Dive Brief:
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County President Freeman Hrabowski has transformed a college traditionally known as a commuter school to a research university with worldwide renown.
- University Business reports Hrabowski has steered underrepresented minorities, women, and low-income students toward STEM-related careers, including medicine, forging partnerships with businesses and corporations to create internship and work opportunities for students.
- UMBC, consistently named one of the most innovative universities, graduates its minority students at the same rate as its white students and continues to have active discussions about outcomes within at-risk groups, including low-income students.
Dive Insight:
UMBC was founded in 1966, opening as an integrated institution at a time known for its racial segregation. Its outcomes are impressive and many attribute a good amount of its success to Hrabowski, who took over as president in 1992.
Colleges and universities across the country are now dealing with the racial environments on their campuses, tensions which likely flew under the radar for many administrators. Active conversations led by institutional leaders are key to moving forward. Students and faculty need to believe in the commitment by presidents, chancellors, and provosts. And the work can’t stop at student body diversity. Activists are pressing for new faculty lines that will require pipeline planning in addition to stronger recruitment. Approaching the problem systemically will help achieve positive, long-term results.
