Dear UMB Community,

I am pleased to report that the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is commencing a national search for a chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer (CDEIO). Adding this position is important to me, and this will be a cabinet-level position.

Diversity is one of our core values; we are committed to a culture that is enriched by diversity and inclusion, in the broadest sense, in its thoughts, actions, and leadership. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff, faculty, students, and alumni who have worked to positively impact change around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at UMB. The CDEIO will be an advisor, leader, and catalyst for institutional change focused on DEI at the institutional level, and will help us continue to advance DEI.

Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, and Dawn M. Rhodes, MBA, chief business and finance officer and vice president, will co-chair the CDEIO committee. The firm Isaacson, Miller, which specializes in recruiting leaders for mission-driven organizations, will lead the national search.

Thank you to all who have shared their input and feedback on the creation of this position. I look forward to sharing updates on our progress with the national search. 

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
Interim President