Heidi M. Anderson inaugurated as UMES’ 16th Leader

On Sept. 13, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 133rd Founder’s Day, Dr. Heidi M. Anderson was inaugurated as the institution’s 16th leader. Anderson became the fourth woman in the 21st century to serve as UMES’ president when she took office on Sept 1, 2018. “I am now privileged to lead at a pivotal moment at this institution and in the town of Princess Anne,” Anderson said. “I am heartened and energized by the vast store of goodwill from a number of people who believe in our institution. People recognize this university embodies hope and represents the future for many students, and they want to help us succeed.”

Anderson’s installation as UMES president marks the pinnacle of a four-decade career in higher education that began as a graduate teaching assistant at her alma mater, Purdue University, where she earned three degrees, including a doctorate in pharmacy administration in 1986.

Anderson highlighted opportunity for UMES stating “Together we will make strategic investments that enable our students to succeed. Together, we will continue to strengthen our programs and identify new ones for the future. Together, we will collaborate with existing partners and create new partnerships. Together, we will help our students fulfill their dreams.”

Korey Wise, the eldest member of the Exonerated Five, visited the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) for “Life After Injustice: A Conversation with Korey Wise” in honor of Black History Month on February 20. Over 1,000 people gave Wise a standing ovation before he said a word in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts. He shared his painful and triumphant journey being one of five African American teens wrongfully convicted of the 1989 assault and rape of a white female jogger in Central Park. The only teen sentenced as an adult, he served nearly 14 years in the New York penal system. The criminal justice reform advocate’s message included lessons on forgiveness, love, and knowing your friends. He urged youth to “listen to your first voice.” The Harlem native’s story is chronicled in the Ava DuVernay-directed series “When They See Us” (Netflix). Actor Jharrel Jerome earned an Emmy award in 2019 for his portrayal of Wise in the Netflix series. The event was arranged and moderated by publications coordinator Tahja Cropper.