From the President

It’s common these days to hear people speak of the current times as “Before COVID,” and “After COVID.” There is a shared sense that no matter how the pandemic is brought under control, things will never be the same. As the leader of an urban institution with deep roots in the community, and a believer in its mission of transforming lives and improving conditions at the local, regional and even global level, I understand that perspective. We may never “get back to normal.” The question is: Where do we go from here? And, with that new journey in mind: How do we take with us the best things that we know how to do? How can we make life better than before?

The University of Baltimore is a small institution. Our reputation is solid, and our constituencies are suitably proud. But it’s our reach―that is what makes us truly different. Extraordinarily impactful. During the tough times of this past year, we’ve shown remarkable determination.

From the earliest days of the pandemic, when judgments were clouded and the future looked like a highly divisive place, the UBalt community worked together to move us forward. We already had a good amount of experience with online learning in our Merrick School of Business―but moving the entire campus to a virtual classroom was an entirely new endeavor. No matter. Within a few short weeks, we were back to that elusive “normal”―as normal as life can be when you’re teaching and learning via computer. Every day, along the way, I’ve seen examples of students, faculty, alumni and friends raising up our University. I still see that―it’s simply what we do. Yes, we are a small institution. But we are mighty―and we’re discovering anew what that means for our community of high-achieving students and scholars.

The University of Baltimore is, in every way, “Built for This.” We have, from our beginnings, been about the effort, the equity, and the outcomes, of putting in the hard work. We’ve built a lot―including this promise: We will continue, in good times and bad, to be there for you. We will stay on our journey, proud, strong, and determined. And, with your care and support, we will live up to our mission of making life better for everyone we meet.

Thank you. Please enjoy this year’s report.

Sincerely,

Kurt L. Schmoke
University of Baltimore President

From the Board Chair

It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors this past year. As we approach the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard to believe how much has changed in the world as well as in higher education. However, the one constant has been that The University of Baltimore remains committed to our students as well as the greater Baltimore community.

I know I speak for the entire University of Baltimore Foundation board when I say thank you for your continued support during these uncertain times. We are very fortunate to have such committed friends and alumni who believe in the mission of The University of Baltimore.

As you will see in the videos featured in this year’s annual report, our faculty has developed innovative ways to connect with students remotely, the creation of a student emergency fund has allowed many students to continue their studies, and our Second Chance College Program has provided individuals from Jessup Correctional Institution to attend college―and truly change the trajectory of their lives.

Despite many of the challenges of the past year, we are excited and proud about the direction we are moving as a university.

We truly appreciate your support of The University of Baltimore’s commitment to providing an excellent education to our students. As we look to the year ahead, we must remember that The University of Baltimore’s greatest assets are its exceptional students and faculty and our ability to adapt and thrive as the world changes.

Sincerely,

R. Thomas Crawford, M.B.A. ’91
Chair, University of Baltimore Foundation Board of Directors