The Key - April 2024

Being a ‘beacon of hope’

UMES’ Diversity in Education seeks to build a community of Black male teachers

The rate of African American men in the profession of teaching is less than two percent, and that is something personal to Dr. Richard Warren.

In order to increase those numbers, Warren, the Hazel Professor of Education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and a former Maryland Teacher of the Year, has been proactive in his efforts. That includes establishing the Diversity in Education program, geared at offering training and support in order to increase the talent pool of male teachers of color.

As part of that program, members receive opportunities for professional growth and insight, such as participating in initiatives such as the Black Educators Inspiring the Next Generation (B.E.I.N.G.) Summit, a partnership by Denver, Colorado-based Metropolitan State University’s Call Me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) program, Diversity in Education, and Denver Public Schools.

Warren and Call Me MiSTER’s Dr. Rashard Anderson, an associate professor at MSU, each presented on panels at the same conference focusing on the recruitment and retention of educators.

“We connected and discussed a lot of different things, and we thought about putting together an experience to help uplift these young men in their journey,” Warren said. “Not only does it take having the intellectual capacity to thrive in this profession, but it also takes intentional community building. There aren’t many educators who look like us in schools, so we have to be intentional about connecting with other educators who look like us, creating safe spaces and intellectual spaces where we can both sharpen our craft and support each other.”

Seven UMES students, Caleb Clark, Quinton Smith, Matthew Barwick, Julius Lynch, Mekai Dixon, Dedric Boyd, and Markus Smith, accompanied Warren to the three-day event.

As part of the summit, the students participated in an assembly held at Green Valley Elementary School where they were able to engage with students.

“The children’s reactions to seeing us were powerful,” Boyd said. “It was an unforgettable experience for me.”

While the experience was one that was memorable to

the students in the Diversity in Education program, Warren said it was equally as important for the children at Green Valley, who warmly greeted the UMES students as well with applause.

“Seeing the little kids’ eyes light up as the gentlemen rose to the occasion to do the assembly I believe, for me, was a realization of the impact that these young men can have,” he said. “It should be a realization for them to know that their presence matters.”

Warren said he looks forward to increasing the reach of Diversity in Education while providing additional opportunities for current students in the program with the help of philanthropic gifts.

The program will get that boost as the result of a financial contribution from Reverends Wesley and Connie Paulson, who are donating $100,000 over a period of five years. The funding will provide annual operating support of $8,000 allocated to the program’s High School Teacher University Program, University Cohort Program, and Man the Shore Educator Network; and $12,000 going to an annual endowment.

Warren said he hopes that with the support that the students in the program have “a hunger for intellectual capacity” in order to be the best teacher that they can be, while also committing to intentional community building.

“We need to make sure we are on the top of our game in terms of how to move all student learning forward,” he said. “It’s not just enough to be one man on an island. We truly have to help the next person that is coming up.”

Dr. Richard Warren

‘You perform miracles every day’

Spring 2024 opening session reaffirms UMES mission and purpose

Ahead of the start of the spring 2024 semester on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, staff and faculty participated in UMES’ annual Professional Development Days. The sessions kicked off with President Heidi M. Anderson highlighting UMES’ focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, aviation, the arts, and math) education and featured updates on major projects, an invigorating message from Dr. Steve Perry and Phase II of June’s customer excellence training.

“We don’t just get the valedictorian. We get other students too and we get them ready. We take them in any place in their academic credentials and we prepare them. That’s what our mission is and it takes all of you to make this happen,” said President Anderson on the impact and mission of this Historically Black University, an 1890 land-grant institution with a STEAM focus.

land-grant state match was included in the Governor’s budget ($4.8M) along with funding for the UMES’ Agricultural Research and Education Center ($4.5M).

• Although not contained in the Governor’s budget, UMES will continue to seek funding for renovations to Carver Hall and urges support from everyone on campus and our alumni in seeking legislative support for $73M for the building.

About 60% of students have taken a science course in Carver Hall at UMES, which holds a R-2 Carnegie Research Designation and is the home to the STEM STARS program made possible by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute “Driving Change” grant. UMES is the first Historically Black University to receive the HHMI Driving Change award.

Dr. Anderson highlighted that focus by sharing a TEDTalk video featuring former Miss UMES Sarah Adewumi. Adewumi asks her audience to close their eyes and “imagine what a scientist looks like to you.” She then asks if they imagined “me.” A young Black woman with love of fashion and style, the poise of pageantry, and the aviation pilot and aerospace credentials necessary for her role with NASA, Adewumi shared a message of the importance of this representation in the science fields.

Dr. Anderson informed the campus community about some high priority items contained in the campus’ Legislative Priorities for this legislative session:

• UMES’ School of Veterinary Medicine and Health Professions Phase II received approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and was included in Governor Moore’s FY 2025 budget at $150M.

• The almost doubling of the University’s 1890

Not included in the Legislative budget request, President Anderson also highlighted a few other projects, including cleaning and renovating multiple residence halls, refurbishing the Tawes Gym, and dramatic improvements to the baseball and softball fields and surrounding areas.

Social Worker, Author, and Educator Dr. Steve Perry shared an inspiring message acknowledging the lifechanging work in the lives of students at UMES. He discussed the importance of retention and the profound impact faculty and staff can have on young students. He urged everyone in the audience to engage, connect, and make a difference in our students’ lives.

“This is not just their safe place, but their launching pad. You perform miracles every day,” Perry said.

Providing a safe place for students and preparing them through academic rigor for society is at the forefront of UMES’ $60 Million capital campaign which the University hopes to meet its goal by the institution’s 140th anniversary in 2026. At present, the University has raised $44.5 Million.

Dr. Steve Perry

Student retention continues to remain a priority. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Rondall Allen and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Experience Latoya Jenkins shared their student success plan used to increase retention of first and second-year students at UMES. Their strategies included frequent and clear communication with departments servicing students (Student Accounts, Financial Aid, etc.), timely communication with students about academic practices and policies, and end of semester celebrations to recognize and engage with students about their experiences.

Jenkins also conducted a fireside chat with six faculty and staff members to share the most successful practices and recognizing the different needs of students.

(Dr. Malkia Johnson, Director UMES Counseling Center; Dr. Linda Johnson, Professor – Natural Sciences; Dr. Yen Dang, Acting Chair of Dept. of Kinesiology; Brad Hudson, Professor and Acting Chair of Dept. of Fine Arts; Dr. Yuanwei Jin, Professor and Chair of Dept. of Engineering & Aviation Sciences; and Dr. Reginald Garcon, Assoc. Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Experience)

Dr. Heath Boice-Pardee, Head of Practice, Service Excellence at Academic Impressions led the Monday afternoon session on Customer Excellence training focusing on creating a culture of care throughout campus. The second day of training featured over 60 asynchronous professional development sessions available to be completed using internet access. Training options included customer service overview, HIPPA overview, FERPA overview, training for managing difficult behaviors among the variety of topics.

The spring 2024 semester at UMES began Jan. 29.

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST 2024

On Jan. 8 ahead of the start of the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers at the State and local levels along with their federal representatives convened at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to discuss legislative priorities for the institution. The meeting focused on items of importance to the growth of the university including additional funding for phase two of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Complex, funding for the necessary renovations of Carver Hall, additional support for the upcoming Agricultural Research and Education Center, and the 1890 Land-Grant match.

(L-R) Dr. Sean Vasaitis, Dean of the School of Pharmacy & Health Professions; Matthew Taylor, General Counsel; Dr. Rondall Allen, Provost & VP of Academic Affairs; Alyssa Hastings, Eastern Shore Regional Director for Senator Chris Van Hollen; Latoya Jenkins, VP of Enrollment Management & Student Experience; Delegate Charles Otto; David Balcom, VP of University Relations; Dr. Heidi M. Anderson, UMES President; Dr. Robert Mock, VP for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff; Senator Mary Beth Carozza; Bill Reddish, Community Liaison for Congressman Andy Harris; James Mathias, UMES Director of Government Relations; Dr. Moses Kairo, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, and Anastasia Rodriguez, VP of Finance and Administration.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Brittany Henry is one of seven recipients selected by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy to receive the $5,000 Walmart Health Equity Scholarship for Pharmacy Students recognizing their leadership, academic success, and a commitment to serving rural or medically underserved patient populations upon graduation. Congratulations Brittany!

Zhaniya Harris, of Baltimore, Md., is the “First-Year Student” recipient of the USM Loughran Full Scholarship Award. Harris is studying environmental science – marine science at UMES. According to the University System of Maryland, “a typical full scholarship for a first- year or transfer student is approximately $25,238 per year.” Congratulations Zhaniya!

Keightley-Reinhardt is the 2024 Lower Eastern Shore Spelling Bee Champion

8th Grader from Crisfield Academy & High School heading to national spelling bee championship in D.C.

The final round of the 2024 Lower Eastern Shore Spelling Bee lasted longer than you might think. Like a tense tennis match, words bounced back and forth between Conor Keightley-Reinhardt and Stephen Decatur Middle School’s 7th grader Ilya Karcheuski. Before spelling each word, the contestants stated their names. Keightley-Reinhardt strode to the microphone each time and dryly said, “I’m Conor”, at one point eliciting giggles from the audience because he had repeated it so frequently.

But he was done repeating when the 8th grader correctly spelled “phlebotomy” to clinch the Regional Championship and qualify to represent the Lower Eastern Shore in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee later this spring

Keightley-Reinhardt was one of 55 participants in this year’s Bee held at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Despite the miserable conditions outside with rain and gusty winds, the PAC was filled with anxious parents, friends, and teachers hanging on every word and cheering the contestants on, regardless of whether they answered correctly or incorrectly.

Participants didn’t just have to spell correctly. In the third round, they had to determine which of the two definitions they were given accurately defined the word. It’s an option that Scripps has included in the Bee competition to ensure that contestants not only memorize correct spelling but understand the meaning of the oftencomplex words they were given.

This year’s judges were:

• Dr. Urban Wiggins—Vice Provost for Decision Science and Visualization at UMES

• Diamond Nwaeze, 4-H STEM Youth Development Educator at UMES-Extension

• Dr. Amy Hagenrater-Gooding, Professor of English and Modern Languages at UMES

Dr. Kate Brown, Associate Professor in the Department

of Business, Management and Accounting at UMES was the Bee’s announcer. Dr. Kadeem Turnbull, Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events at UMES served as the Emcee.

In addition to representing the Lower Eastern Shore at the national spelling bee, KeightleyReinhardt will receive:

• A one-year membership to Britannica Online Premium

• A one-year subscription to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online Dictionary

• The Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, 2024 U.S. Mint Proof Set

• A one-year subscription to Epic Family

• Eight Love, 1-on-1 online coding classes and a oneyear home subscription to Tynker

• A custom-made Champion’s medallion

• An all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee and a six-night stay at the Gaylord National Resort

The Scripps National Spelling Bee takes place with the Preliminaries on May 28th and concludes with the Finals on May 30th.

Photo: Winner, Conor Keightley-Reinhardt (left) and RunnerUp, Ilya Karcheuski (right) posing with the Spelling Bee mascot.

FACULTY NEWS

Dr. Klenton Sparks joined the Hawk family as the new Director of the PGA Golf Management Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. In leading the first PGA accredited golf management program at a HBCU, Sparks looks to prepare students in the program utilizing the stateof-the-art equipment to “train the trainers,” increase community involvement/support, and be as close to 100% graduation rate as possible. “ I am honored, humble, proud to lead this respected program and to add to it,” Sparks said.

Sparks, a native of Flint, Mich., was taught the game of golf by his father beginning at age four.

His professional experience blends education and business. He teaches courses in First Year Experience, Golf Facility Operations, Management, Retail Management, Business Planning, and Golf Instruction. A 28-year member of the Professional Golfers’ Association, Sparks holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master of Education degree and a Master of Business Administration. Welcome, Dr. Sparks!

Dr. Cynthia Cravens is among 36 higher education professionals selected for the inaugural cohort of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI). Designed to address the unique needs of department chairs at state colleges and universities, the program was created in response to member feedback and requests for a robust professional development program to help department chairs cultivate critical skills to overcome common challenges, as well as prepare for future administrative roles.

Cravens, Interim Chair of UMES’ Department of English and Modern Languages and Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, has been a faculty member at UMES for a decade beginning as an assistant professor in 2014. Congratulations, Dr. Cravens!

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of 350 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.

University Of Maryland Eastern Shore

To help our students and their families achieve social mobility

Nothing less than excellence

• Achieve a 13% enrollment growth, the highest in the USM

• Receive the largest amount of private financial support in UMES history

• Effectively engage with local, state and national leaders

President Heidi M. Anderson was recently recognized by the Baltimore Sun as one of the 25 most influential Black Marylanders. President Anderson’s track record of increasing enrollment, program expansion, legislative success, and research prowess, combined with her leadership positions with a number of national education associations, undoubtedly led to her selection. Please join us in congratulating President Anderson on this impressive achievement.

‘It

means everything to me’

71st Honors Convocation recognizes the achievements of more than 700 students

When Mikayla Carroll arrived at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on April 4, she was unaware of the surprise awaiting her.

Carroll, a graduating senior majoring in commercial photography, was one of four students who received the Award of Excellence for their respective undergraduate schools during the 71st Annual Honors Convocation. The convocation, held in the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, celebrated the academic achievements of more than 700 University of Maryland Eastern Shore undergraduate students who achieved Deans List status and more.

As with tradition, the four award recipients had no knowledge they were chosen for the recognition.

“I feel very grateful and blessed,” she said. “When I came into the building, I didn’t even get a program, so I had no idea about it. It was a wonderful surprise.”

In addition to Carroll (School of Education, Social Sciences and the Arts), Isaac Cullen (School of Business and Technology), Gerald Elston Jr., (School of Pharmacy & Health Professions), and Kennedy Holder (School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences) were named as most outstanding students.

Elston, a graduating senior majoring in rehabilitation services, said being named an Award of Excellence winner is a testament to his persistence, strong faith, and a solid support system.

“It was all about hard work, dedication, a loving God, a loving family and a department that’s

second-to-none,” he said. “The faculty and staff put the students first and want to make sure that they excel, and this is just a culmination of that.”

For Holder, also a graduating senior, she said being a recipient of the accolade had her “overwhelmed with joy” as it showed the importance of engagement and diligence.

“I made good connections with my teachers and feel like as my time at UMES is coming to an end, that this hard work is paying off,” the human ecology major said. “Being part of an event like this and making your name known on campus is very important.”

Cullen, the sole underclassman to receive the award, said he did his work in an unassuming fashion, which made it all the more surprising for the electronics engineering technology major.

“I figured I was just a normal student doing what students do,” the junior said. “I feel it’s a great honor and it’s setting me up for my future.”

Convocation keynote speaker Jessica Money, a 2020 UMES graduate and current English lecturer, remembered when she was in a similar position as many of the students in the audience. Money emphasized the importance of taking the time to cherish all of the little victories on the way to the ultimate goal – graduation.

“Today is only a mere moment in your journey, but it is a moment of recognition and celebration for the hard work you have invested so far,” she said. “Please, do not let this moment slip past you.”

Carroll said being named an Award of Excellence winner vindicates her choice to attends UMES.

“I couldn’t be any more grateful for the professors that I’ve gotten the opportunity to meet here and the experiences I’ve had here leading up to this wonderful opportunity,” she said. “It means everything to me.”

Kennedy Holder

Isaac Cullen

Mikayla Carroll

Gerald Elston, Jr.

Spring Commencement Speakers Announced

The 137th Commencement at UMES occurs on Friday May 17th in the Hytche Arena beginning at 10:00 a.m. It’s anticipated that 235 UMES students will fly from the nest with their diplomas to Soar Above and Beyond in new careers or at the next level of their education.

We are honored to welcome Del. Jheanelle K. Wilkins back to campus as our Commencement speaker. Delegate Wilkins led the Maryland Black Legislative Caucus to campus last fall where they spent the morning with us learning about new educational initiatives like the proposed School of Veterinary Medicine and state policies on approving new academic programs throughout the State. Delegate Wilkins continues to be a strong supporter of UMES in Annapolis.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she is dedicated to policy change that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Delegate Wilkins serves on the House Ways and Means Committee where she is the Chair of the Subcommittee on Election Law, leading the House in passing election policy and expanding voter access, including passing Maryland’s permanent mail-in ballot list, voting access for incarcerated individuals, and expansion of early voting sites. She also serves in the Speaker’s leadership team as the Parliamentarian of the Maryland House of Delegates, responsible for upholding efficient, fair, and orderly procedures as the House conducts the business of the State. As the Maryland General Assembly prepares to redraw state and congressional lines, Del. Wilkins serves as Chair of Redistricting for the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus. Delegate Wilkins has championed and successfully passed legislation dealing with racial profiling and justice reform,

Celebrate SpringFest at UMES

maternal health, and increasing educational outcomes for all students. Professionally, she works full time as the Director of State and Local Government Affairs at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights coalition. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Delaware and a Master of Public Administration in Social Policy from the American University.

Representing the University of Maryland Board of Regents at our ceremony will be Regent Geoff J. Gonella. Regent Gonella is President and Managing Director of Cornerstone, a Washington D.C.-based employee-owned consulting firm that specializes in government relations, public affairs, strategic communications and business advisory services, which he helped found and launch in 2002. Mr. Gonella holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Maryland College Park.

Mr. Gonella, a native Washingtonian, currently serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Washington Jesuit Academy where he is immediate past chair, the Maryland State Golf Association and the Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County, MD where he was named the 2017 Businessperson of the Year. He is a former Chair of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation Board of Trustees and a former member of the Phillip Merrill College of Journalism Board of Visitors and the Board of Directors at the Suburban Hospital Foundation and the First Tee of Greater Washington. He is also a former Board Chair of Mater Dei School (Bethesda, MD) and KidsVoting USA (Phoenix, AZ).

This year, SpringFest occurs on April 26th and it’s a daylong celebration of fun and new growth at UMES. During the day, we anticipate hosting more than 3,500 high school students and their families as they tour the University, engage with a dynamic student panel, hear the energy and enthusiasm of our Admissions teams during their presentations, and embark upon a 10-Minute Journey, the UMES Social Media Team’s Cinematic Showcase of Campus Life. Our goal is to showcase and educate students about the unique opportunities available at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Attendees will experience a day in the life of a student on the shore with campus tours and the chance to interact with current UMES students and the local community. The day will culminate in a carnival suitable for all ages, featuring fun games, delicious food, and live entertainment.

Following our student engagement day, the SpringFest celebration begins. Current students, future students and members of the Princess Anne community can enjoy carnival rides, rock climbing walls, and zip line adrenaline to their hearts content. Later, we treat our students to a live concert in the Hytche Arena (our lead act remains a secret as we go to press). And we close out our evening with a phenomenal fireworks extravaganza for all to enjoy. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about UMES and experience our Hawk Pride!

Del. Jheanelle K. Wilkins

Rhashanda Haywood Receives the 2024 Merck Underrepresented Chemists of Color Research Award

One of only 17 students in the country to receive this honor out of 300 applicants

Rhashanda Haywood, a Ph.D. Candidate in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions and a PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellow at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is one of 17 students in the U.S. to receive the Merck Underrepresented Chemists of Color Research Award. Other universities with award winners include the University of Virginia, University of California-San Diego, Georgia Tech and the University of Minnesota. Ms. Haywood is the only award recipient from an HBCU.

The award is a dream come true for Haywood. “It’s such an honor to be included within this prestigious group and to have it come from one of the premier pharmaceutical companies in the world,” said Haywood. “This affords me additional opportunities to realize my dream of helping people through drug discovery by providing me with financial and research support. I’m very appreciative of the support Merck provides people like me and enable us to give back to our communities.”

The Merck Research Award for Underrepresented Chemists of Color recognizes graduate students and postdoctoral fellows for their chemical science research across a range of focuses — such as computational, analytical, medicinal, biological and synthetic chemistry. Participants are paired with scientific mentors at Merck who are able to provide guidance, feedback and connections relevant to

their research.

Haywood is a fifth-year doctoral candidate with experience in teaching and the chemical industry. Rhashanda is currently undergoing training as a Pharmaceutical Scientist, with a medicinal chemistry focus. Her research is in the area of drug discovery and anti-seizure agents which could be used to treat conditions like epilepsy. She plans to graduate in May.

Merck will present the award at a scientific symposium this fall at the company’s Rahway, NJ facility. At the symposium, they will be assigned a set of mentors and will have access to a series of professional seminars and workshops.

“I am very proud of all of her accomplishments,” said Dr. Patrice Ayotunde, a professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Richard A. Bernstein Endowed Professor, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. “She is a young woman with considerable talent and wants to be an innovator in pharmaceutical research for the benefit of others. She richly deserves this honor.”

It’s not Haywood’s first notable award. Last year, she was one of 18 researchers who received a total of nearly $1.3 million from the PhRMA Foundation.

Gospel Choir Performs at Madison Square Garden

The UMES Gospel Choir gave dramatic performances of “Lift Every Voice” and “The StarSpangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden on Monday, March 25th when the New York Knicks hosted the Detroit Pistons. “The First Gentleman and I were delighted to be in attendance along with some other members of UMES leadership and many UMES alumni,” said President Heidi M. Anderson. “They received enthusiastic applause from the New York crowd and made us all so very proud.”

Princess Anne sells the Washington Inn to hotel and tourism veterans

On March 7th, the Princess Anne Town Commission voted 4-1 to sell the Washington Hotel property to Dana Zucker for $200,000 during a “Special Meeting” of the Town Commissioners. Ms. Zucker and her husband David currently own and operate the Sugar Water Manor on the Manokin River.

The hotel and restaurant will carry a new name, The Washington Hotel and Sugar Water, and will be a 10 room Bed and Breakfast with a full- service restaurant. The couple plans on a May 15, 2024 soft opening.

In January, the Town ended their lease agreement with Orlena and Ed Wilkes, owners of Squeaky’s Café, which had previously moved into the Washington Inn property. Their last day of operation was March 17th.

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT THE TRANSACTION:

• $200,000 cash sale, as is. The Town is no longer responsible for any financial obligations for the facility.

• The Zuckers plan to invest in the building to cover critical repairs, upgrades, staffing, marketing & operations, etc. to get the rooms and restaurant ready to open.

• The Town will receive an annual contribution of 1.25% of the businesses pre-tax revenue beginning in March 2025. Over time, the percentage may increase up to 2.5%.

• Ms. Zucker’s 5-year business plan satisfies all requirements of the State regarding job creation and economic development.

• Her advisory team includes several UMES faculty and staff members in agritourism and hospitality. She said that she intends to work closely with UMES.

“The Washington Hotel property is an important anchor in the Main Street District. Its success is critical to the success of our downtown revitalization efforts,” read a statement from Main Street Princess Anne. “Main Street will continue to work with Ms. Zucker & we’re excited to add her new venture to the Main Street mix.”

FEDERAL EARMARKED FUNDING

Recently, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen announced the following federal awards for FY 2024 from Congressionally Directed Funding.

$1,071,000

for the veterinary medicine program. This is critical early-stage funding for our proposed School of Veterinary Medicine and will help as we pursue preliminary accreditation this year.

$1,500,000

for our Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This will allow us to establish a physical presence on Somerset Avenue in downtown Princess Anne and entrepreneurial resources, business incubator spaces, a Maker’s Space, and educational facilities. Our services will be free to the public, with the ultimate purpose of bringing economic development to the region and supporting minority-owned small businesses.

$510,000

to develop aviation tools and training to address geographic health disparities. As you may know, the Eastern Shore has a shortage of health care opportunities for our residents. Like other rural parts of the country, many residents are disconnected from necessary health resources. This grant will allow UMES to use unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, to fill infrastructure gaps and connect these isolated communities. We will use our existing Aviation Sciences program to pilot an effort to use UAS and associated technology to deliver essential medications and supplies to rural populations without full access to medical services.

We are deeply appreciative that Senators Cardin and Von Hollen recognize our expertise in these areas and secured valuable funding to help us continue to serve our communities.

VP Owens is Soaring Above and Beyond

It’s been quite a month for VP Tara Owens, Vice President of Athletics & Recreation at UMES.

She is one of 52 individuals chosen for the Leadership Maryland Executive Program’s 31st class, who will complete the eight-month, handson learning program focused on the state’s most vital issues. The program runs from April to December, and includes five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. More than 100 experts representing Maryland’s business, government, education, and non-profit communities will serve as panelists and guest speakers.

contractor delays and logistics issues, the Center’s grand opening on April 2nd showcased a substantial upgrade to the facility. New paint and flooring served as the backdrop to scores of new fitness machines suitable for those who are just getting into a fitness routine all the way to hardcore body building vets. Tawes also unveiled new hours, remaining open until 9:00 p.m. and weekend hours that will be announced soon. There’s no excuses anymore, Hawks. A highquality fitness center is only steps away.

She and beloved strength and conditioning Coach Mike Hall spearheaded the grand re-opening of the Tawes Recreation Center in the heart of campus. Despite

To top it off, VP Owens was invited to Vice President Kamala Harris’ home on April 2nd to honor the Women’s Sports Foundation. There, she was able to connect with Billie Jean King and, of course, make sure that Vice President Harris knows all about Hawk Pride. It was a real honor for both VP Owens and UMES. Truly a night to remember.

Bowling team wins MEAC title

After running through the champions bracket and defeating the No. 1 Aggies of North Carolina A&T not once but twice, the No. 3 seeded Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore claimed the 2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women’s Bowling Championship Title.

The Hawks snapped the Aggies championship streak at three and claimed their first MEAC Championship title for the first time since 2019. The win gives the University of Maryland Eastern Shore 11 MEAC titles since the sport became sponsored by the conference in 2000.

Game one saw the Aggies use seven strikes, including a turkey from Lauren Tomaszewski in the tenth frame, to take the opening game 208-174.

N.C. A&T followed with their second win in game two, scrapping by with just four points of buffer winning 211-207. North Carolina A&T collected six strikes and four spares as a team, while Maryland Eastern Shore put five strikes and six spares on the board.

The Hawks gained some momentum in the third game, closing the Aggies match score lead to one after winning 212-168. Maryland Eastern Shore put together seven strikes and three spares with Mariana Santos Rivero closing the tenth frame with a turkey, three strikes in a row.

The momentum continued to shift in favor of UMES as they evened the match score at two games apiece winning 233-189 in the fourth game. The Hawks added another

seven strikes, including five in a row from frames two to six, and did not leave any frame open claiming four spares in the process as well.

Game five was truly a nail bitter as the teams were neck-and-neck throughout. The first two frames saw UMES bowl a strike and a spare while N.C. A&T bowled a spare and a strike before the Aggies added a spare in frame three while the Hawks left the frame open leaving one pin stranded in the pit. North Carolina A&T put back-to-back strikes on the board while Maryland Eastern Shore added a spare and a strike putting the Aggies up 104-97 heading into the sixth frame.

N.C. A&T left the sixth frame open, knocking down just eight pins, while UMES bowled their second consecutive strike taking the lead, 126-112. Both teams answered with the same three results over the next three frames, a strike in the seventh, a spare in the eighth, and a strike in the ninth, heading into the final frame with UMES leading 186-181. Tomaszewski finished the tenth frame with a strike and a spare to give the Aggies a final score of 201, while Santos Rivero bowled a spare plus nine pins to put UMES ahead by four points, 205, winning game five and pulling ahead in the match score, 3-2.

The sixth game, what would be the final game of the championship

match, saw the Hawks put the game to bed opening the game with a strike and back-to-back spares while N.C. A&T bowled a spare, strike, spare pattern with the Aggies leading by one point, 59-58 heading into the fourth frame. UMES went on a roll scoring four of their five strikes throughout the next four frames putting their score at 167.

N.C. A&T recorded a pair of spares, one strike and left the seventh frame open with one pin left in the pit trailing by 41 pins, 126. North Carolina A&T bowled three consecutive spares and capped the tenth frame with a strike putting their game six total at 181. Maryland Eastern Shore bowled three spares plus eight pins to close the tenth putting their final score at 223 and claiming the championship title.

The Hawks of UMES earned the MEAC’s automatic qualifier spot to the NCAA Bowling Tournament where they defeated Mercyhurst but lost in the next round to Duquesne 2-1. Even with that loss, UMES went further in the tournament than any other MEAC team.

University Relations

30665 Student Services Center Lane

Princess Anne, MD 21853

“The students showcased exceptional talent and dedication during the competition, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance,” said Stephen Pender. “Despite not being able to advance further, I am immensely proud of each member for their resilience in overcoming obstacles and preparing within a limited timeframe. It is truly remarkable that our a cappella group, “The Muses,” was established just a few months ago, and yet we were able to participate in our first attempt. The other competing groups expressed their admiration for our performance and provided unwavering support throughout the event.”

Liverpool -President, Adbul Kargbo - Vice President, Tyjh Weldon - Student Director & Music Arranger, Caleb Clark - Secretary, and Kiera Parson -Choreographer.

Special thanks and kudos to our students for representing UMES. In addition, we have several student captains from the team that are also deserving of acknowledgement: Rhune’

On Saturday, February 10, 2024 the UMES MUSES participated in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA). This competition holds great significance for our university as we have become the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to be part of the event. It is worth noting that no HBCU has ever advanced past the audition stage, let alone made it to the quarterfinals in their inaugural year of participation. This achievement speaks volumes about our students’ immense talent and trailblazing spirit, who have opened doors for future generations to follow.