LeaderNotes Summer 2024

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Along with longer days and brighter sunshine, we’re excited to welcome summer and share exciting advancements from the Foundation.

In late April, Becca Salsbury joined us in the role of vice president and general counsel, succeeding Ralph Partlow who will retire at the end of the fiscal year. Becca comes to the Foundation from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, where she served as assistant attorney general within the Higher Education Division. In this position, Becca provided advice and counsel on real estate, procurement matters and compliance, and financing. Becca also worked closely with the USM’s Administration and Finance Department to review and revise policies and procedures related to real estate and procurement. She brings to the Foundation years of expertise on federal and state laws governing higher education, ethical conflicts, intellectual property issues, personnel and employment issues, board compliance issues and more. Welcome, Becca!

On June 4, the USM hosted its first-ever Advancement and Alumni Relations Communications Summit at UMBC. Around 85 colleagues from institutions across the System attended, making the Summit one of our biggest in-person professional development events to date. The day-long program included a keynote from Brian Flahaven, vice president of strategic partnerships for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, called, “Taking on the Political Headwinds Facing Higher Education.” Attendees also heard a plenary session called, “Unlocking AI: Practical Applications for USM Fundraising,” presented by Graham-Pelton. The day concluded with breakout sessions hosted by colleagues working in advancement and communications fields at institutions across the System.

USM Advancement and Alumni Communications Summit

Finally, I would like to congratulate Sharcus Steen, our chief investment officer, who was named to the Blueprint Capital Advisors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Capitalism Power 100 List in the Endowment and Foundation category. This honor recognizes people who are leading by example, breaking color and gender barriers, supporting diverse firms, and promoting a more exclusive investment management industry. Congratulations, Sharcus!

As always, please reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

USM Foundation Board Meeting Recap

The Foundation’s Board of Directors met on June 6 at Bowie State University.

Due to a prior commitment, BSU President Aminta Breaux extended her greetings to the Board through a recorded video message. Bowie State University is projecting a two percent student growth rate for the upcoming year, having received 13,000 applications from prospective students. Additionally, the university has seen a 25 percent increase in graduate student enrollment. BSU is also anticipating the opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Communication Arts & Humanities Building in the fall of 2024.

Next, the Board heard from Johnetta Boseman Hardy, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (EIC) at Bowie State University. The EIC is a hub for entrepreneurship, empowering students to transform ideas into businesses and enhance their career prospects. The Center offers entrepreneur mentors, workshops, networking opportunities, and start-up support to its students. During the presentation, two students showcased their business ventures from the 2024 Bulldog Pitch Competition: a car detailing service and a hygiene education app designed for young girls.

Board Chair Don Scheeler delivered the Governance Committee report and presented some proposed changes to the Foundation’s bylaws, which the Board approved. Don also announced two new Directors, whose bios can be found below.

Chancellor Jay Perman addressed the Board, discussing the issues of unrest on university campuses, the ongoing nationwide concerns with the FAFSA, and the significance of access and affordability.

Chief Investment Officer Sharcus Steen provided a positive investment report, stating that the Foundation’s portfolio is exceeding its benchmarks despite a challenging market.

Budget and Finance Committee Chair Barry Gossett introduced the proposed FY 25 budget, which received approval from the Board. Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gilbert presented the Audit Committee report, highlighting the committee's evaluation of risks to the Foundation, including cybersecurity.

Edna Primrose is founder and president of Differenza, which provides executive leadership along with support in launching, maintaining and optimizing programs for equity. Edna has more than 20 years of executive expertise leading comprehensive programs in organizational management, workforce development, and community development in the public and private sectors. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Towson University, where she serves as President of the TU Foundation Board of Directors. Edna helped establish the Primrose-Better Scholarship to benefit TU students with financial need from Prince George’s County, MD.

Stacy Rodgers is a retired county administrative officer with the Baltimore County Government and has over 30 years of experience working at every level of government and non-profit organizations. In 2019, Stacy became the first African-American and second woman appointed as Baltimore County Administrative Officer. In this role, she was responsible for directing the County’s day-to-day operations and providing oversight for the County’s $4.5 billion operating budget. Stacy holds a B.A. in Psychology from UMBC and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UBalt. Stacy serves as Chairperson of the Dean’s Advisory Board for UBalt’s School of Public Affairs.

USM News Briefs

In April, Maryland Governor Wes Moore visited Frostburg State University for a dedication and ribbon cutting for the Education and Health Sciences Center. The new center houses the College of Education and Health and Natural Sciences and the disciplines of kinesiology, education, nursing, and health sciences. Additionally, the building holds teaching labs, a student health and counseling center, and the Children’s Literature Centre.

Salisbury University has named its Center for Equity, Justice and Inclusion in honor of former SU President Charles Wight. During his tenure as president, Dr. Wight greatly valued the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. The center houses the disAbility Resource Center, LBGTQIA+ Resource Center, Women’s Center, African Diaspora Center, American Asian Pacific Islander Center, American Sign Language Zone, and Latinx Center.

Towson University hosted their annual Celebration of Donors and Scholars in early May to thank donors who fund scholarships, support program innovation, and enhance the university experience for its students. The celebration also recognized student scholarship recipients and faculty and staff. The TU Foundation awarded 1,262 scholarships totaling $2.5 million in the past year.

UBalt’s Merrick School of Business has launched a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business program, the first of its kind in the state. The graduate degree will help students become leaders in the field of AI within business applications.

University of Maryland, Baltimore has partnered with Sweeten Enterprise, a software platform that fosters the growth of small, local, and minority-owned businesses in order to help increase contracting with West Baltimore businesses. Sweeten Enterprise will implement a repository of businesses in UMB’s financial system, allowing people with access to acquire goods or services from these companies.

A new agreement between UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology and UBalt’s Merrick School of Business will allow students from each university to apply for credits from either school. This partnership will help increase the marketability of students at both universities.

In April, the University of Maryland, College Park celebrated the dedication of the Chemistry Building, which will serve as a facility for quantum chemistry, molecular nanoscience, and sustainability research. The facility features 34 advanced research labs, collaboration space, and a Great Chemistry Hall where faculty and students can interact with experts through lectures and conferences.

University of Maryland Global Campus has joined the University Innovation Lab, a national coalition of leading public research universities committed to increasing the number and diversity of college graduates in the country. UMGC’s faculty and staff will be able to participate in training courses and events that will provide resources aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates.