Ben Amudzi

This updated Statement of Work outlines the phased strategic planning process for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, collaborating with Huron Consulting Group. The process aims to engage stakeholders, identify institutional priorities, and develop actionable plans across five key pillars: Grow Student Opportunity and Success, Transform Teaching and Learning, Redefine Excellence in Research and Creative Achievement, Cultivate Organizational Innovation and Vitality, and Strengthen Maryland and Its Communities. The ultimate outcome is a comprehensive strategic plan articulating the university's future vision, priorities, and implementation pathways.

This research report re-evaluates malaria prevention techniques in Zambia. It outlines the public health burden of malaria in the country and critically assesses three primary solutions: insecticide-treated bed nets, DDT indoor residual sprays, and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). The analysis considers factors such as cost-effectiveness, operational lifespan, physical safety for users and the environment, and overall effectiveness. The research concludes that insecticide-treated bed nets are the most suitable solution for Zambia, with recommendations including user education, integration with maternal and child health programs, establishment of community health centers for ongoing support, and fostering international partnerships.

This State of the University Address outlines the university's progress and challenges, guided by principles of protecting the academic program and supporting people. Key strategic areas include enhancing undergraduate and graduate experiences, fostering research and scholarship, improving retention and graduation rates, promoting environment and sustainability, and ensuring safety and security. The address highlights efforts in managing fiscal challenges, growing enrollment, expanding facilities, developing research partnerships, and achieving environmental commitments, all while fostering a strong community.

The event was the 47th Annual W.E.B. Du Bois Lecture featuring Dr. Ousseina Alidou. The proceedings included acknowledgments to the academic units and offices that sponsored the event, such as the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Center for Social Science Scholarship, the Division of Professional Studies, the Dresser Center for Humanities, and the Shriver Center. Recognition was also given to specific individuals for their behind-the-scenes support. The event featured performances by the Jubilee choir, which performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and other selections. Following the musical presentation, Professor Gloria Chuku introduced the distinguished lecturer, Dr. Ousseina Alidou, a professor from Rutgers University specializing in theoretical linguistics, gender, and African studies. Dr. Alidou discussed the importance of W.E.B. Du Bois's legacy in contemporary research on race and racism, emphasizing the need for translations across disciplines, languages, and economies to cultivate common ground for humanity. She also spoke about her personal journey from the Sahel region of Niger Republic to achieving academic success in the United States.

The event was the second annual Wisdom Institute luncheon, which is the young association for University retirees (faculty and staff). The speaker acknowledged the Institute's activities, including monthly informal luncheons, meditation walks, and past bus trips. Key discussion points included the beautification and sustainability efforts initiated by Dr. Hrabowski since assuming leadership, recognition of the Institute's efforts by the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE), and the achievements of a recent Truman Scholar focusing on rethinking retirement for Millennials in the gig economy. The speaker also provided an update on UMBC's high ranking in the Times Higher Education survey for Sustainability Development Goals. The featured speaker, Tom Horton, discussed his extensive career as a nature writer, filmmaker, and educator focusing on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including his work on the Smith Island layer-cake becoming the official Maryland dessert and his current documentary project.