UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is the research doctoral-granting institution on the Eastern Shore and, since 1890, it has been the land-grant campus of the State. Instruction, research, and service are provided through major academic clusters. These clusters include liberal arts and sciences, agriculture, business, engineering and technology, education, marine and environmental sciences, allied health, hospitality, and special academic services. Degrees are offered in thirty-eight bachelor, fourteen masters, and eight doctoral programs. Some distinctive bachelor degree programs are Agribusiness, Aviation Science, Construction Management, Criminal Justice, Engineering Technology, Environmental Science, Golf Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Rehabilitation Services. Master degrees are offered in Agriculture and Extension Education, Applied Computer Science, Cybersecurity Engineering Technology, Food and Agricultural Sciences, Guidance and Counseling, and Special Education. Doctoral and master degrees are granted in Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Toxicology.

Basic and applied research covers International and Domestic Agriculture Sciences, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Computer and Mathematical Sciences. Professional accreditation includes Chemistry (ACS); Construction Management (ACCE); Education (NCATE); Human Ecology (ADA); Physical Therapy (CAPTE); and Rehabilitation Service (NCRE). The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Eastern Shore campus of the University System of Maryland had diverse affiliations and several names before becoming the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) at Princess Anne in 1970. The institution was founded in 1886 by the leaders of the Delaware Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church as the Delaware Conference Academy for Negroes, under the general control of Centenary Bible Institute in Baltimore. By the second Morrill Act of 1890, the Academy received federal funds and was renamed the Princess Anne Academy. This funding created a relationship with the then Maryland Agricultural College, although the campus continued to be a part of Morgan College, at the time, a private institution. College level work began at Princess Anne in 1927. The State authorized purchase of the Academy in 1935 (Chapter 548, Acts of 1935) and, in 1936, Princess Anne Academy became part of the University of Maryland, bearing the name of Maryland State College from 1948 until 1970. In 1970, the College was renamed University of Maryland Eastern Shore and, in 1988, it joined the University of Maryland System (Chapter 246, Acts of 1988). The System was renamed University System of Maryland in 1997 (Chapter 114, Acts of 1997).


DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Within the Division of Academic Affairs are six schools: Agricultural and Natural Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Social Sciences and the Arts; Graduate Studies; Pharmacy and Health Professions; and Veterinary Medicine. The Division also oversees the Center for International Education, the Frederick Douglass Library, Decision Science and Visualization, Faculty Affairs, and International Programs.

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL & NATURAL SCIENCES

Richard Hazel Hall, Room 3052, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853

The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences includes three academic departments: Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences; Human Ecology; and Natural Sciences. It also oversees the Center for Food Safety, Science and Technology; the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service; and the Small Farm Program.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ENGINEERING, APPLIED SCIENCES, TECHNOLOGY, & TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Engineering & Aviation Sciences Complex, Room 3087, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853

Originally formed as the School of Business and Technology in 2015, the School of Business, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Technology, and Tourism Management received its current name in July 2025.

Six departments make up the School of Business, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Technology, and Tourism Management: Aviation Sciences; Built Environment; Business, Management, and Accounting; Computer Science and Engineering Technology; Engineering; and Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management originated as the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, SOCIAL SCIENCES, & THE ARTS

Richard Hazel Hall, Suite 2051, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853 - 1299

In 1992, the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies were two separate institutions. In 1997, they merged to form the School of the Arts and Professions. Effective July 1, 2016, the School was renamed the School of Education, Social Sciences and the Arts.

Mathematics moved from the School of Business and Technology to the School of Education, Social Sciences and the Arts in July 2020.

Within the School of Education, Social Sciences and the Arts are five departments: Criminal Justice; Education; English, Languages and Media Studies; Fine Arts; Mathematics; and Social Sciences. The School also oversees the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Center.

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Engineering & Aviation Sciences Complex, Suites 3041-3046, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853 - 1299

The School of Graduate Studies is responsible for Graduate Admissions, Graduate Student Services, and the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs.

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY & HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Somerset Hall, Suite 122, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853

The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions was established as the School of Health Professions on July 1, 2005. It reformed under its present name in 2008.

Within the School are the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program and five departments: Kinesiology; Pharmacy Practice and Administration; Physical Therapy; Physician Assistant; and Rehabilitation Services.

SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Officially approved by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents in December 2023, the School of Veterinary Medicine is awaiting final accreditations for its inaugural class in Summer 2027. If approved, the School would be the first public veterinary school among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the nation.

The School of Veterinary Medicine will offer a three-year, comprehensive Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) program.


DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Formerly known as the Division of Administrative Affairs, the Division of Administration and Finance adopted its present name in January 2019.

Under the Division are eleven units. These include: Administrative Computing; Auxiliary and Business Services; Budget; Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction; Human Resources Management; Information Technology; Physical Plant; Procurement; Public Safety; and the Richard A. Henson Conference Center and Hotel.


DIVISION OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & STUDENT EXPERIENCE

The Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience began as the Division of Student Affairs, became the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, and reformed as the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience.

In July 2018, the Registrar moved from the Division of Academic Affairs to the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience.

Within the Division are six offices: Admissions and Recruitment; Career and Professional Development Center; Counseling Services; Dean of Students; Registrar; Residence Life; Student Conduct and Community Standards; Student Financial Aid; and Student Health Services.


DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Started as the Division of Institutional Advancement, the Division of University Relations later adopted its present name.

Within the Division are the University Radio Station (WESM 91.3) and four offices: Advancement Services; Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving; Corporate Foundations and Relations; and Development.


OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY & COMPLIANCE

The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance oversees three units: Prevention, Education, Training, and Compliance; Student Accessibility Services; and Title IX and Civil Rights.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING DIVISION

The Strategic Communications and Marketing Division originally was called Marketing, but was renamed Marketing and Communications by January 2023. It received its current name in July 2024.

Under the Strategic Communications and Marketing Division are five units: Marketing; Media Relations; Outreach and Strategic Initiatives; Public Relations; and WESM/Delmarva Public Media.

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