A family, coach, and athletic director stand with a softball player on the softball infield holding a framed jersey

Leading a (Retriever) Nation

Aug 9, 2022 Aug 9, 2022 / 8 min read

It’s never easy to start a new job, but athletic director Brian Barrio had more to contend with than which parking lot to use. He joined #RetrieverNation in January of 2020 and after only two months (during which time, he even lived in a campus apartment), UMBC closed its physical campus due to COVID-19. With 17 Division I sports and over 350 student-athletes, this would have been a massive undertaking in the best of circumstances. We talked to Brian about what that transition was like, what he’s learned from the experience, and what’s up next. And he almost managed to make it through the entire interview without one sports reference.

One woman gives an outdoor walking tour to another woman

Welcoming UMBC’s Newest Retriever, President Valerie Sheares Ashby

Aug 5, 2022 Aug 8, 2022 / 2 min read

UMBC President Valerie Sheares Ashby started her first day at UMBC getting straight to what excites her most⁠—getting to know the people of UMBC face to face.

Police officer and chocolate lab dog stare at each other at a table

What’s it like when “Take Your Dog to Work Day” is every day?

Jun 23, 2022 Jun 23, 2022 / 5 min read

National Take Your Dog to Work Day might officially only be celebrated on the Friday after Father’s Day, but for Sergeant Jamie Cheatem of the UMBC Police Department, it’s every day. Coming up on their three-year anniversary this September, Sgt. Cheatem and Chip, UMBC’s comfort dog, have quickly become an inseparable duo both on the job and at home.

students cheering at a nighttime soccer game

How to be a Retriever!

Apr 28, 2022 Jul 14, 2022 / 7 min read

UMBC has unique long-standing traditions, made especially dear to students and alumni because so many of them were conceived and implemented by students.

Incoming President Surprises an Excited Campus

Apr 20, 2022 Apr 29, 2022 / 1 min read

Valerie Sheares Ashby, current dean of Duke University’s Trinity School of Arts & Sciences, may not officially start her role until August 1, but she’s already making a splash on campus.

Get Your Steps in with Dr. Hrabowski

Apr 19, 2022 May 11, 2022 / 8 min read

As often as possible, President Freeman Hrabowski will take a lap around the campus that has shaped him as much as he’s shaped it.

Exploring Pathways to Social Change

Apr 15, 2022 May 10, 2022 / 7 min read

UMBC students use their Spring Break to deconstruct their ideas on service and learn more about the community of Baltimore.

UMBC Responds to Putin’s War in Ukraine

Apr 12, 2022 May 10, 2022 / 5 min read

Following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the Retriever community has turned to students and faculty to provide insight on the subject, as well as ways to help.