Here is what speakers had to say about Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, during his inauguration as UMB’s seventh president.
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, was inaugurated as the seventh president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) on Nov. 5. The event featured a series of speakers before President Jarrell delivered his inauguration speech. Here is what several of the speakers had to say:
“We participated in sports events, Student Council, and many classes together, and one thing I understood and realized really quick is that Bruce always gave maximum effort at whatever he was trying to accomplish. It didn’t matter if he was on a basketball court trying to penetrate a tough zone defense or trying to figure out a ratio quantity in algebra, he always gave it his best.”
— Lawrence Hayman, chairman, H&M Bay, Inc., and lifelong friend of President Jarrell
“As students, we often wonder if our voices will be heard. However, President Jarrell indeed cares about student voices and concerns. This was seen in his actions in navigating UMB through these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also to be commended for his efforts that directly address the issues concerning marginalized populations, including systemic racism, in our society. His role in the creation of a chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer speaks to his commitment to several UMB core values.”
— Aishwarya Iyer, MD/PhD student, School of Medicine, and president University Student Government Association
“When he was UMB provost, Dr. Jarrell was always engaged and happy to interact with the Faculty Senate. He provided necessary updates from the administration and heard feedback and concerns from the faculty. This continues to be the case in his role as president. Dr. Jarrell also has shown his commitment to faculty development, which is demonstrated by supporting our newly founded Faculty Leadership Program. I believe, as do my colleagues, that our University will continue to grow and be an outstanding place to work under his leadership.”
— Joshua M. Abzug, MD, associate professor, School of Medicine, and president, UMB Faculty Senate
“With his work ethic, personality, and brilliant mind, Dr. Jarrell was a natural fit to lead UMB. The Staff Senate thanks him for his dedication and endless support of shared governance. His open mind and genuine heart continue to show us how much he cares about the well-being and success of UMB’s staff.”
— Christina Fenwick, administration manager, Dean’s Office, School of Social Work, and president, UMB Staff Senate
“President Jarrell really exemplifies what you think of when you reflect on leadership. He’s an optimistic person by nature, and he starts every day with a brightness to him. Then he delivers with inspiration — inspiration for his team and for this institution in how it moves forward. He knows that you have to lead change, and not just try to manage change.”
— James D. Fielder Jr., PhD, Maryland Secretary of Higher Education
“If I were to describe President Jarrell in one or two words, ‘grace’ and ‘humility’ are the ones that come to mind. As he and I talk about the evolution of our collective organizations, we do so while understanding the unbelievable responsibility we have to our communities in being anchor institutions . It is his passion around these types of commitments — not just here in the city of Baltimore, but across the state of Maryland — that I believe will define our futures together.”
— Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, president and CEO, University of Maryland Medical System
“I’ve known Dr. Jarrell since the 1990s, back when I was vice president for academic affairs at UMB. He has been a champion for faculty, staff, and students since he arrived in Baltimore in 1997 as chair of the School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery. I’m so grateful for his leadership and vision for this very special university.”
— Joann Boughman, PhD, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, University System of Maryland
“He inspires those around him, bringing out the best in his colleagues. He believes in collaboration, fostering working relationships with the public and private sector alike. He is devoted to service, fully understanding UMB’s vital role in the community. And, as his leadership during the COVID-19 health pandemic demonstrated, he will face any challenge head-on.”
— Linda R. Gooden, MBA, chair, University System of Maryland Board of Regents
(In photo, from left, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, and Maryland Secretary of Higher Education James D. Fielder Jr.)