Sad News for the Campus Community

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 10:30:52 -0400

Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

It is with great sadness that we share with the campus community the passing of UMBC alumnus and academic coordinator for the Learning Resources Center John Rollins. He was an exceptional instructor and mentor who dedicated his career to student success.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy in the late 1990s, Mr. Rollins began his career at UMBC as a writing tutor for the Learning Resources Center while working toward his undergraduate degree. John graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 2001 with a B.A. in English and was a recipient of the English Department's Robert G. Shedd Award for his strong academic achievement. John continued his education with UMBC, and in 2005 earned an M.A. in Instructional Systems Development. In 2008, he accepted the position of coordinator for First-Year Intervention, with a focus on supporting foreign language students, ESL students, and international teaching assistants.

For nearly 10 years, Mr. Rollins navigated the often complex challenges of the position with skill and grace, developing a strong rapport with many students on campus. His passion for teaching and mentoring ESL and English Language Learner students also led him to teach at Anne Arundel Community College. For his exemplary work, he earned the UMBC Quarterly Staff Recognition Award in 2014.

Contributions to the Andrea Spratt Fund in memory of John Rollins can be made online at www.umbc.edu/giving. You may also make checks payable to the UMBC Foundation, noting the scholarship name in the memo line. Send to:

UMBC Foundation

Andrea Spratt Fund

1000 Hilltop Circle

Baltimore, MD 2125

Simon Stacey, Interim Dean and Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education

Cassie Bichy, Director, Learning Resources Center