Nov. 7, 2019

 

To the UMB Community:

 

I'm writing to share with you the news that I've accepted an offer from the Board of Regents to become the next chancellor of the University System of Maryland.

 

I find it difficult to express just how deeply I'll miss UMB, how much I'll miss coming to work here every day. And yet I'm excited for this extraordinary opportunity to lead the System and fulfill what I consider one of my life's obligations: ensuring that every person who wants a college education is able to access it.

 

This sense of obligation comes from my own history. I attended college on scholarships. When I was accepted to the School of Medicine at Northwestern University, I knew I'd never be able to afford the $2,000 yearly tuition, let alone other expenses. That sum was probably half of what my widowed mother earned in a year as a seamstress doing piece work. But then I received a letter from the school, saying that my medical education was being paid in full by a benefactor, Mrs. Louise Ploner.

 

That remarkable act of generosity seeded in me the desire to open the same doors to learning that had been opened to me. And I do believe this chance to helm one of the very best university systems in the country is my way of doing just that.

 

My start date in this new role and the leadership transition plan will be announced shortly.

 

Of course, this move is bittersweet. I don't exaggerate when I say that the last 9½ years leading UMB have been the best of my life. When I look back at what we've done together to advance human health and well-being, to promote the rule of law, to ensure equity, opportunity, and justice for Maryland's citizens, to cure disease and strengthen communities locally and globally, to educate the next generation of capable and compassionate professionals, I am beyond words.

 

It has been the greatest honor of my career to be here with you as you've changed the world. I'm humbled to have been one small part of this incredible community. And I take comfort in the fact that I won't be leaving you completely. I'll still have oversight of UMB, only one layer removed, and I'll still take pride every single day in your dedicated work and service.

Sincerely,