Dear UMBC community,
There is something special about the beginning of a new academic year. Walking across campus on the first day of classes, I felt such joy in watching our undergraduate and graduate students begin the year—some confident, some finding their way, and many filled with anticipation and wonder.
I saw members of our community offer directions, hand out snacks, answer questions, and provide reassurance. I also watched faculty teach their first classes, recalling the excitement I always felt delivering that first lecture of the semester.
Everywhere, I saw joy and possibility.
We are a community that believes in people and what is possible for them. Thank you for all you do to support our students and each other.
What a wonderful start to the new academic year. Happy Monday!
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Dear UMBC Community,
Commencement is almost upon us! The first day of classes and Commencement are my favorite days of the year, and this year is no exception. We have so much to celebrate this year as we honor the graduates who will receive their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees later this week.
The road has not been easy, of course, and the contexts for our graduating students continue to be challenging, whether individual or global in nature. Commencement ceremonies, though, are a joyful occasion reflecting on the work and growth of our graduates and the contributions they have made to their chosen fields, to UMBC, and to the world beyond. Commencement also is a chance to express our gratitude to all who have accompanied students on their journeys—their families and friends, fellow students, mentors, advisors, and so many faculty and staff members.
This year feels even more meaningful for me as I celebrate the undergraduate Class of 2026, most of whom began their UMBC journeys at the same time I did, in the fall of 2022. It has been an honor to walk this path with you. Happy Commencement week to us all!
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Dear UMBC Community,
I recently had one of those days that reminded me—through a richly diverse set of experiences—exactly who we are. I had the opportunity to attend three events the first Saturday in May that showcased in different ways the strengths of our community and the contributions UMBC makes to the state of Maryland.
My day began at an open house at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where UMBC faculty, students, and partners are advancing research on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. The family-friendly open house gave visitors a chance to experience IMET’s research through hands-on science activities, conversations with scientists, and demonstrations exploring marine science. I could see curiosity taking hold in the minds of the attendees.
Then it was on to Maryland History Day, a celebration of the humanities and the culmination of the Maryland History Day contest that we have hosted on our campus for more than two decades. A partnership with Maryland Humanities, the event brought hundreds of middle and high school students whose questions and perspectives are adding to our understanding of history.
I ended the day at the Linehan Concert Hall, listening to “Songs of Freedom,” a concert by the UMBC Jubilee Singers and Gospel Choir. The music was powerful, carrying stories and history and bringing people together. Three different spaces, three different ways of connecting, learning, and contributing to our communities: That is UMBC.
With deep appreciation,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Dear UMBC Community,
Last week’s Administrative Professionals Day breakfast was a beautiful occasion to honor the integral contributions of UMBC’s administrative support staff. Across campus, their work brings order to complexity and clarity to what needs to happen next. They notice what others might miss, step in where needed, and ensure that the work of the university moves forward with intention and care.
It was a privilege to celebrate our administrative support staff with an inspiring keynote from UMBC’s own Alicia Wilson ’04, vice president for civic engagement and opportunity at Johns Hopkins University. Alicia spoke powerfully to the value of work that gets done, perhaps without ever being noticed—work that supports others, sustains our community, and makes progress possible. She also gave us even more reason to feel proud of UMBC, as she credited this institution and community for so much of her own success.
To our administrative support staff: I hope you felt truly celebrated at the wonderful breakfast co-sponsored by Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management and the Office of Institutional Advancement. I hope you know—every day—that we value you.
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
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