Mortimer H. Neufville Named Interim President of University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Adelphi, Md. (May 31, 2011) -- William E. Kirwan, chancellor of the Â鶹´«Ã½,
has appointed Mortimer H. Neufville, Ph.D., 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 (UMES). His appointment to the interim position is effective August 16, 2011.
The
appointment of Neufville follows UMES President Thelma B. Thompson's
announcement earlier this spring that she will retire as president, effective
August 15, 2011. Neufville will serve as interim president until Thompson's successor
is named and joins UMES during the upcoming academic year.
Neufville
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," said
Chancellor Kirwan. "I am confident that 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 B.S. 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."
Chancellor
Kirwan in April appointed the search and screening committee for the new
president of UMES. Chaired by UMES Alumnus Alfonso N. Cornish, vice president
for education and development and chief learning officer for Norton Healthcare,
the committee members have already begun their work. The committee will
conclude its efforts with the recommendation of finalists for consideration by
the chancellor and the USM Board of Regents. The board will make the final
appointment.
Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu
