I am honored and privileged to serve as the inaugural chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer and vice president (CEDIO/VP) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) to lead and advance EDI strategic planning, implementation, and accountability, in partnership with all of you. 

Our collective work will further advance our institutional mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good of Maryland and society at large through education, research, clinical care, and service. For any institution to be successful in advancing equity (assessing and addressing disparities and gaps in outcomes, representation, opportunities, experiences); diversity (ensuring representation across multiple backgrounds, identities, and experiences); and inclusion (full engagement and participation of all), a holistic, systemic, and integrated approach is needed. 

Our success at UMB will be determined by our collective commitment and engagement in every area of our University, in all of our processes and practices, such as recruitment, retention, research, curriculum, co-curriculum, teaching, and more — to ensure that every member of our community feels welcomed and has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. This collective commitment and engagement will be needed as we strive for more equitable and just environments and support and advance each person’s goals at UMB.  

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is pleased to work in collaboration and partnership with all of you — all of our schools and units — to accomplish this important work to strengthen and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

While much of this work is challenging, I know it is possible. It will require hearts and hands as we develop a cohesive vision and strive together to meet our collective EDI goals.  

I invite you to join us. We would love to hear from you at diversity@umaryland.edu. 

In partnership and collaboration,  

Diane Forbes Berthoud
Vice President and Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer