General Information

About The University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Situated in the historic town of Princess Anne, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an 1100 acre campus. It offers students a tranquil retreat to pursue academic goals, yet it is only a two-hour drive from any one of several mid-Atlantic metropolitan areas - Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Wilmington - providing access to many urban amenities. In addition, the resort town of Ocean City, Maryland, is less than an hour’s drive away.

UMES is the only research and doctoral degree granting institution of the University System of Maryland on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Its programs in Construction Management Technology, Aviation Sciences, and Hospitality and Tourism Management are unique to both the state and the region. The campus location and facilities, the program offerings, and opportunities afforded by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore provide an engaging atmosphere for study and growth for its students who represent all ages, professions and experiential training, (e.g., traditional young-adult students, graduate students, workforce professionals, senior-citizens, etc.).

About 55% percent of the students live on campus. The oval shaped mall is the hub of campus academic and residential activity. The students, faculty, and staff walk together to and from their daily activities in the classrooms, administrative departments, student activities, and residential life facilities. The campus is decidedly close-knit.

Behind the campus oval are 500 acres of farmland that complete the multifaceted research institution. Innovative agricultural research, serving both local and global economies, is conducted through the Small Farms Institute and the Swine Research Center, which is the hub of all University of Maryland swine research; a poultry management operation; and crop and animal production programs.

The international elements of the UMES campus are evidenced by the flags of over 50 nations that wave at the campus entrance around the federal, state, and University flagpoles. These flags symbolize the various nationalities of students enrolled at UMES.

A recent ongoing capital improvement project reflects the University’s emphasis on academic development. Combining the future with tradition, newer structures around the flagpole oval blend well with the Georgian-style architecture that defines the neighboring Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts, the J.T. Williams administrative building, and Kiah Hall.

UMES History

Founded under the auspices of the Delaware Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) opened with nine students and one faculty members as the Delaware Conference Academy in Princess Anne on September 13, 1886.

Historical documents reveal that 37 students were enrolled by the end of the first year. Soon its title was changed to the Industrial Branch of Morgan State College, still under the influence of the Delaware Conference. Later it became known as Princess Anne Academy, but continued to be operated by Morgan State College under the control of the Methodist Church.

The State of Maryland, in operating its Land-Grant program at the Maryland Agricultural College at College Park, which did not admit African-American students, sought to provide a Land-Grant program for African-Americans. In 1919, the State of Maryland assumed control of the Princess Anne Academy and renamed it the Eastern Shore Branch of the Maryland Agricultural College.

In 1926, the College passed into complete control and ownership by the State of Maryland, and the University of Maryland was designated as the administrative agency. In 1948, the Eastern Shore Branch of the University of Maryland, popularly known as Princess Anne College, officially became Maryland State College, a Division of the University of Maryland. On July 1, 1970, Maryland State College became the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

University Presidents

Fifteen chancellors and presidents have served the institution since it was founded in 1886. They are as follows:

Dr. Heidi Anderson, 2018-present

Dr. Juliette B. Bell, 2012 - 2018
Dr. Mortimer Neufville, 2011-2012 (Interim President)
Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, 2002-2011
Dr. Jackie Thomas, 2001-2002 (Interim President)
Dr. Dolores R. Spikes, 1997-2000
Dr. William P. Hytche, Sr., 1975-1997
Dr. Archie L. Buffkins, 1971-1975
Dr. Howard Emery Wright, 1970-1971
Dr. John Taylor Williams, 1947-1970
Robert A. Grigsby, 1936-1947
Thomas Kiah, 1910-1936
Frank J. Trigg, 1902-1910
Dr. Pezavia O’Connell, 1900-1902
Portia E. Lovett Bird, 1897-1899
Benjamin Oliver Bird, 1886-1897

UMES Today

From its original campus building known as “Olney,” which was constructed in 1798 during the era of President George Washington, the University stands at 1100 acres with 32 major buildings and 43 other units. The student population is at 3492. With the strong support of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, Administration, and the faculty, UMES has developed an academic program perhaps more impressive than any other higher education institution of its size in the East. Within the last decade, UMES has added 22 degree-granting programs to its academic roster. Graduates of these programs secure positions throughout the global community. However, many graduates often choose to remain on the Delmarva Peninsula, procuring careers in their areas of professional study to benefit the region, particularly the Lower Eastern Shore.

Today, the University offers major programs leading to the B.A. and B.S. degrees in 40 disciplines in the arts and sciences, professional studies, and agricultural sciences. In addition, UMES offers 12 teaching degree programs and two pre-professional programs, as well as an Honors Program to prepare students for professional school study.

Today the University offers a variety of well-constructed and outstanding academic programs on a beautiful campus. It provides today’s students, through versatile student life activities, with opportunities to develop into well-rounded individuals who are able to assume leadership in today and tomorrow’s global society.

Additional course offerings during evening and weekend hours have also been developed, allowing a greater segment of the local population to enhance themselves and their communities through post-secondary education.

UMES Mission and Core Values

University Mission Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the state’s historically black 1890 land-grant institution, has its purpose and uniqueness grounded in distinctive learning, discovery and engagement opportunities in the arts and sciences, education, technology, engineering, agriculture, business and health professions.

UMES is a student-centered, doctoral research degree-granting university known for its nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, applied research, and highly valued graduates.

UMES provides individuals, including first generation college students, access to a holistic learning environment that fosters multicultural diversity, academic success, and intellectual and social growth.

UMES prepares graduates to address challenges in a global knowledge-based economy, while maintaining its commitment to meeting the workforce and economic development needs of the Eastern Shore, the state, the nation and the world.

Institutional Core Values

• Providing high quality undergraduate and graduate programs that will equip students with 21st century knowledge and skills necessary for the challenges of America and the world.
• Affirming its role as the State’s 1890 land-grant institution by providing citizens with opportunities and access that will enhance their lives and enable them to develop intellectually, economically, socially, and culturally.
• Demonstrating shared-governance through recognition of the viewpoints that various members of the University community contribute to the institution.
• Appreciating diversity in its student body, faculty, staff and administration through civility, commitment to tolerance, freedom of expression, and celebration of other cultures.
• Adhering to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, trust and integrity in both personal and professional behavior.
• Promoting student-centeredness as the heart of the educational enterprise.
• Focusing on character development through learning and leadership experiences.

Location

UMES is located in the small town of Princess Anne on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The town dates back to 1733 and has many buildings and landmarks of historic interest. The quiet community environment is excellent for learning, yet it is only about 2 hours by car from the abundant cultural and recreational facilities of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Virginia Beach. The state’s famous seaside resort, Ocean City, is only 1 hour from the campus. The campus is located 13 miles south of the town of Salisbury, which provides shopping and recreational facilities.

Facilities

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a 1,100-acre campus that is at once academic, international, and Arcadian, making it an inviting and fitting atmosphere for study and young adult growth.

University Buildings

Residence Halls

Classroom and Laboratory Buildings

Service Buildings