A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends
September 22, 2017
UMES moves into Top 20 HBCUs The University of Maryland Eastern Shore moved into the nation’s Top 20 historically black institutions, according to the latest edition of U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges survey released Sept. 12. At number 20, UMES’ ranking is its highest since the news magazine undertook a peer-review survey 11 years ago exclusively focusing on historically black colleges and universities. “I am delighted at our recognition as one of the nation’s top HBCUs,” said UMES President Juliette B. Bell, adding “As we celebrate the 131st anniversary of our founding on Sept. 13, 1886, we are proud of the rich history and legacy that we continue to build upon as we move ‘From Excellence to Eminence.’” “The ranking reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students. We are all committed to making UMES greater than ever. ” Bell said. “On behalf of the Board of Visitors, I would like to congratulate everyone associated with receiving this ranking. I have an up-close
perspective on how hard everyone at UMES works at doing their jobs,” board Chairman John Allen said. “This year’s survey unquestionably reflects those efforts.” UMES now awards at least 20 research doctorates annually, which in 2016 earned it a Doctoral University (Moderate Research Activity) designation from the widely respected Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university is one of three public institutions in Maryland with that sought-after distinction. Since the last survey, two UMES professors have secured a U.S. Patent, one in engineering and the other in pharmaceutical sciences, both professional achievements that underscore the university’s commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, collectively known as the STEM disciplines. Undergraduates who earned STEM degrees this past spring had accepted job offers from such employers as Cisco and Raytheon, both Fortune 500 companies, as well as Orbital ATK, an aerospace manufacturer
INSIDE
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT / continued on page 6
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HawkVision UMES Counselor Volunteers in Texas Reaccreditation
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VET-Connect Program Professor publishes one of a kind text resource
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Founders’ Week Convocation
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Upward Bound
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Nominations for Hawk Hall of Fame
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Faculty Art Show First Look Fair M Street Grille Dietetic Interns
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A&E Calendar WESM Fall Pledge Drive
2 The Key / September 22, 2017
Circling the Oval
HawkVision 1.0: Perched on the shoulders of greatness This month, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore celebrates the 131st anniversary of its founding on Sept. 13, 1886. Two visionary Methodist ministers, Joseph R. Waters and John A. B. Wilson, one a black man and one a white man, are credited as co-founders of the Delaware Conference Academy (precursor to UMES). To understand the enormity of this undertaking, one must realize the state of life in the United States, Maryland and on the Eastern Shore at that time. Just two decades after the end of the Civil War and during the period of Reconstruction, many still questioned the humanity of African Americans, let alone their right or ability to be educated. It took enormous faith and courage for these founders; the builders and first two leaders of the Academy, Benjamin and Portia Byrd; as well as the 12 successive leaders who followed, to bring UMES to where it is today. As UMES’ 15th leader, I am proud to stand on
UMES counselor aids Texans as Red Cross volunteer
the shoulders of the founding fathers and 14 prior leaders of this great institution. If it were not for their incredible strength, wisdom, courage, tenacity and faith, we would not have the privilege of working, living and being educated at this prestigious institution. From one building on 16 acres, nine students, and three faculty, UMES has grown to 90 buildings on more than 1100 acres, 3500 students, and nearly 800 faculty and staff. This month UMES was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nations’ Top 20 Historically Black Colleges/ Universities. Hawks, we are, indeed, perched on the shoulders of greatness. It is time to Soar Higher!
Juliette B. Bell President
Congratulations to UMES programs recently reaccredited: Accreditation Commission on Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA)- Hospitality and Tourism Management-7 years.
Kate Kent, second from right, volunteers in a Texas shelter for the American Red Cross’ disaster relief from Hurricane Harvey.
Kathy “Kate” Kent is using her training as a UMES counselor to assist the American Red Cross as a volunteer assigned to shelters where Hurricane Harvey evacuees from the Gulf Coast were relocated. The first of two weeks of her deployment were spent in a shut middle school serving as a shelter in Killeen, Texas north of Austin. Kent worked alongside nurses and a visiting doctor providing medical assistance and local groups that came in to make meals and feed people. “We had many elderly and handicapped people as well as families with small children,” she said. Her assignment was “helping with mental health for the evacuees and trying to boost staff morale.” She even assisted a 96-year-old woman applying for aid through FEMA. An up moment occurred on her second day when “we were able to bring people’s pets from various shelters and open up a pet shelter in the school so people could be with their animals,” she said. Not long into her stay, the Red Cross was shifting resources and getting set up in Florida to prepare for the then approaching Hurricane Irma. Kent and other Killeen shelter volunteers were then focused on finding places closer to the up-rooted residents’ homes so they could be moved to better manage their recovery. In week two, she relocated to an Austin shelter.
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)- Pharmacy2 years. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)International Business, Management and Accounting-5 years. Commission on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)Rehabilitation Counseling-7 years.
UMES People
The Key / September 22, 2017
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UMES launches VET-Connect program Stephanie Hallowell’s affinity for the university as an alum (’16) and her passion for working with veterans and people with disabilities has led her to a service post as UMES’ new VET Connect program coordinator. “A lot of Vets from the area don’t realize what resources are available in the community,” Hallowell said. “My primary responsibility is information and referral—I give military veterans, survivors and their dependents information on services, connect them with local resources and then follow up to make sure they received the services (if eligible).” Referrals to services are, but not limited to, education, counseling, job training and employment, financial and legal assistance, housing, and information on health care available through state and federal VA programs. Hallowell, who holds a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation services from UMES and is pursuing a master’s in rehabilitation counseling, will split her full time hours between an office in Suite 2103 in the Student Services Center and being out in the field. Increasing, the quality of life of veterans and their families is the main objective of the project she said. The program is the project mission she and university representatives have launched as her designation as an AmeriCorps VISTA member through the Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic. “We are intent on UMES achieving a Yellow Ribbon status through the Veteran’s Administration, which designates us as a veteran’s friendly school,” Hallowell said. The designation would help not only local veterans, she said,
but it also would attract more funding to the university for enrollment and retention of that student population. A step in that direction, Hallowell said, is a focus on an early intervention program geared toward career and technology education for children of veterans. She has already contacted the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, AmeriCorps VISTA and Dr. Michael Nugent, teacher credential coordinator in UMES’ Education Department in that vein. “Parents would be informed of their benefits for the education of their children and through early intervention, potential students would have the mindset to pursue a college education and would have an idea of where they would like to attend at an earlier age,” she said. Hallowell will work with middle and high school guidance counselors to assist with college preparedness and the dual enrollment program in Dorchester County Public Schools, which has an established agreement with UMES. Call 410-651-8377, email smhallowell@umes.edu or visit www.umes. edu/uell or more information.
describes the book as “the only one on the Professor publishes marketLovedealing solely with safety hazards, liability and safer designs regarding makerspaces, STEM one of a kind text labs and fab labs for primary, secondary and postsecondary schools, teachers, administrators and resource community centers and libraries.”
If you’re keeping up with the latest on educational settings for hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the community and schools, you’ve probably seen the term, “makerspace.” “Makerspaces have been popping up more recently in school libraries and media centers, which can pose safety issues if not designed and maintained correctly,” said Dr. Tyler Love, an associate professor and coordinator of UMES’ Technology and Engineering Education program. Safer STEM—teaching students to use high-tech tools and equipment safely—was the inspiration for Love’s book, “Safer Makerspaces, Fab Labs and STEM Labs: A Collaborative Guide,” published August 31 by the National Safety Consultants LLC with coauthor Dr. Kenneth Russell Roy. “When you talk about safety and meeting the needs of instructors and students, it was the perfect collaboration for us, as the two head safety consultants representing STEM professional associations, to write the book,” Love said. Love is the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association safety editor and a National Science Teachers Association safety advisory board member. Roy is the NSTA’s chief safety consultant. The two have published together before. This one, Love said was “a labor of love,” no pun intended, taking a little over a year to complete. The benefit of the book, he said, is that it highlights the importance of qualified STEM teachers like those prepared through UMES’ unique teacher education programs.
Edward C. McNett, assistant supervisor of career and technology education for Carroll County public schools concurred. “Finally a book that covers all of the aspects of safety for career and technology education from the legal aspects, facilities and equipment,” McNett said. “I believe “Safer Makerspaces, Fab Labs, and STEM Labs: A Collaborative Guide” is the most thorough and up-to-date safety guide for school-based fabrication areas and makerspaces.” Howard County public schools provide each STEM department with a copy, Love said, and Purdue University is using the book in its STEM teacher-method courses with Love having introduced it in an online guest lecture. Kevin Justice of M4Reactor makerspace in Salisbury said, “Nothing like this currently exists.” The book, which is being promoted by both national science, technology and engineering educator associations, features “information about liability and legal standards, better professional practices, safety controls, addressing biological/chemical/physical hazards, first aid procedures, the facility planning process, recommended designs and existing examples, and frequently asked safety questions.” It can be found online by visiting www.ITEEA.org.
4 The Key / September 22, 2017
School News
Hicks: Therapy “had the greatest impact on my health (and well-being)” UMES awards 29 physical therapy degrees to class of 2017 Two sisters from Baltimore County were among 29 students who received their Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees at UMES’ 2017 summer commencement. Kayla Coad (left) of Parkville was just behind older sister Karis crossing the stage at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts, which doubled as the venue for the 131st Founders’ Day convocation. Karis, 26, wants to specialize in geriatric treatment, while Kayla says doing outpatient / orthopedic care is what interests her as a career path. “I’m really looking forward to being able to work one-on-one with people,” said Kayla, 25. “Getting this degree is the biggest accomplishment in my life.” Karis said she chose to study physical therapy because she values “developing a relationship with patients and seeing first-hand how what you do can make a difference in people’s lives.” Faculty and classmates admired the Coads’ dedication over the past year in helping care for an elderly grandparent who died this past summer. The Coad sisters, who earned bachelor’s degrees from Rosemont (Pa.) College, and their classmates now shift their attention to the national licensure exam each must pass to practice in the profession. UMES’ pass-rate record is among the nation’s best, a fact not lost on Dr. LeRoi Hicks, the commencement speaker, who said he was impressed by graduates’ performance he discovered while doing homework on the program. Hicks, a senior physician at the Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Del., proved an ideal choice as a graduation day speaker. Nine years ago, he was stricken with Guillain-Barré syndrome, “a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “It was the therapist who had the greatest impact on my health and well-being,” he said. “I’ve gained empathy for my patients that never existed before.” He told graduates they will be successful if they treat each
Founders’ Day Convocation 2017 featured a presentation by the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church, which named UMES United Methodist Historic site no. 536. Flanking President Juliette B. Bell are the Rev. Jamar Jackson of Metropolitan UMC; Russell McCabe, President of the conference’s Commission on Archives and History; alumna Jesse Cottman Smith, a commission member; and the Rev. Fred W. Duncan, the conference’s Salisbury District Superintendent.
patient “in exactly the same manner in which you want to be treated.” “You are going to directly impact the health of individuals,” Hicks said. “I congratulate you on entering this career.” Moments before the 90-minute ceremony, Alex Harrington of Baltimore was still coming to grips with the notion “all those years of hard work were coming to an end.” Tyler Long of Frederick, standing nervously nearby, agreed. “I’m just happy it’s over,” Long said. “Seven years of school is a long time.”
School News
The Key / September 22, 2017
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Upward Bound makes college education a realistic goal
Upward Bound, a federal program synonymous with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for more than half a century, is positioned to continue making a college education a realistic goal for first-generation and low-income students. Dr. Nicolé L. Gale, UMES’ Upward Bound program director, says the U.S. Department of Education recently notified the university it qualified for a grant extension worth $2.5 million over the next five years. The money, Gale said, will enable her staff to continue and expand its year-round activities designed to make post-secondary education appealing to Lower Shore high school students who might not see college as an option after graduation. Gale called the grant extension a reaffirmation of UMES efforts over the years working with students from public schools in Somerset and Wicomico counties – and starting this year in Worcester County. Students from Pocomoke High School are now eligible to join counterparts from Washington High in Princess Anne, Crisfield High as well as Salisbury’s three high schools, James M. Bennett, Parkside and Wicomico. Gale says the grant can support about 114 students annually at UMES, providing academic enrichment programs, the popular “Saturday Academy,” after-school tutoring and cultural and educational trips. Participants also receive counseling on college application strategies as well as preparation in how to take college entrance exams.
Students who participate in the university’s Upward Bound program are not obligated to attend or promised admission to UMES, although some do matriculate and graduate. Kyra Terrell, who anticipates graduating from UMES in December 2018 with a degree in rehabilitation psychology, was a three-year Upward Bound participant as a Washington High student. “My experience was really great,” Terrell said. “It opened up my eyes to a lot of different opportunities and the different things you can do if you go to college.” A dean’s list student, Terrell ultimately opted to enroll in UMES because it was her late mother’s alma mater and employer. The summer prior to her senior year in high school, UMES’ Upward Bound program sent her to Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, where she took enrichment classes and learned strategies for taking college admissions tests. Among benefits Upward Bound students get is financial assistance to pay for college applications and testing, which Terrell said she “really appreciated.” She said she tells high school students who ask her about Upward Bound “that if you’re able to get in the program, take it seriously.” UMES’ Summer Academy participants can work alongside university employees in a variety of settings and visit with faculty to see what college life up close is like. Dr. Kirkland Hall, an instructor in UMES’ kinesiology department, participated in Upward Bound in the 1960s on campus. He credits Upward Bound with helping him focus on pursuing an education after high school and establishing his career path as an educator at his alma mater.
6 The Key / September 22, 2017
Athletics
Nominations for 2018 Hawk Athletics Hall of Fame On Feb. 23, Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Athletics will host its 2018 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration in conjunction with the University’s Homecoming. In preparation, Hawk Athletics is accepting nominations for this next biannual induction class.
To nominate a former Hawk, submit a full description and summary of the athletes’ achievements while enrolled at Maryland Eastern Shore. This includes, but not limited to; statistics; photos; and awards. Any professional accomplishments or achievements after Maryland Eastern Shore will be taken into consideration; however, will not be the deciding factor for an induction. • All nominations must be submitted through the online application form. Photos, news clippings, statistics and other supporting information can be emailed to sryonker@ umes.edu to accompany the online submission. To find the application form go to EasternShoreHawks.com click on “Athletics” and then click on “Hall of Fame” in the pull down menu. • Nominations remain active for five consecutive years.
• Full membership: Any athlete or team 10 years after the graduation of his/her class or exhaustion of eligibility, or, in the case of a team, from the conclusion of that season. The athlete must have received All-Conference or All-American recognition, and/or must have been part of a championship teams and/or appear in the top 25 in a statistical category in their respective sport. Exceptional contributions made to the department of athletics and/ or a specific team, outside of these above criteria may be considered if a written request accompanies the nomination.
Nominations end Monday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. ET. For any questions, please contact Shawn Yonker, email sryonker@umes.edu or phone 410-651-6289.
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT / continued from cover
and defense industry company. The past three classes of graduate students who earned Doctorates in Physical Therapy have all achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the first attempt taking a national licensure exam required to practice. The university’s newest ranking is two spots higher than a year ago. UMES is one of eight public institutions to make this year’s Top 20 HBCUs. U.S. News & World Report rated Spelman College, a private institution in Atlanta, as the nation’s best HBCU. Seventy-three institutions were listed in the latest survey. Of the 73 HBCUs ranked in the 2017 survey, only 16 received a higher “peer assessment” score than UMES, a leading factor in the publication’s ranking equation. U.S. News asks senior administrators – presidents, academic policymakers and admissions directors – to rate the academic quality of peer institutions. Graduation and retention rates, and faculty resources also carry a lot of weight in the ranking equation.
• Full Membership: Any alumnus or former coach must be five years separated from active coaching/duties at the school. • Honorary Membership: May be any present or former university faculty member, administrator, staff member or other friend of the program who has significantly impacted UMES’ athletic program.
Other factors taken into consideration include the number of fulltime faculty, student selectivity based on test scores and high school class standing, the institution’s financial resources and how large classes are. UMES’ student-to-faculty ratio is 14-to-1, and 56 percent of classes the university offers average fewer than 20 students. UMES offers 37 undergraduate majors, 15 master’s degrees and eight doctoral programs. Twenty-six academic units hold specialized accreditations, including four that achieved reaccreditation in the past year; business management and accounting, hospitality and tourism management, pharmacy and rehabilitation counseling. U.S News describes HBCUs as “an appealing option for applicants of all races.” One-third of UMES’ student body was non-African American during the latest survey period, according to the university’s institutional research office. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmed UMES’ institution-wide accreditation in 2016 for the maximum eight-year period.
Circling the World
The Key / September 22, 2017
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First Look Fair previews student organizations UMES students attended the First Look Fair Sept. 7 to check out the many organizations available to join on campus.
Annual faculty show now through Oct. 12 Freshman art education major Rebeka Kline of Pocomoke ponders Chris Harrington’s curious framing of a still life. Harrington, interim dean of the School of Education, Social Sciences & The Arts, is available nearby for student questions while catching up with Ernie Satchell, retired chair of UMES’ fine arts department.
UMES welcomes dietetic interns Dr. April Stull (far left) and Dr. Malinda Cecil (right) of UMES’ dietetics program, welcome 2017-18 dietetic interns, from left: Gwyn Bradshaw of Salisbury, Jackie Longworth of Meriden, Conn., Shouk Mansour of Lancaster, Pa., Alyson Hickman (’17), Shawnee Sweeney (’15) and Megan Rider of Rockville, Md. The internship is a 10-month post-baccalaureate, pre-professional experience that will prepare them to sit for the national dietetic registration exam for nutrition and dietetics. UMES holds a five-year, 100 percent pass rate record for students completing the program. UMES’ dietetics internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The dietetics internship program is housed within the Department of Human Ecology.
A sports grille also serving as a learning laboratory for UMES hospitality students. HOURS Sun.-Thur. 10 a.m. – midnight | Fri.& Sat.10 a.m. -2 a.m. Princess Anne University Village • 12302 Somerset Ave. Princess Anne, MD • 410-621-5937
OCTOBER
arts & entertainment calendar fall 2017 p.m., matinee 29 2UMES Drama Society
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4-6 p.m., Mosely Gallery Invitational show of contemporary graphic illustrators who use visual communication as a tool for social progress. Hours: Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Show on display through Nov. 22. 11 a.m., Hazel Hall 2040 Portfolio review with guest artist Tasheka Arceneaux-Sutton. www.moselygallery.com / 410-651-7770
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Hawk Hysteria
“Strawberry Wine” poster by Nicole Harris
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
presents the musical, “Strawberry Wine,” by Takeisha Jackson. $5 general admission, students free w/ID. www.UMEStickets.com 410-651-6552
27&28
Fall Theatre Production* 7:30 p.m., Ella Fitzgerald Center
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International Education Week (Oct. 30-Nov. 3)
“Black Woman Blue” by Tasheka Arceneaux-Sutton
6 p.m., William P. Hytche Athletic Center Women’s volleyball vs. Delaware State. Men’s and women’s basketball scrimmage. Give-a-ways, contests, games, autographs and Harry the Hawk’s birthday party. 410-651-8471
UMES’ Center for International Education extends an open invitation to experience events focusing on cuisine, dance, music, film and art from different cultures. www.umes.edu/CIE or FB at oiss@umes.edu for schedule. 410-651-8385
The Key / September 22, 2017
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Inquiries regarding the application of Federal laws and non-discrimination policies to University programs and activities may be referred to the Office of Equity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator by telephone (410) 651-7848 or e-mail (titleix@umes.edu).
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