Hello Retrievers!
Welcome to the Fall 2023 semester! I am very excited to join the UMBC community as Vice President for Student Affairs, and as I have not met many of you yet I want to take a moment to introduce myself.
For me, this is a return "home" as UMBC is where I started my career in 2001. From my office window in The Commons, I can see the residential community where I worked as a community director. I loved the feeling of caring and connection I experienced on this campus then, and look forward to hearing about your own experiences and learning how I can be supportive.
I previously served as the Vice President for Student Engagement, Success, and Diversity at Simmons University in Boston, MA. My husband and I are incredibly excited about living in Maryland and are grateful for the warm Retriever welcome we've received already. It has been a joy to walk around campus and see how UMBC has grown. Like you, our sons are beginning a new academic year. John is in his first year of college at the University of Southern California and Jayden is a sophomore at Western Reserve Academy.
As I transition into this role, it is important for me to hear from you! I want to get to know you, hear how your semester is going, and listen to your hopes for your time at UMBC. Beginning September 13, I will host coffee chats on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. in my office in The Commons, room 319. Please sign up online to reserve a time.
I am committed to ensuring that you feel a sense of belonging at UMBC and find the resources and experiences you need to be successful. There are many ways to get engaged, find your people, connect to resources for self-care, make a difference, and just have fun. I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities, and know that it is okay to ask for help if you need it.
I am humbled and honored to join you on this journey and I cannot wait to connect in person. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Student Affairs at 410-455-2393 or studentaffairs@umbc.edu if you need assistance; otherwise, I hope to see you soon at an upcoming coffee chat. Have a wonderful start to the semester and a successful year!
Best,
Renique Kersh, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs, UMBC
