To the UMB Community:

In 2016, the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) status as an accredited institution was affirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States accreditation is separate and apart from the process each of our professional schools and their associated programs undergo routinely. Unlike school-based accreditations, the Middle States accreditation is the certification UMB needs to continue to receive federal funds to support our education and research missions.

The accreditation process is important for other reasons, as well. Not only does it reaffirm that we are meeting high standards in our pursuit of excellence in health, law, and human services, but the breadth of engagement and thoughtful introspection this opportunity affords also gives us fresh and innovative ideas for how we can accomplish our mission and, most importantly, achieve the very best outcomes for those we care for.

Today, I am pleased to announce the start of the planning process for our next Self-Study. The Self-Study will be presented to an evaluation team composed of experienced leaders selected from among our peer institutions by the Middle States Commission. The evaluation team will visit UMB in spring 2025.

To this end, I am pleased to announce that Mark A. Reynolds, DDS, PhD, MA, dean of the School of Dentistry, and Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA, provost, executive vice president, and dean of the Graduate School, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the University’s next Middle States Self-Study Steering Committee. Dean Reynolds and Provost Ward are trusted and recognized leaders at UMB with demonstrated track records of mobilizing and motivating others to achieve results. I welcome their leadership and anticipate a successful Self-Study preparation process.

You will receive information from the co-chairs within the next several weeks about the Self-Study process and ways in which you can participate and contribute to its success. For now, please join me in extending my thanks to Dean Reynolds and Provost Ward for their leadership in this most important undertaking.

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS

President