Press Release - USM Chancellor Langenberg to Retire April 30, 2002

October 27, 2000

USM Chancellor Langenberg to Retire April 30, 2002

The Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland (USM) today approved a plan under which USM Chancellor Donald N. Langenberg will serve as chancellor until April 30, 2002.   "The board's decision was unanimous." said board chairman, Nathan A. Chapman, Jr. "Today's action should put an end to speculation about the board's views and allow us to focus on the future.  Over this period, we must solidify the great progress that has been made in state support for the system and continue the growth and success of system institutions."  Chairman Chapman commended the chancellor on his successful tenure and said he looks forward to continued progress and success.  "We know that Chancellor Langenberg will continue to provide strong and effective leadership during this critical time."  Chapman said a search for Langenberg's successor will begin in the new year.  The board's announcement was made at the conclusion of its regularly scheduled meeting, which was held on the campus of Frostburg State University.

"My service as chancellor has been the most rewarding experience of my career in higher education, and I look forward to this important period in the life of the system," said chancellor Langenberg. "My remaining tenure will see two legislative sessions under a very supportive governor and General Assembly, the near completion of a $700 million fundraising campaign, the implementation of the system's new strategic plan, and the General Assembly's review of the legislation that established our current governing structure.  These events, and other new system initiatives, provide the opportunity to complete the foundation laid twelve years ago when the system was created; A foundation upon which future governors,
future legislatures, future Boards of Regents, and future chancellors can build."

Langenberg was appointed chancellor in May 1990.  During his tenure the system has grown from 103,000 to 112,000 students and the number of statewide USM graduates increased to 22,425 in 1999, from a total of 17,994 in 1989.  Over the past decade, annual increases in federal grants and contracts with USM institutions have averaged more than 10 percent per year, compared to overall growth in federal spending of less than 5 percent.  For the year ending June 30, 2000, such funding totaled over $582 million.  In recent years, the System's operating budget has increased dramatically, and its capital budget over the next five years represents the largest capital construction program in the state's history.


Contact:

Chris Hart
Phone: 301/445-2739
Pager: 301/507-2316
E-mail: chart@usmd.edu