Perspectives

Interdisciplinarity has always been part of the UMBC landscape. But where is it headed? UMBC Magazine asked Carole McCann – special assistant to the provost for interdisciplinary activities and a professor and chair of gender and women’s studies – and Stephen Freeland, director of UMBC’s interdisciplinary studies program, to address interdisciplinary work at UMBC today. UMBC Magazine: UMBC seems to have interdisciplinarity in its bloodstream. Carole McCann: I actually would say “and in its bones.” A number of units at our founding were structured to be interdisciplinary. As just one of many examples, American studies was one of UMBC’s foundational… Continue Reading Back Story – Summer 2016

So You Want to Be a Pioneer? Founding UMBC faculty across disciplines reflect on building a new public university. By Richard Byrne ’86 See Editor’s Note UMBC opened its doors on September 19, 1966. But as concrete was poured and red bricks were laid, founding chancellor Albin O. Kuhn and founding dean of faculty Homer Schamp were also recruiting faculty members for a new research institution. In a 1994 oral history interview conducted by Ed Orser, emeritus professor of American studies, Kuhn observed that adventure and ambition were his key selling points to recruits. “[T]hat was the thing we talked… Continue Reading From the Editor – Summer 2016

UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, takes your questions. The powerful connection between research and teaching has been a foundation to UMBC’s success. Why is this vital link so important to the university community? What makes this relationship special at UMBC? – Richard Byrne ’86, English When I talk with students and parents, or with donors, or with legislators about the uniqueness of UMBC, I invariably address the relationship between research and teaching at the university. People often want to know why research universities expect their faculty to teach fewer courses than faculty at comprehensive institutions or community colleges. Parents… Continue Reading Up on the Roof – Summer 2016

 My favorite part of this job is telling stories. Writing the story of our founding faculty in this issue is among the most enjoyable tales I’ve told so far. Some highlights for me: * Listening to Robert Burchard, emeritus professor of biology, talk about launching a research lab in the earliest days of the university, with basic equipment at UMBC and the use of more specialized equipment at USDA labs in Beltsville: “The most important thing in my toolkit was a microscope,” he said. “I was asking interesting questions. I adapted.” * Talking with Marilyn Demorest, emerita professor of psychology,… Continue Reading To You – Summer 2016