All posts by: UMBC News Staff

Entry Ban on H-1B Employees ↗

Dear Campus Community, 
We are writing with an important update regarding President Trump’s proclamation on September 19, 2025, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers. 
The information contained in our update is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. 
Context 
The H-1B visa program was created in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush to allow U.S. employers to hire highly skilled workers from outside of the United States to fulfill workforce needs in specialty occupations. UMBC employs nearly 90 research scientists, faculty, and staff through the H-1B visa program and the contributions of these highly skilled individuals contribute to the cutting-edge research and world-class education that we are able to provide. 
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, that requires employers to make payment of a $100,000 government fee per each individual H-1B employee seeking to enter the United States, unless an exception is granted. This proclamation became effective on September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EST and will last for 12 months, unless extended. 
Key Provisions 
Scope: The proclamation applies prospectively to new petitions of H-1B employees who are outside of the United States while the proclamation is in effect unless covered by an approved exception. The proclamation does not apply to any individual who is the beneficiary of petitions filed prior to the effective date of the proclamation, is the beneficiary of currently approved petitions, or is in possession of a validly issued H-1B non-immigrant visa. 
  • The White House released an FAQ document making the following clarifications: 
  1. the proclamation does not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. EST on September 21, 2025; 
  2. the proclamation does not change any payments of fees required to be submitted in connection with any H-1B renewals; 
  3. the fee is a one-time fee on submission of a new H-1B petition; and 
  4. the proclamation does not prevent any holder of a current H-1B visa from traveling in and out of the United States. 
Travel: According to The White House FAQ and agency memoranda, the proclamation does not impact the ability of current H-1B visa holders from traveling to or from the United States. The entry restriction only applies to new H-1B petitions for individuals who are outside of the United States.
Petition Processing: USCIS will restrict decisions on new H-1B petitions lacking evidence that the $100,000 payment was made in advance of filing the petition when the beneficiary is outside of the United States for as long as the proclamation is in effect, unless an exception is granted. 
Visas: U.S. embassies and consulates will not approve issuance of H-1B visas without evidence that the $100,000 payment was made by the filing employer. It is also implied that individuals with approved H-1B petitions who have an employment start date beginning prior to October 1, 2026, will be restricted from obtaining B (business/tourism) visas.
Exceptions: The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to grant exceptions to this proclamation for specific individuals, all workers for specific employers and all workers in specific industries. At the time of writing this message, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not issued guidance on approved exceptions other than those previously mentioned.
Wages: The Secretary of Labor will initiate rulemaking to revise and raise wage levels for H-1B employees. 
Guidance
 
Travel: H-1B employees planning to travel abroad are advised to consult with the Center for Global Engagement and carry a copy of the CBP memorandum on their person when passing through a U.S. port of entry. 
Staffing: Supervisors should be prepared for the possibility that new hires who are currently outside of the United States will be unable to obtain an H-1B visa or enter the United States unless they qualify for an exception from the proclamation or can provide documentation verifying that the $100,000 fee was paid. Please contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management with any questions or concerns as it relates to hiring new employees. 
Resources
UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program provides employees with access to free confidential counseling and connections to attorneys who can help with a variety of issues, including immigration concerns.
The Office of International Students and Scholars is available to consult on immigration-related travel issues for individuals holding F-1, H-1B, and J-1 immigration status.
UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE) will continue to monitor this situation very closely and remains a resource for H-1B employees. Please reach out to CGE if you have questions or plan to travel outside of the United States while the proclamation is in effect.
Some members of our UMBC community may understandably have questions or concerns. Please reach out to either of us for assistance.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement

Lynne Adams
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Following where curiosity leads them—COEIT celebrates student summer research

Students from across the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) spent the summer diving into research—embarking on new projects or deepening their focus. The college celebrated their work in August with a poster session and networking lunch. Students showcased their research on diverse topics including how artificial intelligence can help K-12 teachers monitor student engagement; how best to model environmental phenomena like wildfires and cloud patterns; and how the sex hormone estradiol affects the behavior of blood platelets, which play an essential role in healthy blood clotting.

Julia Chapman, a rising senior in mechanical engineering who conducted research on a mathematical model that replicates aircraft wing flutter, says she was inspired by the curiosity on display at the poster session. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to share my summer research and engage in thoughtful conversations,” she says.

“I really enjoyed sharing my work with faculty and fellow students. Since everyone comes from different backgrounds, the variety of questions helped me see my research from multiple perspectives,” says Zahid Hassan Tushar, a Ph.D. candidate in information systems who presented his research studying how machine learning techniques can help predict properties of clouds and aerosols from data gathered by one of NASA’s recently launched Earth-observing satellites. 

Many of the participating students were supported through the inaugural COEIT Student Summer Projects (CSSP) awards, which provided stipends to 10 students—both graduate and undergraduate—across all academic departments of the college. 

The CSSP-funded students were joined by faculty-nominated members of various labs across COEIT and students from REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) programs—National Science Foundation-funded opportunities that bring undergraduates from around the country to UMBC for summer research. The students’ summer research experience also included attending professional development seminars, in which campus leaders shared their own research journeys and COEIT faculty ran skill-development workshops on topics such as making effective presentations, writing papers, and more. 

Students and faculty pose with President Sheares Ashby in meeting room.
COEIT student summer researchers pose with UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby (center in yellow dress). Sheares Ashby spoke with the students as part of a professional development program. (Photo courtesy of Vandana Janeja)

“The poster session was the culmination of a summer of research exploration for our students, and it was an honor to meet them and learn about their work,” says COEIT Dean Jeanne van Briesen. “Their excitement at the challenges they’d faced and the new ideas they’d generated reminded me of why I love research!”

“It was an honor to celebrate the hard work of these students,” says Vandana Janeja, associate dean for research and faculty development in COEIT. “We look forward to seeing where our students’ curiosity leads us next.” 

First Day of Classes! ↗

Dear UMBC Community, 
Welcome to the first day of the fall semester! Please enjoy this video greeting on what is one of my most favorite days of the year. 
President Valerie Sheares Ashby
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Fall Opening Meeting Recording ↗

Dear UMBC Community, 

Thank you to all who attended last week’s Fall Opening Meeting, whether in person or virtually. It was a terrific gathering of staff, faculty, students—and even some UMBC family members. What an inspiring way to start the semester!

If you were unable to attend, I invite you to watch the recording of the event. We shared updates on several important topics, including great news about the incoming class, the latest on the impacts of federal actions and orders on UMBC, a budget update, and our work ahead on the strategic plan. We also got a sneak peek of the newly renovated portion of Sherman Hall, and previewed UMBC Arts+, the arts initiative launching this fall—including a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in Linehan Concert Hall on September 17.

As we came together to reflect on how much progress we have made since last year’s Fall Opening Meeting and looked to what is ahead for this academic year, it was particularly meaningful to meet and hear remarks from three students who are beginning their UMBC journeys this fall: First-year students Lexi Malenfant and Andrew Whipple, and Archana Thakkar, a transfer student joining the Honors College from the Community College of Baltimore County. Hearing directly from students—learning about their passions and why they chose UMBC—is the best reminder of why we are here and how important our work is. My thanks to Lexi, Andrew, and Archana for sharing their stories with us, and welcome to UMBC.

I am energized and so proud to be a part of this extraordinary institution. Thank you for all you do for UMBC. Let’s get this semester started!

Sincerely,

President Valerie Sheares Ashby


Summer Update on Our Response to Federal Actions and Orders ↗

Dear UMBC Community, 
While campus may seem quiet over the summer, the news from beyond campus has been anything but. I write today with an update on the impacts of federal actions and orders on UMBC and our work to respond to and address these effects. 
As has been the case with previous updates, this message is not exhaustive in reporting on every piece of work being done by our core team and others involved in our response; it is meant to share important information in a few areas that we know are of concern to many at UMBC. 
Budget Reconciliation 
The sweeping legislation called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that was signed into law on July 4 reshapes federal tax policy and spending on a broad scale. Its impacts on higher education will be wide-ranging, both directly and indirectly. 
Several of its measures related to higher education (those concerning student financial aid, in particular) do not become effective until July 2026, and so the full impacts of the law will not be realized for some time. What we know generally is this: 
  • Direct impacts include narrowed Pell Grant eligibility and more limited access to student and parent loans, including the elimination of GradPLUS loans for new borrowers, as well as additional fees for international students, faculty, staff, and visiting scholars 
  • Significant cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will affect some members of our community directly, and the financial impact of those cuts on the state of Maryland will have secondary effects on publicly funded institutions such as UMBC 
In addition to working to support our students and families who may be facing greater challenges to affordability and access, our aim is to mitigate institutional impacts so that we may continue to advance access to education and support student success. 
Meanwhile, the appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2026 is not yet complete. Congress is considering various spending bills, as well as President Trump’s proposed budget, all of which, to varying degrees, would dramatically reduce funding for education, research, and more. 
Research Impacts 
As many are aware, various executive orders and related decisions and actions by federal agencies over the past several months, including early research grant terminations, have already significantly reduced research funding, affecting higher education institutions across the country and limiting their ability to carry out vital research. Some of those actions continue to be challenged in court and/or considered in Congress. 
As we have reported previously, UMBC has received about 30 terminations of grants and contracts that had already been awarded to UMBC researchers, with a net loss of about $22 million. This amounts to an annual impact of about $8 million to $10 million, or about 8 percent of our current annual federal research portfolio, for each of the next couple of years. A piece of good news: Over the past month, in response to federal lawsuits filed earlier by the State of Maryland and a number of other states, we have seen a handful of previously terminated NIH and NSF awards reinstated. We are still determining the details of these reinstatements, but we are pleased to be able to continue or resume the work that these grants support. 
UMBC is in close contact with University System of Maryland institutions and with leaders in national higher education organizations as we begin to model and better understand the potential impact of a proposal to shift from the long-established negotiated indirect cost model on federal contracts and grants to a new, direct-charge model for most grant-related activities. In July, a coalition of organizations, including the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, issued a recommendation for a new model to replace the current cost structure used by the federal government. These discussions, which came in response to a decision to cap federal reimbursements at 15 percent, are ongoing. 
Of particular concern and focus for UMBC is Goddard Space Flight Center, where almost 300 UMBC research faculty and staff work under cooperative agreements with NASA. Goddard is the epicenter of a partnership with NASA that UMBC has cultivated over the past three decades and that has resulted in UMBC’s ranking in the top 10 in the nation for annual NASA expenditures. NASA Goddard Director Makenzie Lystrup recently announced her intent to leave the agency effective August 1, and several hundred NASA employees have accepted early retirement and resignation offers. The president’s budget proposal, if enacted, would cut NASA funding by 24 percent—disproportionally affecting NASA’s science budgets—and its workforce by a third; the impact of cuts of this scale on Goddard could be devastating. 
We are monitoring this changing situation closely and actively advocating for the important work we do at Goddard and elsewhere—I met personally with members of our Congressional delegation in June, for instance. We also are meeting directly with our teams at Goddard and providing direct support for those employees, including information about health insurance options and monthly career development workshops that we began hosting in July. 
There remains a great deal of uncertainty regarding federal support of research. No matter the outcome, UMBC will adapt and evolve while staying true to our identity and the public good we provide. We will remain a research institution that advances knowledge and trains scholars across the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, and that leads in critical areas of innovation and workforce needs for our state, our nation, and our world. 
Our International Community 
We remain concerned about the impact of federal actions on the international students, staff, and faculty who are a vital part of the UMBC community and the global education that we provide. While we know their desire to study at our institution remains strong, delays in visa processing, the travel ban affecting many countries, as well as the political climate more broadly, present significant challenges for current and prospective international students. Based on what we are seeing so far regarding increased visa processing times and decreased visa issuance rates, we expect to see a significant decline in our international graduate student enrollment this fall. 
We recently surveyed newly admitted international students regarding the status of their visas. Several students have visa appointments confirmed in August but will likely be unable to arrive until after the first day of classes. We ask our campus community to be understanding of these late arrivals given the difficult challenges these students are facing in order to join UMBC. 
The team in the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) has worked tirelessly through the summer to provide valuable support to our international community, including newly enrolled students. Please continue to reach out to them for additional support as needed, and visit our information and resources site frequently for the latest updates on our work in response to federal actions and orders. Among other things, it includes information on international travel, updates regarding visa interview waiver eligibility, resources for international students, and guidance related to the potential for federal immigration enforcement action on campus. 
Inclusive Excellence
Finally, I want to address the concern that many have expressed about the Trump administration’s actions and orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—and the impacts of those at many higher education institutions. Among the latest developments was a memo released in late July by the Department of Justice that provided “guidance for recipients of federal funding regarding unlawful discrimination.” Some news outlets reported that this memo declared DEI illegal. 
That memo, like the Dear Colleague letter from the Department of Education (ED) that preceded it in February, followed executive orders issued by the White House targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. Neither the ED letter nor the recent DOJ memo change existing law. Existing laws protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin—and so do UMBC’s policies, including our nondiscrimination policy. 
Inclusive excellence is not just one of our values. It is core to our identity and to our definition of educational and research excellence. We will not relent in our pursuit of inclusive excellence, nor will we overreact or anticipatorily over-comply. We will, at all times, continue to hold UMBC to the highest standards in adhering to university policies and applicable state and federal laws. The multistate guidance on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility employment initiatives issued earlier this year by Maryland State Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and 15 other state attorneys general, remains a helpful resource and guide for us all. 
On behalf of our core team that has met regularly throughout the summer, thank you for your ongoing dedication and support for UMBC and all who comprise this extraordinary community. I am looking forward to the start of the semester and to the opportunity to continue our work together. 
Sincerely, 
President Valerie Sheares Ashby 

Kimberly Herritt ’25: Building Skills and Connections at UMBC

Portrait of Kimberly Herrit, wearing a black athletic shirt with gold details

Major: Media and Communication Studies
Hometown: South Hampton, PA
High School: Council Rock High School South

Kimmie Herritt, a senior at UMBC majoring in information systems, has made the most of her college years, all while preparing for a career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Her journey is a testament to how students can blend technical training, personal growth, and real-world experience to build a strong foundation for life after graduation.

Blending Tech, Design, and Business

Kimmie’s path at UMBC reflects a multidisciplinary approach to education. In addition to her major, she earned a certificate in UX web and mobile design, equipping her with tools to create intuitive digital experiences. She also minored in management and entrepreneurship, rounding out her education with business savvy and leadership skills.

This unique combination of tech, design, and management has positioned her as a well-rounded candidate ready to take on challenges in the evolving tech landscape.

Hands-On Learning at DoIT

Outside the classroom, Kimmie worked as a student desktop support specialist with UMBC’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Her role included troubleshooting computers, managing printer issues, and updating software. These hands-on tasks sharpened her technical skills while teaching her patience, communication, and creative problem-solving.

But for Kimmie, the experience went far beyond the work. She describes the office environment as “super fun,” full of laughter, shared stories, and collaboration. She credits her boss, Courtney Burkett, and her coworkers with creating an inclusive, welcoming space that made every shift enjoyable.

Making Connections That Matter

One of Kimmie’s favorite parts of the job? The people. From swapping stories in the office to the team’s annual sushi outings, the relationships she built were just as important as the skills she gained. These connections gave her a sense of community, especially valuable as she balanced work and a lighter course load in her final semester.

Looking Ahead to PWC

Kimmie is headed to Philadelphia after graduation, where she’ll work as a digital assurance and transparency associate at PWC. Her time at UMBC, especially her experience at DoIT, played a key role in preparing her for this next step.

Kyle Taylor ’25: Behind the Camera and Finding His Voice at UMBC

Portrait of Kyle Taylor, standing infront of a gold background

Major: Media and Communication Studies
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
High School: Arlington Baptist High School

For Kyle Taylor, college has been more than just lectures and assignments; it’s been about finding purpose, building community, and discovering new opportunities. While he once dreamed of playing college basketball, Kyle found a different way to stay connected to the game behind the scenes.

From Courtside Dreams to Media Production

Basketball shaped much of Kyle’s early aspirations, but when the path to becoming a collegiate athlete didn’t unfold, he pivoted. Through UMBC’s New Media Studio in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), Kyle found a new role in the world of sports by helping produce live broadcasts for Division I games, including basketball, lacrosse, and soccer.

Working in the sound booth or behind a camera gave Kyle a unique perspective on the game. “It was surreal,” he shares. Being part of the production team that brings games to life let him reconnect with his passion from an entirely new perspective.

Learning by Doing in the New Media Studio

Kyle’s work in the New Media Studio became a training ground where theory and practice converged. Whether he was operating equipment, managing live feeds, or troubleshooting technical issues, the fast-paced environment honed skills in communication, adaptability, and creative thinking.

A commuter student, Kyle was on the hunt for community and he found it through the studio, blending professionalism with camaraderie. The relationships he built through shared responsibilities and creative work became one of the most rewarding parts of his UMBC experience.

Advice for Future Creators

Reflecting on his time in the studio, Kyle offers two key pieces of advice to future media interns and students: Enjoy the process and connect with people around you.

It’s easy to focus on outcomes, but Kyle emphasizes the importance of having fun and being present. Every live show or project brings a new learning opportunity, and staying open to growth makes the journey more meaningful.

Whether it’s fellow students, staff, or faculty, Kyle encourages others to take the time to build relationships.

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“You never know who might teach you something unexpected,” he says. Those connections can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and even lifelong friendships.”

Kyle Taylor ’25

Looking Ahead

Kyle leaves UMBC with a portfolio of professional experiences and a clearer sense of purpose. His journey proves that passions can evolve—and sometimes, stepping behind the camera is the best way to move forward.

Jonathan Veale ’25: A Student Filmmaker Directing His Future One Frame at a Time

theatrical and shadowy portrait of Jonathan Veale, holding his hand in the thinking position on his chin

Major: Visual Arts (Cinematic Arts)
Minors: Photography
Hometown: Baltimore City, MD
High School: Baltimore School for the Arts

Exploring Film and Photography at UMBC

Jonathan Veale, a visual arts major at UMBC with a concentration in cinematic arts and a minor in photography, is turning his passion for storytelling into a promising creative career. A graduate of Baltimore School for the Arts, Jonathan has spent four years honing his craft through UMBC’s Linehan Artist Scholars Program and engaging deeply with the campus art community.

From Behind the Camera to Leading a Film Project

Jonathan’s academic journey culminated with a standout project through UMBC’s Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) program. His short film, showcased at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD), highlights his talent as a director and storyteller.

He shares, “This project pushed me to do a lot of things that I was not particularly comfortable doing. Being thrust into a position of complete control and basically being a producer and director at the same time was challenging yet exciting.”

Hands-On Experience in Film Production at UMBC

Though Jonathan managed multiple roles, he emphasizes the team effort behind the film’s success. “Most successful films have a team to handle all of these different producer and director roles—or at least assistants—but for this piece, I had to take charge,” he explains. “My actors and costume designers stepped up when they were needed and were with me every step of the process. They provided feedback and stepped up when they were available. This was a team effort, and I am proud of our ability to come together and create such an engaging piece with the wonderful group of students and professionals we had.”

Creating Community Through Art

Jonathan’s experience as a student artist at UMBC has been about more than technical skills. Living in the Visual and Performing Arts Living Learning Community (VPAC) and serving as a resident assistant helped him grow personally and professionally.

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 “The best part of my UMBC experience was the friends and connections that I made here on campus,” he says. “As a part of the Linehan Artist program and a member of the VAPC floor, I was able to click with my fellow students and artists.”

Jonathan Veale ’25

He adds, “College is about more than just learning your craft. It’s also about creating those connections with others that will outlast even some of the academic knowledge you may gain on campus.”

Ready for What’s Next

While Jonathan is still deciding where his artistic path will lead, he leaves UMBC with strong creative work, professional experience, and a tight-knit network of peers and mentors.

Mary Rose Khamfong ’25: Turns Psychology into Purpose with Digital Storytelling

portrait of Mary Rose Khamfong, wearing a white blouse standing outside on UMBC's campus

Major: Psychology
Minors: Entrepreneurship, Social Welfare
Hometown: Baltimore County, MD
High School: Perry Hall High School

Blending Psychology, Storytelling, and Social Impact

Mary Rose Khamfong, a psychology major at UMBC with minors in entrepreneurship and social welfare, is determined to make well-being science accessible to all. Born in Baltimore County and a graduate of Perry Hall High School, she’s building a future grounded in education, digital storytelling, and purpose-driven content creation.

Her goal? To become a digital content creator who creates meaningful, accessible resources that help people grow, heal, and thrive.

Empowering Others Through Research and Mentorship

During her time at UMBC, Mary served as a McNair teaching fellow and a writing fellow for the psychology department and the Writing Center. In these roles, she mentored first-generation and underrepresented students in academic writing, professional development, and graduate school preparation. She also led workshops on personal branding and reflective writing, thoughtfully incorporating principles of positive psychology and well-being throughout her work.

“These roles allowed me to support students from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to achieve their goals,” she reflects. “Helping others build confidence, refine their narratives, and take ownership of their futures reaffirmed my calling—to uplift others by supporting their holistic well-being.”

Hands-On Research for Real-World Change

Mary’s academic journey took her beyond the classroom. At Brown University, she participated in a prestigious summer research program, conducting a review of long-term services in the veteran healthcare system. At UMBC, she collaborated on a civic storytelling curriculum for Latinx youth through the Interdisciplinary CoLab.

In both roles, she applied psychology to address social inequities, sharpen her communication skills, and deliver impactful presentations at national research conferences.

She earned national recognition through the APIA Scholars Community Service & Leadership Award, a competitive $10,000 scholarship honoring her dedication to service and educational equity.

A UMBC Journey Rooted in Growth and Connection

Mary’s college experience was as much about relationships as it was about academics. Living on campus gave her the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and form deep connections with fellow students, mentors, and faculty.

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“The best part of my UMBC experience has been the blend of adventure, building relationships, and having the space to grow,” she says. “These connections will outlast even some of the academic knowledge I’ve gained.”

Mary Rose Khamfong ’25

Looking Ahead

Mary is now focused on creating digital platforms that promote holistic well-being across physical, emotional, financial, relational, and cultural dimensions. By combining evidence-based research with authentic storytelling, she aims to give others the tools they need to build better, more fulfilling lives.

“I don’t just want to create content—I want it to have a purpose and to work,” she says. “There’s science that answers how to live a good life. That knowledge needs to be shared, and I want to be the one who shares it.”

Jensen, Sotilleo Join UMBC Provost Leadership Team

Carlos Jensen and Sophia Sotilleo will join the University of Maryland, Baltimore County provost leadership team beginning August 1. Jensen will serve as vice provost for student success and dean for the division of undergraduate academic affairs and Sotilleo will serve as vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery.

Jensen and Sotilleo fill out a provost leadership team that has been reimagined to meet UMBC’s unique needs in an evolving educational landscape. In his role as vice provost for student success and dean of undergraduate academic affairs, Jensen will oversee undergraduate academic programs and services while fostering an environment of inclusive excellence. As vice provost and dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery, Sotilleo will lead the library in its vital efforts to support the teaching and research needs of an R1 institution. 

Jensen comes to UMBC from the University of California, San Diego where he has served the last five years as the associate vice chancellor for educational innovation. Sotilleo joins UMBC from its USM sister institution, Bowie State University, where she has served as the dean of the Thurgood Marshall Library since 2022.

Sotilleo’s academic interests center on embedded librarianship, particularly its intersections with access, advocacy, and leadership in higher education. At Bowie State, she led transformative initiatives in digital access, research support, and campus-wide library engagement. She served as previous chair of the Council of Library Deans and Directors for the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions, where she led efforts to improve system-wide digital access, research support, and inter-campus collaboration. Sotilleo is a dedicated academic librarian and higher education leader with a career rooted in intellectual freedom, student-centered service, and inclusive access to information. She brings a collaborative and visionary approach to librarianship, championing innovation, advocacy, and engagement across academic and community contexts.

While at UC San Diego, Jensen provided strategic leadership to advance education and innovation, including the implementation and improvement of curricular analytics to help departments close equity gaps and help all students progress toward their degrees. He oversaw instructional development for educators and comprehensive academic support for students and played a key leadership role in the academic affairs response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership Announcement ↗

Dear UMBC Community,
It is my great pleasure to share the news that Lisa K. Van Riper has been appointed as UMBC’s vice president for communications and marketing. She comes to UMBC from Goucher College in Baltimore, where she serves currently as vice president for marketing and communications. She will begin in the role at UMBC on July 21.
Lisa K. Van Riper
Lisa has more than 25 years of experience in communications and marketing in higher education, consumer packaged goods and services corporations, and public service agencies. At Goucher, she leads a team of professionals who collaborate across campus to support the college’s goals for recruitment, fundraising, reputation-building, and more through an integrated, digital-first approach to storytelling and marketing. She successfully led a major branding initiative for the college and has overseen a broad effort to enhance and modernize the college’s digital marketing strategy and develop a cohesive, unifying brand identity.
As a member of the president’s cabinet at Goucher, Lisa has also attended thoughtfully to internal communications for the college, serving as lead for crisis and issues management communications and for presidential and cabinet communications generally.
Prior to her role at Goucher, Lisa served as vice president for marketing, communications, and information technology at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and as vice president for communications and public relations at Common App. Her higher education leadership experience includes several years as assistant vice president for university communications at the University of Richmond, and her professional experience outside of higher education includes communications leadership roles with CarMax, Inc., and Alexandria Renew Enterprises, an independent, special-purpose government unit in Virginia that manages wastewater for the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas.
Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and is currently enrolled in Goucher’s Master of Fine Arts program in Nonfiction. She is an active member of Leadership Baltimore County.
In addition to being an expert marketer and talented communications professional, Lisa is a strong manager and leader who has successfully built and developed teams and fostered effective collaborations with campus partners. I am particularly excited about her skills in these areas and her deep interest in supporting the leadership and staff in University Communications and Marketing (UCM). Lisa’s expertise and experience will contribute enormously to our shared work to advance UMBC’s strategic priorities and our mission as a dynamic, inclusive public research university.
My thanks to all who participated in this important search and to the UCM team for its steadfast dedication to their work and to UMBC. I want to offer my sincere thanks, as well, to Tim Cobb, who has provided valuable support as interim vice president of the division since January. Congratulations and welcome, Lisa!
Sincerely,
President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Van Riper Appointed VP for Communications and Marketing at UMBC

Lisa Van Riper, pictured in a green sweater and glasses, was named the new vice president for communications and marketing at UMBC
Lisa K. Van Riper

Lisa K. Van Riper has been appointed as UMBC’s vice president for communications and marketing. She comes to UMBC from Goucher College in Baltimore, where she serves currently as vice president for marketing and communications. She will begin in the role at UMBC on July 21.

Van Riper has more than 25 years of experience in communications and marketing in higher education, consumer packaged goods and services corporations, and public service agencies. At Goucher, she leads a team of professionals who collaborate across campus to support the college’s goals for recruitment, fundraising, reputation-building, and more through an integrated, digital-first approach to storytelling and marketing. She successfully led a major branding initiative for the college and has overseen a broad effort to enhance and modernize the college’s digital marketing strategy and develop a cohesive, unifying brand identity.

As a member of the president’s cabinet at Goucher, Van Riper has also attended thoughtfully to internal communications for the college, serving as lead for crisis and issues management communications and for presidential and cabinet communications generally.

Prior to her role at Goucher, Van Riper served as vice president for marketing, communications, and information technology at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and as vice president for communications and public relations at Common App. Her higher education leadership experience includes several years as assistant vice president for university communications at the University of Richmond, and her professional experience outside of higher education includes communications leadership roles with CarMax, Inc., and Alexandria Renew Enterprises, an independent, special-purpose government unit in Virginia that manages wastewater for the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas.

Van Riper earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and is currently enrolled in Goucher’s Master of Fine Arts program in nonfiction. She is an active member of Leadership Baltimore County.

“In addition to being an expert marketer and talented communications professional, Lisa is a strong manager and leader who has successfully built and developed teams and fostered effective collaborations with campus partners. I am particularly excited about her skills in these areas and her deep interest in supporting the leadership and staff in University Communications and Marketing (UCM),” UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby shared in a message to the campus community.

“Lisa’s expertise and experience will contribute enormously to our shared work to advance UMBC’s strategic priorities and our mission as a dynamic, inclusive public research university.”

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