Dr. John Fox ‘91, the inaugural dean of students in the Division of Student Affairs (DoSA), spoke at the November 2024 Hilltop and 1966 Societies Dinner about the recent addition of a Dean of Students office to better support student success and wellbeing.

“The Division of Student Affairs focuses on wellbeing, engagement, and the holistic student experience,” Dr. Fox said. “It’s very exciting because the division’s recent realignment increases our collective effectiveness and, for students, better understanding of how we serve them. One aspect of the realignment is the creation of the Dean of Students Office, which provides an entry point for students facing gaps in basic needs, experiencing emotional and social challenges, and in need of direction when they are unsure who can assist them. A Dean of Students' office is one strategy to address student success in and out of the classroom.”

Sara Lerma Jones, director of donor relations in the Office of Institutional Advancement, said, “Donors shared that they are excited to hear about this new direction in support of students, and the talk provided a real opportunity to share current impact and future needs. Opportunities to hear firsthand from leaders like Dr. Fox speaks to the importance of campus partnerships. Demonstrating to donors and other constituents how UMBC is prioritizing student success and well-being, and how their financial support makes a difference in the lives of our students creates an increased sense of commitment and support from these donors.”

The dinner celebrated donors from UMBC’s Hilltop and 1966 Societies and also included remarks from Dr. Valerie Shears Ashby, president; Dr. Manfred H.M. van Dulmen, provost; Tiffany Tucker, director of athletics; Sara Lerma Jones, director of donor relations; and Dr. Stephen Freeland, vice provost of undergraduate academic affairs.

Dr. Ricky Blissett ‘11, associate director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, was a panelist at the October 2024 Living Democracy Symposium. Part of UMD’s Living Democracy Initiative, the symposium provided opportunities for civic discourse, sharing of new perspectives, and learning about the ways that our collective history informs our present and future. 

Dr. Blissett served on the panel, “Libraries' Role in Fostering Critical Information Literacy - Nurturing Democracy through Informed Citizenship.” Panelists sought to investigate the pivotal role that libraries play in advancing critical information literacy and its impact on fostering a robust democracy. They explored how libraries function as dynamic environments that nurture well-informed citizens capable of actively engaging in democratic processes. 

The panel moderator was Twanna Hodge, UMD doctoral student, College of Information Studies. Additional panelists included Dr. Ana Ndumu, UMD assistant professor, College of Information Studies; DR. Meredith Evans, director, Jimmy Carter Library; and Dr. Paul R. Carr, professor, Université du Québec en Outaouais.