Dear UMBC Community,

What an absolute delight it was recently to help welcome 200 sixth graders from Corkran Middle School in Glen Burnie for a special performance of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Many of you know that it is a dream of mine that every middle schooler in Maryland will visit our campus. Seeing the Corkran students arrive (on four school buses!) and fill the Proscenium Theatre was a beautiful thing. Even more so was watching them enjoy this brilliant Theatre Department production and engage in a lively Q&A with our students afterward. In their questions, I knew they were imagining that they could do the things they saw our UMBC students doing, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

As I told them, my hope is that their visit to our campus helps them imagine their futures and that one day they may come back to this place as UMBC students. Kudos to our talented students, staff, and faculty for their outstanding creative work and for inspiring so many young minds!

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Dear UMBC Community,
 
One of the privileges of serving as president of UMBC is that the role gives me a view of the entirety of the institution and the chance to hear voices from all across it, through a regular cadence of engagement with shared governance groups on our campus. 
 
My calendar was particularly full of such opportunities last week, as I participated in meetings of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Exempt Staff Senate, and University Steering Committee (whose members represent every UMBC governance group), as well as an all-staff meeting hosted by the Exempt and Nonexempt Staff senates. These meetings and others connect me to all parts of the community and allow me to join you in the work of thinking through current issues and planning for a shared vision for the future. 
 
Through the questions, feedback, and ideas I heard from so many of you, last week’s meetings reflected the richness of experiences and viewpoints across our institution and were a terrific reminder of the strength of shared governance at UMBC. 
 
Sincerely,
 
President Valerie Sheares Ashby 

Dear UMBC Community,

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with the Graduate Student Association Executive Council and senators. I left the conversation energized and encouraged. 

What struck me was the breadth of who was in the room—graduate students from every college and numerous disciplines, all engaged in a wide range of scholarly creative work. Despite their different fields, questions, and approaches, they share an inspiring commitment to something larger than themselves. Not only are they advancing their own research, but they are also serving their fellow graduate students, building community, and shaping an environment where everyone can thrive.

During the meeting, I was reminded of my own time as a graduate student, when I experienced the excitement of pursuing new questions, the responsibility of teaching and finding my voice in the classroom, and the privilege of mentoring undergraduate students along the way.

I am so grateful that at UMBC, teaching, research, and service are powerfully connected pursuits—a connection that our graduate students live out every day. 

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby

L-R: Senator Charles Sydnor, III, M.P.S ’00, Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, and President Sheares Ashby
Dear UMBC Community,
It was a delight to be joined recently by many students, faculty, and staff at the Annapolis reception that UMBC and our alumni legislators (of which there are many!) co-host each year. The event celebrates the new General Assembly session and our work together in support of UMBC and the State of Maryland.
This year’s reception was particularly special, as we honored Speaker Emerita Adrienne A. Jones ’76 and her historic tenure as leader of the House of Delegates. Amid keynote remarks from Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and visits with numerous delegates, senators, cabinet members, and other public officials (including former UMBC vice president, now Secretary of Budget and Management Yaakov “Jake” Weissmann ’06), I heard again and again a deep appreciation for UMBC and its valuable mission in service of Maryland.
I hear that same appreciation and support in the many one-on-one meetings I have in Annapolis—meetings that will number more than 50 during this session and are an important part of our advocacy and engagement with lawmakers and officials every year. In this time of intense challenges—ongoing federal pressures, a state budget deficit, and more—these dedicated public servants tell me they are inspired and energized by seeing firsthand the good that UMBC and Maryland’s other universities are doing for our state. In all these meetings and gatherings, throughout many busy days in Annapolis, it is meaningful and joyful to be able to share the stories of the transformative power of UMBC.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Dear UMBC Community,

It is my sincere pleasure to finally welcome everyone to the start of spring classes! With this Happy Monday message, I am carrying on the weekly personal reflections I began last fall, and this one is a huge thank-you note. In the wake of a storm that brought significant snow and ice and days of freezing temperatures, UMBC, like most institutions in our area, had to alter plans and work tirelessly to get us to today. 

Thank you to all who played a role—in caring for students, clearing pathways and parking lots, adjusting schedules, and pitching in and adapting in so many ways. I have had the privilege of seeing how you have risen to meet the challenges, and I am profoundly grateful. Happy first day of classes!  

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby