ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

Rhett Burden,

isaUMESNationalAlumniAssociation

Life Member, 2019 Hall of Excellence Inductee, 2009 Alumnus with a bachelor's degree in sociology / public policy, a former employee within the Office of Housing and Residence Life and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter) and was heavily involved with the Imperial Court and Student GovernmentAssociation(SGA)duringhisdaysasastudent

Rhett has authored and co-authored seven (7) books: two (2) professional development books and five (5) children’s picture books

Rhett and fellow UMES Alumnus Marcellus Connor co-authored the children’s books to increase the representation of Black characters, encourage early literacy in households of color, and tellstoriestheyfeltwerenotbeingtold

Theirchildren’spicturebooksinclude:

TheSuperSeries:WhenIGrowUp,IWantToBe

SuperRich

SuperSmart

SuperHealthy

MyMelanatedMunchkin

DentistDebbie

Rhettcombinedallfivestoriesintoachildren’spicturebookthatcanbereadforwardandbackward The book is the perfect way to encourage family time and bonding It’s also an excellent gift for friendsandfamilytoenjoysharingwiththechildrenintheirlives

The books can be purchased at: rhettburden.com