Dr. Mickey L. Burnim Appointed Interim President of University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)

Adelphi, Md. (June 11, 2018) -- University System of Maryland (USM) Chancellor Robert Caret today named Mickey L. Burnim interim president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Dr. Burnim will begin transitioning into the position on June 18, 2018, and will begin his service as interim president on July 1, 2018. Dr. Burnim served as president of Bowie State University between 2006 and 2017.

Current UMES President Juliette Bell announced in February that she will step down this summer. In March, Chancellor Caret appointed a search and screening committee for the new president.

“Mickey Burnim is a widely respected member of the USM community with success leading two Historically Black Institutions, including more than a decade of excellent service as president of Bowie State University,” said Chancellor Caret.  “He is the ideal leader to guide UMES on an interim basis while the search and selection process for a new president concludes.”

During Dr. Burnim’s 11 years as president, Bowie State experienced significant increases in regional and national recognition, added majors in cybersecurity and information technology, opened three new buildings, grew enrollment and graduates, and undertook a successful fundraising campaign.

Dr. Burnim previously served as chancellor of Elizabeth City State University, an Historically Black Institution in North Carolina.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Chaired by Michelle Gourdine, M.D., a member of the USM Board of Regents and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the search and screening committee's work will conclude with its recommendation of finalists for consideration by the chancellor and the Board of Regents. The board will make the final selection. Typically, the search process for a new president takes approximately six months to complete.

Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu