TO: The UMBC Community

FROM: Dr. Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs

RE: Announcing the Appointment of Tim Hall as Athletic Director

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Hall as Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation, effective July 8, 2013.

Hall joins the UMBC community from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where for the past six years he has served as Director of Athletics. Prior to leading UMKC athletics, he served as Associate Athletics Director for Development at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Hall’s appointment builds on substantial UMBC momentum, including championships in seven different sports over 10 seasons in the America East Conference. He succeeds Dr. Charles Brown, who will retire June 30, completing a 24-year tenure that has elevated both the Retrievers’ athletic and academic performance.
On behalf of the entire campus community I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all members of the Search Committee, chaired by Jack Suess. Their commitment and hard work constitutes an outstanding contribution to the future of the UMBC athletics program.

During his time at UMKC, Hall propelled the university to new heights at the NCAA Division I level in athletic competitiveness, academic success, fundraising and community service efforts. He led UMKC to conference championship wins in men’s soccer, men’s golf, men’s tennis and softball and, most recently, drove the UKMC athletics program into a new era, announcing that it would join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) on July 1, 2013. Hall is also in a three-year term on the NACDA Division I-AAA Executive Committee and serves on the NCAA volleyball rules committee, as well as the NCAA committee on Women’s Athletics.

Hall will have direct responsibility for the UMBC’s NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics program, all campus recreational programs (intramurals, club sports, recreational activities) and the Physical Education program. His primary responsibility will be to encourage and support the total development of all students and student-athletes at UMBC through competitive, recreational and educational sports programs and activities sponsored by the university.

We couldn’t be more enthused to welcome an athletic director with a competitive spirit, integrity and a proven track record of success. I know Tim Hall will be a valuable addition to our campus community. Please join me in welcoming and supporting him.

Search Committee Members:

• Jack Suess (Chair), Vice President for Information Technology and CIO
• Dale Bittinger, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
• Stanyell Bruce, Professional Staff Senate Representative
• Jesse Fox, Graduate Student Association Representative
• Aly Gazarek, Student Athlete Advisory Committee Representative
• Hannah Khan, Student Government Association Representative
• Cindy Kubiet, Director of Sports Medicine
• George LaNoue, Athletic and Recreation Policy Representative
• Kim Leisey, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
• Marvin Mandel, NCAA Faculty Representative
• Charles Nicholas, Athletic and Recreation Policy Chair
• Chase Plummer, Student Athlete Representative
• Greg Simmons, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
• Valerie Thomas, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
• Don Zimmerman, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach / Pete Caringi, Head Men’s Soccer Coach (Co-Representatives)

As the 2014 Maryland gubernatorial race quickly takes shape, ABC7 interviewed UMBC political science professor Thomas F. Schaller on what the state can expect moving forward. Schaller’s comments focused on the strength of the Democratic party in the state. He noted, “The Republican party just has such a very short bench in Maryland.”

Schaller walked the reporter through the past several gubernatorial elections and the tactics candidates found successful. He suggested, “for a long time, Democrats maximized their votes in Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.” For example, Parris Glendening (1995-2003) won those three areas and was elected, despite losing the state’s other 21 jurisdictions.

The metric gradually shifted to the point where Ehrlich won by doing sufficiently well (but not winning) in Montgomery and Prince George’s and garnering significant votes elsewhere. The Democrats learned from that experience, leading to an O’Malley victory. As for the Maryland GOP, Schaller remarked, “I’m not saying they can’t win – it depends on who they nominate, but I think the Democrats are favored.”

The history of the creation of the 35^th state, West Virginia, was the topic of conversation at a Lunch with Books Program presentation at the Ohio County Public Library, held on Tues., June 19. According to David Zimring, history instructor at UMBC, it was described as “Secession in favor of the Constitution.”

Zimring recounted the series of events that led to western Virginia seceding from Virginia at a time when the nation was becoming increasingly divided about the constitutionality of slavery. “West Virginia’s leaders needed to convince the federal government that West Virginia statehood was a legal and necessary measure that helped the Union,” said Zimring.

Read the full article »

Wednesday night’s finale of the Discovery Channel’s “Big Brain Theory” included a drop-in by astronaut Buzz Aldrin and the destruction of a 34-foot bridge. But, for Corey Fleischer ’05, ’08, mechanical engineering, the most exciting point of being declared the season’s big winner was a bit less, well, explosive.

“The most exciting outcome is having my kids think their dad is ‘the next great American innovator’ as I was labeled on the show,” said Fleischer, a father of two and a senior mechanical engineer at Lockheed Martin. “That’s the best; my kids are going to think their dad is sooo smart…hah!”

Besides the admiration of his kids, Fleischer also walked away from the engineering-based reality show $50,000 richer, and with a one-year contract to work with WET Design, which specializes in innovative water-based designed environments. Over the course of eight weeks and working in teams, the 10 brainy contestants faced challenges of design and execution to see whose ideas would ultimately rise to the top.

“I went out there not knowing what the challenges were going to be like or who the competition was,” said Fleischer, who outside of his work at Lockheed Martin enjoys tinkering on inventions in his garage. While a student at UMBC, he faced regular challenges as a member of the Mini-Baja (now SAE) team.

“I was just hoping not to be the first person eliminated.  Then once I got out there and saw the people I was working with and the magnitude of the challenges I relaxed and knew regardless of the outcome I was going to have a blast.  Winning the competition was just a bonus!”

Fleischer was the only contestant to never experience a loss. His favorite challenge — which he led — involved designing a robot that could compete in a foot race, throw a javelin and perform a long jump.

“It was the first time I was a team leader and it was the first time a team had completed a challenge,” he said.  “I was very proud of what we created.   After our robot jumped 16 ft, we had camera-men, producers, technical advisers and all sorts of people high-fiving us and yelling ‘good job.'”

– Read about Corey’s latest venture – a “makerspace” in Baltimore

– Read an interview with Corey from before the “Big Brain Theory” aired

When students have the scholarship support they need, they can do AMAZING things. And during the month of June, we’re working hard to help students do just that — make the most of their time at UMBC, and change the world for the better, with the aid of scholarships. Our aim? To raise enough money to award 30 scholarships of $1,000. It’s a big goal, but you can help us reach it, and when you do, you’ll be helping students in need.

Today we’re featuring an outstanding scholarship winner and future teacher, Micaela Perez Ferrero ’13, political science, who received a number of scholarships while at UMBC, including the Alumni Association Scholarship, Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program, The Shattuck Family Entrepreneurial Scholars Program, and The UMBC Political Science Department.

Q:  How important is it for you to have received these scholarships?
A:  Without scholarships, I would not be at UMBC. Scholarships have not only allowed me to attend a 4 year university, but it also allowed me to attend UMBC. Scholarships have given me the opportunity to achieve my goals and dreams, and I am sincerely grateful for all those who have contributed to each of my scholarships.

Q: Why did you choose UMBC?
A: I decided to come to UMBC due to my acceptance into the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program. I knew that I wanted to spend my four years as an undergraduate surrounded by a community that believed in helping others and making change in order to improve communities.

Q: What’s the most amazing thing you’ve noticed so far?
A: The most amazing discovery that I have made as a student here is how willing faculty and staff want to help you achieve your dreams. This year, I have the opportunity to not only intern in New York City, but also study abroad in Costa Rica. I would have never have achieved either of these dreams without the support and encouragement from my professors.

Q: Is there a particular class that has really opened your eyes?
A: POLI 450, Seminar in Public Administration and Management, really opened my mind to the idea of working in the public sector. Along with my internships in non-profit organizations, this class helped me learn more about my future career interests and what it means to be an effective leader in the public realm.

Q: What are your plans for after graduation next spring?
A: After I graduate, I hope to be admitted into the Teach For America Corps. I interned with TFA this summer and felt truly inspired and motivated by their mission to provide all children with a quality education. I hope to also pursue a Master’s in Public Policy in order to further my career. Ultimately, I wish to work either for the government or a non-profit organization.

Q: What would you like to say to alumni who have supported your scholarships?
A: To the alumni who contributed to my scholarship: thank you. Your contribution not only allowed for me to be able to study abroad, but it also allows me to continue my education at UMBC. My entire undergraduate degree is based on scholarships and so your contribution is of extreme value to me.

Read more about Micaela on the Class of 2013 page.

Interested in helping students like Micaela? Give today.

The American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation honored Kathlene Babalola, M.S. ’05, biochemistry and molecular biology, with a Minority Scholars Award at the AMA’s Annual Meeting in Chicago, on June 15, 2013.

Kathlene was one of only eight medical students in the country selected to receive this award, which was given in recognition of her academic achievement and commitment to the elimination of health care disparities. As an AMA Foundation Minority Scholar, she received a $10,000 scholarship.

Kathlene received her B.S. in chemistry from Morgan State University and an M.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. A third year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Kathlene is passionate about women’s health and volunteering. She received the American Society for Clinical Oncology Medical Student Rotation grant, through which she worked at the MageeWomen’s Research Institute conducting research on ovarian cancer.

Kathlene serves as a HIV counselor and coordinator at a women’s center and shelter in Pittsburgh and volunteered in the Oncology Patients and Loving Students Program (OPALS). She previously worked as a research scientist for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Wyeth/Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Kathlene was selected as a 2013-14 Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Her project involves partnering with a junior high school to develop a special curriculum focused on teaching young women about intimate partner violence and healthy relationships.

“The AMA Foundation is proud to support these exceptional medical students,” said Clarence Chou, MD, AMA Foundation President. “Their outstanding academic achievements, leadership experience, and service in their communities speak to their commitment to make a difference in the health of minority populations.”

Nicole Else-Quest, assistant professor of psychology joins WYPR’s “Midday with Dan Rodricks” to address gender gap in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) industry, and to discuss findings from her latest study on math and science attitudes and achievement as it relates to gender and ethnicity, published in the journal Psychology of Women Quarterly.

“Our first goal was to conduct a study that examined how boys and girls achieved in math and science and feel about math and science,” said Dr. Else-Quest. “And what we found was girls and boys perform equally in math and science, for the most part. There’s no evidence that the girls can’t do math and science.”

The full segment can be heard here.

On June 6, Dr. Kimberly Moffitt, Assistant Professor of American Studies, joined Dr. Ivory Toldson, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at Howard University and Jeffrey Menzise of the Urban Institute at Morgan State University as guest panelists on the “Marc Steiner Show” to discuss the results of a recent poll that asked African Americans the level of satisfaction with their lives.

Of the more than 1,000 African Americans participants, an overwhelming majority indicated that they were satisfied with their lives. However, Dr. Moffitt is quick to point out the danger in some of the generalizations made from the survey results. “Clearly, for single women who live in the south and in urban areas, life can be very good,” said Dr. Moffitt. “[But] I think if we explore these issues at a deeper level that some of the generalizations can be quite dangerous.”

The survey, conducted by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Harvard School of Public Health, is part of a new NPR series, “The View from Black America,” that addresses the many facets of life in America from the perspective of African American men and women.

Towson University’s new Tiger Arena opens tonight. The arena cost $70 million, funded through $20 million in Towson’s reserve funds, combined with bonds paid back through a student fee set aside for construction projects. UMBC economics professor Dennis Coates told the Baltimore Sun that although new arenas generally succeed in increasing the owner’s ability to generate revenue, whether that benefits those who pay for construction is less clear. “It creates a nice buzz,” said Coates, “but otherwise, the impact is spread out.”

Coates also commented in a recent Wall Street Journal article on how Brooklyn’s Barclays Center impacts local retailers, particularly food vendors.

When Dr. Shlomo Carmi – former Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology and professor of mechanical engineering – retired from UMBC this semester, he and his wife Rachel decided to give back to the university that has been such a big part of their lives for so many years.

Watch the video to learn more about why the Carmis give to UMBC.