UMES President is “cautiously optimistic” after meeting with Trump

After two days in the nations capital meeting with both the president and members of the Republican leadership, University of Maryland Eastern Shore president Dr. Juliette Bell said she is cautiously optimistic. 

Bell was part of a contingent of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) presidents that got to do a meet and greet with President Trump Monday, followed by break out sessions on Tuesday with Republican leaders such as Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.

"I would say that I'm cautiously optimistic that something will come out of these last two days of meetings. I think that this was just the first step and that we need to do some work on both sides in order to ensure that there's an action plan in place to help guide our future activities," Bell said, who qualified the meetings were productive.

Bell said her meeting with Trump was quick and talks between the presidents and Trump stayed strictly on education. 

Tuesday Trump signed an executive order making HBCU's a priority for his administration.

According to the order the Initiative will have two primary missions. To increase the private sectors role in strengthening HBCU's through planning and development. As well as to enhance HBCU's capabilities to serve young adults by strengthening their abilities to participate in federal programs.