LeaderNotes Winter 2025

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In late January, the USM officially launched its first branding campaign, For the Good of Maryland. This three-year initiative aims to highlight the value of the System and reinforce the importance of a strong, innovative, and accessible public university system. The campaign comes at a critical time, as a 2023 Gallup poll found that only 36 percent of Americans have a high level of confidence in higher education. Through a mix of streaming video, radio, social media, and digital advertising, we hope to reach millions across Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metro area. Please visit https://formaryland.usmd.edu/ to view the campaign.

From January 29-31, Carrie Browne, Marianne Horrigan, Tom Gilbert, Becca Salsbury, and I attended the 2025 Foundation Leadership Forum hosted by AGB in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to present on the panel, Taking a High-Performing Board to the Next Level, alongside colleagues from the University of Illinois Foundation. We engaged in thought-provoking sessions, including discussions on the intersection of education and democracy, innovative uses of AI in philanthropy, and an insightful session featuring our colleagues from College Park on foundation-led advocacy efforts.

On February 19, USM Foundation Directors and staff and several Regents traveled to Annapolis for Advocacy Day. We met with Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson to discuss budgetary priorities and workforce concerns. Later, at a reception, we had the opportunity to speak with Guy Guzzone and Kevin Atticks about pressing issues impacting higher education and economic development in our state.

Adrienne Jones (third from left) with USM Foundation Directors and staff on Advocacy Day

Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Ronald Nowaczyk, who lost his battle with cancer on January 31. As president of Frostburg State University, he made a profound impact on the institution and its students. Under Ron's leadership, FSU expanded its academic offerings, strengthened its partnerships, and invested in critical infrastructure improvements, including sustainability initiatives and a transition to NCAA Division II athletics. His vision and dedication to student success will leave a lasting legacy, and we honor his contributions to the USM community.

Thank you for your continued support of the USM and the Foundation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

USM Foundation Board Meeting Recap

The Foundation’s Board of Directors met on February 20.

The meeting began with a welcome from Chancellor Jay Perman, who addressed the state's FY26 budget and the proposed cut of more than five percent of the System's base budget. While we cannot rule out more cuts, Chancellor Perman stated that the USM will exhaust every action possible before any workforce cuts are made.

Next, the Board heard from Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development Michele Masucci and Executive Director of Economic Development Lindsay Ryan about the USM Launch Fund. The USM Launch Fund provides early-stage support for startups and ventures connected to USM institutions. The program offers non-dilutive grants ranging from less than $3,000 to $50,000 to help bridge critical gaps in the development of for-profit and non-profit ventures founded by USM students, faculty, employees, or alumni. The fund prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to support innovation and economic growth in Maryland. It is administered by the USM Office of Research and Economic Development, with a commitment of up to $600,000 over three years. The Board heard testimonials from awardees and learned more about the fund.

To round out the meeting, the Board heard a positive Investment Committee report and Advocacy Committee report. Leonard Raley concluded the meeting with his President's Report and shared updates, which you can find in this newsletter.

Philanthropy Across the System

JPMorganChase has committed $500,000 to Coppin State University to expand its Data Science program and enhance career pathways for students, particularly first-generation and underrepresented minorities. The funding will support curriculum development, internship opportunities, and industry partnerships, equipping students with essential skills for a data-driven economy.

Edward and Jennifer St. John, along with the Edward St. John Foundation, have donated $10 million to establish the Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine (CTEM) at the University of Maryland BioPark in Baltimore. This collaboration between the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University of Maryland, College Park will unite engineers and medical professionals to develop cutting-edge medical solutions. The center will focus on advancing diagnostics, treatments, and medical devices while fostering research partnerships and educational opportunities. CTEM aims to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen Baltimore’s biotechnology sector.

Edward and Jennifer St. John

Towson University’s newly launched Paving the Path campaign honors five Black pioneers who helped shape a more inclusive campus and raise funds for scholarships and student programs in their names. The campaign features a traveling exhibit, banners, and events highlighting Whitney LeBlanc, Marvis Barnes, Myra Harris, Julius Chapman, and Raft Woodus, who broke racial barriers as TU’s first Black faculty member, graduates, dean of Minority Affairs, and director of Student Success Programs. Their legacies live on through scholarships and initiatives supporting students of color and first-generation students. Donations to the campaign help sustain these programs, empowering future generations of TU students. Click here to read more.

USM News Briefs

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has partnered with United Airlines to join the United Aviate Program, providing students with a direct pathway to becoming pilots and first officers. UMES is the fifth historically Black university to join the program, which builds on the university's growing aviation sciences program, including existing partnerships with Republic Airlines and Alaska Airlines. This collaboration will help produce skilled aviators who contribute to both the local and national economy.

UMCES kicked off its 100th anniversary celebrations on January 24, with a launch event at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, where UMCES originated. The event featured speeches from key figures, highlighting UMCES's impact as Maryland's premier environmental research institution and its role in addressing global environmental challenges. Additionally, UBalt held its Centennial Launch Party on January 23, featuring a community discussion with university and local leaders, faculty, and students. The event highlighted the university’s history, current impact, and ongoing dedication to academic excellence, transformative learning, and civic engagement in shaping the future

Forbes has ranked the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County as America’s Best Large Employers for 2025. Click here to see the full list.

Since 1981, Maryland and Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, have collaborated in education, business, and cultural exchanges. A new Memorandum of Understanding between UMBC and the Kanagawa Association of Private Junior/Senior Schools will establish an annual Global Achievement Scholarship, starting in 2026, to provide an undergraduate admissions pathway for students from Kanagawa. This initiative aims to enhance cultural exchange and offer valuable opportunities for UMBC students to gain professional experience in Japan.

Students and teachers from Kanagawa Prefecture at an Orioles game

UMB and Wexford Science and Technology celebrated the grand opening of 4MLK, an eight-story, 250,000-square-foot lab and office building at the UMB BioPark in January. The facility aims to address the growing demand for modern lab space, enhance innovation, and foster economic growth in Baltimore's life sciences sector. 4MLK will house the Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine, along with startups and tenants within Connect Labs.

Salisbury University is launching Maryland’s first coastal engineering major, addressing the rising demand for licensed engineers in coastal environments. The program integrates hands-on instruction in engineering, geosciences, and geographic information science to solve problems like flooding and erosion, with a focus on preparing students for careers in coastal protection and development.

Frostburg State University has experienced continued enrollment growth, reaching 3,320 total students for Spring 2025, a 2.4 percent increase from the previous year. The university also awarded 844 bachelor’s degrees in FY24, showing strong academic progress. Retention rates are high at 92.2 percent, thanks to improved student support services and faculty outreach. Additionally, FSU’s online programs, particularly the LPN to BSN program, have seen significant growth, supporting both student success and regional healthcare needs.

USM Institutions Earn Research College and University Designations

Eight USM institutions have been recognized in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. The classifications denote institutions that are committed to research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Bowie State University, Salisbury University, Towson University, University of Baltimore, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore were recognized in the newly established category "Research Colleges and Universities." According to the Carnegie Classifications website, this category "identifies research happening at colleges and universities that historically have not been recognized for their research activity, including institutions that do not offer many or any doctoral degrees. This new designation includes any non-R1 or R2 institution that spends more than $2.5 million on research annually, accounting for 216 institutions."

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore were recognized in the category "Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production."

Click here to access the full list.

Maryland General Assembly Declares "UMGC Day"

The Maryland General Assembly has declared February 10 as University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Day, recognizing the institution’s contributions to education and workforce development in Maryland and beyond. UMGC is Maryland’s largest provider of postsecondary education and a premier partner of the U.S. military. The institution serves students across the state, the nation, and in over 20 countries. UMGC has 111,000 alumni in Maryland and a global network of over 307,000 alumni and leads in degrees conferred, military student enrollment, and IT degrees awarded to women and students of color.

UMGC President Gregory Fowler (center) holds the resolution from the Maryland General Assembly

UMCP and SU recognized as Top Fulbright Producers

The University of Maryland, College Park and Salisbury University have been recognized as top producers of Fulbright U.S. Scholars and Students for 2024-25. The Fulbright Program is the Department of State’s flagship international exchange initiative, which offers opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbright U.S. Scholars are experienced faculty and professionals who teach or research internationally, while Fulbright Students engage in study, research, or teaching assistant roles. SU produced three Fulbright U.S. Scholars and three Fulbright U.S. Students. UMCP produced 20 Fulbright U.S. Students.