
MARCH 4: WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SYMPOSIUM
This all-day event will feature engaging sessions and conversations around health, financial wellness, resilience, growth mindset, harnessing stress, caregiving, healing from grief, and the restorative experiences of sound bath therapy and chair yoga. There will be a morning keynote speech from Pamela Peeke, founder of the Peeke Performance Center for Healthy Living, and an afternoon fireside chat with Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist with The Washington Post.
STRATEGIC PLAN TOWN HALLS IN MARCH AND MAY
The 2027-2031 Strategic Plan co-chairs — Jenny Owens, vice provost of academic affairs, and Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, NNP, FNAP, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the School of Nursing — will host four town halls to discuss the overall process for UMB’s next strategic plan and gain feedback from the University community on the plan’s themes, goals, objectives, and more. The in-person town halls will be held March 23 and May 7; the virtual town halls will be held March 25 and May 8.
APRIL 15: 14TH ANNUAL IPE DAY
UMB’s 14th annual Interprofessional Education (IPE) Day will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at MSTF Leadership Hall. Lunch will be provided. This event brings together UMB students from across disciplines to engage in collaborative learning, develop interprofessional competencies, and strengthen their teamwork skills in real-world scenarios. Lunch will be provided. Registration opens Feb. 18.
Video of the Month
UMB's Community Engagement Center hosts the R.I.S.E Arts Center of Baltimore.