Valerie Sheares Ashby, one of Duke University’s most prolific academic leaders and fundraisers, has been selected as the next president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, leaders from the University System of Maryland yesterday announced.
Ashby, who chaired Duke’s Department of Chemistry from 2002 to 2015 before being named as dean of the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, has been among the university’s leaders in diversity and inclusion efforts and opportunities for students. According to a release, her leadership of the college’s fundraising campaign raised more than $480 million, including $200 million for student scholarships and aid.
“It is an incredible honor to be asked to lead a university that has excelled in so many ways that are essential both nationally and to me personally — particularly in regards to foregrounding inclusive excellence,” Ashby says.
“Dr. Ashby is clearly the impressive scholar and dynamic leader we need to build on the strong foundation of inclusive excellence at UMBC,” says USM Board Chair Linda R. Gooden. “UMBC is a jewel—nationally and internationally recognized for its innovative teaching and pathbreaking research. All of this success is due to the dedication and hard work of President Hrabowski and his outstanding team. The Board of Regents knows this legacy will be in good hands with Dr. Ashby.”
Ashby will begin her tenure at UMBC on Aug. 1.
Big shoes to fill, my Hampton classmate, Dr. Freeman Hrabowski!—
Justice Shelvin Hall, Ill. Appellate Court, Ret.