Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Adelphi, Md. (May 31, 2011) — William E. Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, has appointed Mortimer H. Neufville, former executive vice president with the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and current APLU consultant, as interim president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. His first day will be Aug. 16, 2011.
Neufville’s appointment follows UMES President Thelma B. Thompson’s March 16th announcement that she will retire as president, effective Aug. 15, 2011. Neufville will serve as interim president until Thompson’s successor is named and joins UMES, which Kirwan says he hopes will be during the upcoming academic year.
Neufville, 71, held a number of positions at UMES from 1983 through 1996, including vice president for academic affairs.
“I am very pleased that Dr. Neufville has accepted this appointment,” Kirwan said. “I am confident his experience and success in higher education and his long history with UMES will serve the university quite well during this transition period.”
Neufville received his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in animal science from the University of Florida. In 2001, he was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Tuskegee University, from which he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. The University of Florida honored him with its Distinguished Alumnus Award in December 2001. He held several prominent positions during his 14 years at UMES in addition to vice president for academic affairs, including dean of agricultural sciences and research director.
“UMES has been experiencing tremendous growth over the past few years. My intent is to continue to facilitate a positive learning environment that will ensure the advancement of this fine university,” Neufville said. “My priorities would include also enhancing the academic programs that UMES has recently launched, such as the engineering and pharmacy programs.”
Kirwan in April appointed a search and screening committee for UMES’ new president. Chaired by UMES alumnus Alfonso N. Cornish, vice president for education and development and chief learning officer for Norton Healthcare, the committee alreadyhas begun its work. The committee will conclude its task by generating a recommended list of finalists for consideration by Kirwan and the USM Board of Regents. The board must formally approve the presidential appointment.
Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edux
