Patricia S. Florestano Designated to Chair USM Board

Adelphi, MD (March 8, 2012)-Orlan M. Johnson, chair of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents since July 1, 2011, has stepped down from his board leadership position. Johnson said that time commitments to other responsibilities are preventing him from carrying out his duties as chair.

Patricia S. Florestano, who has served as vice chair since July 1, 2011, has been designated as chair of the board for the remainder of fiscal year 2012.  

"Serving as chair of the Board of Regents has been one of the highlights of my personal and professional life," said Johnson. "The opportunity to serve with and lead a group of individuals fully dedicated to the growth and development of the University System of Maryland has been an honor and a privilege. And no regent is more dedicated than Pat Florestano. She will be a great chair."

"I am especially grateful to be able to serve as chair of the board," said Florestano. "I have been a part of Maryland higher education for many years and to have this leadership opportunity is very special." Florestano received her three academic degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP); she has been a member of the faculty of UMCP and the University of Baltimore, both part of USM. And she served for five years as Maryland Secretary of Higher Education.

Johnson will remain as a member of the board through June 30, 2012, the end of his current term. By that date, both Johnson and Florestano will have served two five-year terms, the maximum allowed.

For more information about the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, please visit: http://www.usmd.edu/regents/

Contact: Anne Moultrie
Phone: 301.445.2722
Email: Amoultrie@usmd.edu