fish, tilapia fingerlings, fruits and vegetables.

Titled “Awareness and Best Marketing Practice Training for Socially Disadvantaged Groups on the Lower Eastern Shore of Delmarva,” it targets Somerset, Wicomico, Accomack, and Dorchester counties, where a significantly higher percentage of persons live below the poverty line when compared to any other county in each of the states on average. Currently, feasibility

A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends February 12, 2016

INS

IDE Page 2

Homecoming ArtistsGourmet Lunch

Series

Page 3Honda All-Star

ChallengePT Student Wins

Award

Page 4Alumni Homecoming

LetterAlumni Present Play

Page 5Alumni Central48 Hour FundraiserHytche Gallery Opens

Page 6Athletics Hall of Fame

Announced

Page 7SGA President Makes National NewsMosely Black History Exhibit Dietetic Interns Visit State HousePMG Student meets LPGA Golfer

Carnegie classifies UMES as Doctoral University

CARNEGIE / continued on page 6

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has qualified as a member of a new peer group among doctoral degree-granting institutions.

UMES is now a Doctoral University (moderate research activity), according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Only seven percent of the nation’s 4,664 institutions of higher education are considered “Doctoral Universities” in the latest Carnegie survey.

UMES becomes the third University System of Maryland institution to earn that status, joining the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the University of Maryland College Park.

The new designation brings to fruition a 12-year effort by UMES faculty to move up in classification as a university producing at least 20 research/scholarship doctorates (Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s) each year.

It also fulfills a long-term goal established during the tenure of former President Thelma B. Thompson, who in 2003, challenged the university to pursue a higher Carnegie classification, as well as, develop more peer-accredited academic programs.

“I am extremely pleased and excited that UMES has achieved our

long-held strategic goal of attaining Carnegie classification as a Doctoral University,” President Juliette B. Bell said.

“This change will greatly expand our ability to serve as the

research and economic engine for Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” Bell said. “I applaud the faculty and staff for their diligence in helping us reach this milestone in the University’s history.”

The change means UMES eventually will be eligible for additional government funding earmarked to support graduate studies and accompanying research initiatives.

LOCAL BUSINESSES TO PARTNER WITH UMES AND THE USDAAn effort destined to provide major, public, economic benefits on the Shore for socially disadvantaged groups

A partnership between the UMES School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, the USDA Rural Development office and local businesses will bring major benefits to several counties, initially, on the lower Eastern Shore.

The UMES project, funded by the USDA Rural Development office in the amount of $172,270, has been designed to provide awareness and stir interest among socially disadvantaged groups in developing cooperatives and markets for the sale of various consumer products, including sheep, goats, yellow perch whole

Dr. Bell accepts a certificate of special congressional recognition from Bill Reddish, Community Liaison for Congressman Andy Harris, for receiving a 2015 USDA Rural Development Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant.

Letitia Nichols, a 2000 alumna and director, USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative Program, spoke on how the study will potentially impact USDA’s global agenda. USDA / continued on page 6

Page 8Calendar of Events

2 The Key / February 12, 2016 Circling the Oval

Gourmet luncheon series tickets on sale

Young Thug and Waleco-headline UMES’ Student Government Association’s Homecoming ConcertThurs., Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. William P. Hytche Athletic Center. New Impressions Band is lined up to get things started. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.

Comedians Sean Larkin and Rip Micheals are looking for laughs Sat., Feb. 20, at 9 p.m.Ella Fitzgerald Center. Doors open at 8 p.m. and close at 10 p.m.

Visit www.umestickets.com. Registered students can log on to their Campus Center Account to purchase tickets.

Tickets are on sale for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s spring gourmet luncheon series. Lunches are held on select Mondays and Wednesdays in February, March and April.

Served at noon in the Bailey Thomas Room of the Richard A. Henson Center, the meals feature an appetizer, entrée and dessert prepared by students and faculty of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

“We are once again eager to showcase the talents of our upcoming hospitality management students and invite you to enjoy a gourmet meal at an attractive price on our beautiful campus,” Ernest Boger, chair of the program, said.

The lunches are Feb. 15 (New York strip and Cajun scallops), 17 (roasted salmon and curry shrimp), 22 (braised veal shank), 24 (crab cakes and chicken), 29 (braised leg of lamb); March 2 (red snapper and crawfish etouffee) and 28 (parmesan crusted sirloin steak), 30 (rockfish, shrimp and venison); April 4 (Creole seafood feast) and 20 (rib-eye steak), 25 (jerk pork chops and sauteed shrimp and 27 (classical French seafood).

Tickets are $12 each and must be purchased in person. Ticket sales are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Henson Center, Room 2100. Check or money order should be made payable to UMES. No cash sales.

For more information, call 410-651-6563. No reservations will be taken by phone or mail.

Kiki Sheard headlines the Gospel Show, Sun., Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald Center. Free and open to the public.

S h o r e O v e r l o a d

H o m e c o m i n g 2 K 1 6 ”

a r t i s t l i n e u p

a patient with multiple comorbidities, a visual impairment and language barrier. The team exceeded expectations

by constructing a transfer board, providing specialized clothing and creating a detailed home

exercise program in the patient’s primary language, recording it on CD and providing a CD player. The disc was a

coordinated effort between the physical therapy team and the hospital

interpreter. The extra efforts employed

in the creation of the home exercise program were essential to the patient’s safe rehabilitation at home since he was unable to be discharged to a recommended rehabilitation facility due to financial constraints.

Courtesy Physical Therapy Dept.

UMES People The Key / February 12, 2016 3

UMES’ Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team has earned a spot in “The Great 48” field set to compete for a $50,000 grant in the National College Tournament April 2-6 in Los Angeles.

The tournament pits historically black colleges and universities against each other in a quiz bowl competition.

“We’re just proud of the way our team hung in and played with Hawk Pride,” said Dr. James White, associate vice president for student affairs and enrollment management and team coach.

UMES’ A-Team, led by co-captains Mariah Dennis and Jonathan Wheeler, along with members Aleaya Bowie and alternate Courtney Rhoades, took first in one of seven regional National Qualifying Tournaments to get the automatic bid for the final competition. Each region sends the first and second place finishers to L.A., creating the final 48.

“In two games, we were down by as much as 60 points and rallied back during the ultimate challenge to win,” White said. In that round, he

UMES moves on in quiz bowlexplained, the team has 60 seconds to answer 10 “rapid fire” questions for a possible 250 points. “That’s what kept us in and led us to victory,” he said.

Wheeler and Dennis, White boasted, were the top two scorers in the event held Feb. 6 at the University of the District of Columbia.

UMES, in round robin play, bested Bowie, Central State, Cheyney and Coppin universities. In the playoff round, UMES topped host UDC by 130 points and Bowie State again by 20 in the championship game. The team averaged 418 points a game and amassed a tournament total of 2,510 points, White said.

A second team from UMES—Asia Gibbs, Jenny Porch and Sean Hayden—

also competed in the qualifying event in D.C. finishing two and two.“It’s a positive feat,” White said, “since this is potentially the group of

students that will replace this year’s team of graduating seniors.”

Nick Espinosa, a third-year doctor of physical therapy student at UMES, won Anne Arundel Medical Center’s “Champion Award for Excellence in Patient Care” during his fall 2015 clinical affiliation. Espinosa shares the award with Erica O’Neil and Megan Burkart, clinical instructors that he worked alongside.

The threesome exemplified patient-centered care while providing treatment for

Physical therapy student part of winning team

“Being a part of this treatment team was an excellent learning opportunity. This dedication to high quality of care was a constant from my CIs and the rehab staff throughout my affiliation.”

Nick Espinosa

“UMES’ Department of Physical Therapy is extremely proud of Nick and appreciative of Anne Arundel Medical Center and to Megan and Erica for providing an exceptional learning experience.”

Michelle Gorman, UMES’ director of clinical education

Nick Espinosa is pictured with clinical instructors Erica O’Neil, left, and Megan Burkart, right, winners of an excellence award at Anne Arundel Medical Center during the fall clinical rotation.

UMES team co-captains Mariah Dennis and Jonathan Wheeler accept a trophy from Dr. La Tanya L. Rogers, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge institutional representative, University of the District of Columbia, for a first place finish in the regional qualifying event for the national tournament in April in L.A.

About the playwright:UMES alumnus Percy Thomas, ‘65, has

a passion for the performing arts. He is the artistic director of the Heralds of Hope Theater Company in Silver Spring, Md. spending his time teaching, writing, acting and producing plays. His career in theater, commercial television and film has spanned more than 30 years.

Thomas began his acting career at the Arena Playhouse in Baltimore in Ed Bullins’ play “Clara’s Ole Man.” He later studied at the Mafundi Institute, where he landed a part in the ’76 film “The River Niger” starring James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson and Louis Gossett Jr. He has had roles in the “Other Side of Midnight” (1977), “The Hitter” (1979), “And Justice for All” (1979) and “F.I.S.T” (1978) along with several industrial films.

He has appeared in more than 40 stage productions including: “In the Wine Time,” “In New England Winter,” “Wait Until Dark,” “Slow Dance on the Killing Ground,” “No Place to be Somebody,” “First Breeze of Summer,” “None to Call Him Father,” and “Blues for Mr. Charlie” (off Broadway). Most recently, he played the part of Big Daddy in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

Thomas holds a Doctor of Science degree in public health from the Johns Hopkins University and a master’s in special education from Coppin State University. He has held faculty appointments at Coppin State, Johns Hopkins and Morgan State universities and Sojourner-Douglass College.

4 The Key / February 12, 2016

Starring Eunice Seagraves of the Broadway play “The Wiz.”Written and directed by Percy W. Thomas.

Sun., Feb. 21, 1-5 p.m., Richard A. Henson Center

H O M E C O M I N G

Greetings Fellow HAWKS! Our beloved University of Maryland Eastern Shore Family, NAA Board and 2016 Homecoming Committee are excited about the “2016 Shore Overload Homecoming Celebration!” The title lives up to its name by hosting events showcasing UMES finest student talents to honoring UMES NAA Past Leaders, Life Members and Membership at Large. We would like to believe that every year we outshine the years previously, however, this year the students got the title right! The 2016 “Shore Overload” Alumni Homecoming Committee has provided an itinerary that includes the revival of the Alumni Career Opportunity Exchange, a career readiness and workforce information exchange between Alumni, Alumni Affairs Director James Lunnermon, Workforce Leaders, UMES Career Development leaders and students. A memorable visitation of our Beloved President Emeritus William P. Hytche Gallery will prove to be unforgettable. Our Past NAA Presidents and Life Members are being honored at a wonderful evening VIP reception at Hawks Corner, UMES’ cultural center on the corner of Somerset Ave. and Prince William St. in Princess Anne, hosted by Alumni and Coordinator for Outreach and Strategic Initiatives Walter Woods, and an evening of dinner and awards. On Friday, we welcome our respective NAA Chapters armed with chapter information and paraphernalia. By evening, we give honor and gratitude to the 2016 Athletics Hall of Fame Honorees. At nightfall, you will find HAWKS swaying and grooving to the sounds of the past at the Hawk Welcome Home Party. Saturday, will find us reuniting over President Juliette B. Bell’s Brunch and learning about the extraordinary news of campus achievements, news and student life. The UMES NAA meeting immediately follows to address NAA business and then we are off to the arena to celebrate the Women’s and Men’s Homecoming Basketball game and fanfare. From there, we PARTY all day and night and wake up Sunday morning to witness a spellbinding Performance of Harriett Tubman: Defender, written and produced by our very own Percy W. Thomas, Ph.D., class of 1965. Visit www.umes.edu/alumni for a complete schedule or pick one up at Alumni Central.

I am looking forward to seeing you! Warmest Regards,Deborah Hayman, C/O 19761st Vice President2016 Homecoming Chairperson

Plan to go:U M E S N AT I O N A L A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N

Presents

Heralds of Hope Theater Company’s one-woman play

“Harriet Tubman: Defender” A powerful presentation of Harriet Tubman’s life and journey

on the underground railroad; told in narrative and song.

$40 per person, $10 students with ID or cost included in the alumni package. A light meal will be served.

The Key / February 12, 2016 5

William P. Hytche Gallery OpeningUMES’ Athletic Center

Fri., Feb. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Sat., Feb. 20, noon-7 p.m.

H O M E C O M I N G

We’re seeking to make history at UMES during Homecoming 2016. From noon on Feb. 19, to 11:59 a.m. on Feb. 21 (48 Hours) UMES seeks to raise $48,000 from our alumni and friends. We need each of you to spread the word via every communication vehi-cle possible. The “48 Hour Countdown” is a giving challenge during Home-

coming, where every gift, no matter the size, adds up to something huge! Your gift will be used to support student aid (unless you choose to give to another UMES cause such as athletics or a particular school within the university). Your giving helps close that gap, enabling UMES to provide students of today—and tomorrow—with unique educational experiences and the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Give online at iaumes.givecorps.com, call the Of-fice of Alumni Development at 410-651-7606 or make your gift during Homecoming. Contributions must be received be-tween noon on Feb. 19 and 11:59 a.m. on Feb. 21. You don’t have to be an alumni to support this cause. Support from our friends plays a crucial role in the growth and development of our students, facilities and academic pro-grams. So, spread the word! Anyone can give during Home-coming and help us rise to the challenge. Don’t forget to use your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter ac-counts! Use #Hawk48. Tell others you have given and they should give too. Signs for photos are included in your packet of information from Alumni Central. Post photos, urge others to support UMES students (or any other UMES projects you may choose on the fundraising page). Join the movement! HAWK PRIDE– CATCH IT!

-Institutional Advancement

Visit the William P. Hytche Gallery during Homecoming!

Select photographs, medals, newspaper articles, plaques, awards, artifacts and other memorabilia will be on display. See the Hytche

portrait on display that alumni Pat H. Alexander, William F. Armstrong and Charles D. Gregg, along with the University System

of Maryland Foundation, commissioned world-renowned artist Simmie Knox to paint.

Alumni CentralCheck-in to register for all of the weekend’s alumni activities! Make Alumni Central your first stop on your Homecoming list. Receive a list of all Homecoming activities and an alumni goodie bag. Enjoy light refreshments.

Thurs., Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Alumni Office, Student Services Ctr., Rm. 1135

Fri., Feb. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Allen J. Singleton Multi-purpose Rm, SSC

Sat., Feb. 20, 6:30 a.m.-11 a.m., SSC Ballroom

6 The Key / February 12, 2016 Athletics

CARNEGIE / continued from cover

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Department of Athletics announces its 2016 Hall of Fame class. The class will be enshrined during Homecoming weekend in a ceremony Fri., Feb. 19 in the SSC ballroom.

The addition of five new members will bring the total number of inductees to 210. Of them, two men’s basketball stars will be honored—Thomas “Tee” Trotter, the second highest scorer in program history, and Trent Harris, a three-year Maryland State star, who will be inducted posthumously. Volleyball standout Jana Milin will be inducted, along with track and field star Barnabas Togom and women’s basketball stalwart Nicole Council.

The 1963 Maryland State Track and Field team will also be inducted. Six of the seven members of that team were labeled as All-Americans and several of their records still stand today, as the team won both NAIA and NCAA College Division titles.

A sixth member, Dr. Kirkland Hall, is a current hall of famer as a former student-athlete. Now an exercise science faculty member, Hall will be recognized again for his coaching accomplishments for the university.

UMES ANNOUNCES 2016 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS

University leaders also are confident the new classification – widely recognized in higher education circles - will elevate UMES’ visibility among future generations of graduate-school candidates.

Several days prior to the Carnegie announcement, an annual National Science Foundation survey showed UMES ranked in the top 10 HBCUs awarding Ph.D.s during the 2013-14 academic year.

Senior UMES administrators describe Carnegie’s Feb. 1 announcement as “a big deal for us.”

None was happier about the news than Dr. Jennifer Keane-Dawes, dean of UMES School of Graduate Studies. It has been her job since being appointed to the post in 2008 to lead the reclassification effort.

“I could not believe it,” Keane-Dawes said. “I was just overcome with joy (because) we’ve been working on this for so long. We didn’t always have the resources to do it.”

Another key administrator who helped shepherd UMES through the process by chronicling its progress toward the reclassification goal was Dr. Stanley Nyirenda, director of UMES’ Office of Research, Planning and Assessment.

“Out of 4,664 colleges and universities, there are 335 doctoral universities and we are one of them,” Nyirenda said.

“The new classification,” he said, “is a recognition of our research capacity (and) productivity, working with students in the six research/scholarship programs.”

Those programs are: food science and technology, marine-estuarine-environmental sciences, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, education leadership and organizational leadership.

Prior to the reclassification, Carnegie listed UMES as a Comprehensive University - Master Small Programs institution.

Keane-Dawes credited her colleagues with making the reclassification a reality.“I’m most pleased I had the support of the deans and the graduate faculty not only to move the

numbers to 20, but to maintain a high quality of students who graduate.”Keane-Dawes anticipates the new classification will make UMES more attractive to a broader

pool of graduate students, undergraduates and faculty, which in turn “promotes intellectual dialogue. We are focused on research.”

“It builds the interdependence of teaching, research and scholarship,” she said.

Tickets can be purchased for the Hall of Fame banquet by calling the UMES Athletics Office at 410-651-6496.

KEANE-DAWES

studies are being conducted to determine the marketability of each commodity. In the near future, listening sessions will be held to help facilitate the successful completion of the goals and objectives of the study.

UMES President Juliette Bell led a number of presentations while describing the initiative as a component of UMES’ commitment to fulfill its land-grant mission to support agricultural and community development, thus maximizing on the university’s unique capabilities in extension and research. Letitia Nichols, director of the USDA Rural Development’s Business and Cooperative Program addressed how the project fits into the USDA’s local and regional mission and added that the grant was the first one of its kind funded to benefit socially disadvantaged groups. Following several other presentations, Bill Reddish, community liaison for Congressman Andy Harris, presented a certificate of special congressional recognition while highlighting the university’s commitment to the community. The team projects that they will be able to reach and provide technical assistance to over 100 socially disadvantaged individuals over the course of the study.

For more information about the SDG grant, contact Dr. Arthur Allen at 410-651-1879 or Berran Rogers at 410-651-6070.

– Suzanne Street, Agriculture Communications Specialist

USDA / continued from cover

School News The Key / February 12, 2016 7

Black History Month exhibit opens at Mosely Gallery

SGA president in national spotlightSeth Ward, UMES’ student government president, recorded an interview with CNN that aired Feb. 5 where he was among three college students discussing their perspectives on the 2016 presidential campaign and issues that young voters want the candidates to address.

PGM student meets professional golferUMES freshman Langston Frazier had the opportunity to meet LPGA tour golfer Lexi Thompson at the 2016 PGA Golf Show in Orlando, Fla.

UMES dietetic interns at the Maryland State HouseUMES dietetic interns, from left, Cameron Cutler, Nicole Bollinger, Susan Skaleski and Jennifer Pope got Del. Carl Anderton Jr., representing Wicomico County, to take the “Apple Crunch Challenge” as part of the Public Policy Interactive Workshop sponsored by the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The program was held Feb. 2 in Annapolis. “The delegates were encouraged to take a bite of an apple if they commit to the health of Maryland constituents,” said Cathy Ferraro, UMES’ dietetic internship director.

Ernest “Ernie” Satchell, UMES’ former chair of fine arts, examines Shaunte Gates’ “Power Line 15,” a piece in the Mosely Gallery’s exhibit, “History Continues: Contemporary African-American Artists” on display now through March 10.

From left, gallery director Susan Holt, and Loretta Savoy, president of the Princess Anne chapter of The Links Inc., contributors to UMES’ Black History Month exhibit, discuss Michael Booker’s artwork “Holiday Special.”

Correction: Senior Caitlin McDaniel’s last name was incorrect in the Jan. 29 issue of The Key.

8 The Key / February 12, 2016 Calendar

Editors

Gail Stephens, Assistant Director of Public Relations and

Publications Manager

Bill Robinson, Director of Public Relations

Design byDebi Rus, Rus Design Inc.

Printed by The Hawk Copy Center

The KEY is published by the Office of Public Relations in the Office of the President

410-651-7580 FAX 410-651-7914 www.umes.edu

Submissions to The KEY are preferred via email. All copy is subject to editing. The Key is written according to the Associated Press stylebook.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 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 science, 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.

THE UMES MISSION The University of Maryland Eastern Shore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Inquiries regarding the application of Federal laws and non-discrimination policies to University programs and activities may be referred to the Office of Equity & Compliance/Title IX Coordinator by telephone (410) 651-7848 or e-mail (titleix@umes.edu).

februaryNational Pan Hellenic Step Show* 8-10:30 p.m. / Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald CenterGreek-lettered organizations display their skills in the art of stepping.$10 General admission$7 UMES students$5 Greeks with paraphernalia410-651-6434

Black History Month Event*1-5 p.m.Richard A. Henson Center BallroomEnjoy brunch and learn about Harriett Tubman in a one-woman show. $40 per person / $350 table of 10 / $10 Students w/ID410-651-UMES

Black History Month Speaker7 p.m. Student Services Center TheaterFrederick Douglass comes to life through a living history speaker. 410-651-UMES

Gallery Talk Noon-1 p.m. Mosely GalleryBring a brown bag lunch and discuss “The Relevance of Black History in Current Artistic Practice.” 410-651-7770 www.moselygallery.com

HOMECOMING 14-21

14Homecoming Gospel Show 2 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald CenterUniversity and community gospel artists and choirs perform. Special guest KiKi Sheard.410-651-6434

Homecoming Concert* 7 p.m.-midnight/Doors open at 5:30 p.m.William P. Hytche Athletic CenterRecording artists Young Thug, Wale and New Impressions Band. $40 UMES students/$50 General admission.410-651-6434

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*Unless stipulated (*) all events listed are free and open to the public.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Visit UMEStickets.com for tickets to homecoming events.

Basketball Game* 2 p.m. Women’s4 p.m. Men’sDoors open at noonHytche Athletic CenterHomecoming basketball games vs South Carolina State.$25 includes both games.Free for UMES students with ID.410-621-3311

Homecoming Comedy Show* 9-11 p.m./Doors open at 8 p.m.Ella Fitzgerald CenterComedians Sean Larkin and Rip Micheals. $15 UMES students/$25 General admission. 410-651-6434