UMES celebrates 138 years while highlighting the importance of HBCUs
MARYLAND – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore hosted a special conversation with the campus community in honor of their Founder’s Week, and during this recognition, they highlighted the importance of HBCUs.
Though one can attend any college or university, and become successful, at UMES, they truly believe that HBCUs encourage Black Excellence. 9 students, 1 teacher, and 1 school building. That’s how UMES, formerly known as Princess Anne Academy, started over 138 years ago.
Yvette Lewis has been named a Regent with the University System of Maryland, or USM. As the daughter of 2 HBCU grads, she knows far too well the importance of representation. “Some of the best people that have walked out of HBCUs are leading our country, are making innovative strides in our county, are saving lives in our county…That’s where I came into my own, that’s where I learned how to express myself. That’s where I learned how to feel my power, so that when I stepped out into the world, I could exercise my power. Sometimes that isn’t always attended to at colleges where we don’t have enough people that look like us, because they don’t recognize the importance of that.”
Dr. Heidi M. Anderson, President of UMES, says the campus now has 100 buildings, over 500 faculty and more than 3,000 students. She stresses how important HBCU’s are not just to the community, but to the country. “HBCUs as my colleagues like to say punch above their weight. We don’t have a lot of resources, but yet we are able to put more Black doctor’s out there, more Black lawyers, more Black pharmacists, more Black farmers…”
Chancellor Dr. Jay Perman is also with USM. He says his position is an honor, and underprivileged children should also have the opportunity to be considered as well. “I always wonder, why shouldn’t everybody, everybody, every kid, have a crack at being my successor down the line.”
Regent Lewis says many Historically Black Colleges and Universities don’t get the credit they deserve. “So, when you see somebody from an HBCU, you should stop, you should revere that person and recognize that you are looking at true excellence.” President Anderson did want to note that although she would love for everyone to come to UMES, she encourages students to go to any college, especially HBCU’s.
And if you or anyone you know is interested in attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, you visit their website and apply!
