Historic Appointment: Valerie Sheares Ashby Becomes First Black Woman President of UMBC
Ashby, who previously served as the dean of Duke University's Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, takes over the presidential role from former President Freeman Hrabowski. Reflecting on her achievement, Ashby acknowledges the challenges she has faced as a trailblazer, having been the first woman of color in many of her previous roles.
AKACHI NOEL 
Valerie Sheares Ashby has made history by becoming the first Black woman to assume the presidency of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). This significant milestone comes over sixty years after the university's establishment in 1966.
Ashby, who previously served as the dean of Duke University's Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, takes over the presidential role from former President Freeman Hrabowski. Reflecting on her achievement, Ashby acknowledges the challenges she has faced as a trailblazer, having been the first woman of color in many of her previous roles.
In an interview with NBC, Ashby expressed her commitment to building upon the vision set forth by her predecessor. While she does not plan to implement drastic changes, she aims to further advance the university's objectives and promote diversity in leadership roles within the education sector.
The appointment of Ashby signifies a positive shift towards greater inclusivity and representation in academia, garnering support from both students and staff at UMBC.
