BALTIMORE, MD—After three decades of transformational leadership at UMBC, President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III has announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year.

President Hrabowski is nationally celebrated for his results-driven commitment to inclusive excellence, collaborative approach to leadership, and mentorship that pairs high expectations with strong support. Through his time at UMBC, these qualities have become core to the university’s unique culture and community. They have also inspired national and global recognition.

During President Hrabowski’s tenure, UMBC has ascended in the national rankings. U.S. News ranked UMBC the nation’s #1 “Up and Coming” university for six years, 2009-14. In 2015 they transitioned to recognizing the nation’s “most innovative” national universities, featuring UMBC every year since the list launched. For the past decade, U.S. News has also consistently ranked UMBC among the nation’s leading institutions for Best Undergraduate Teaching.

Visitors to campus often see President Hrabowski walking down Academic Row. He greets students by name, asking about their classes and post-grad plans, listening, and offering encouragement. That personal level of care has become part of UMBC’s DNA. It’s a quality that draws thousands of new students to UMBC each year and inspires UMBC’s national recognition as a model for supporting student success.

“Dr. Hrabowski is a true visionary, and his leadership has been transformative for so many students, for Baltimore County and for our entire state,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Wednesday. “As County Executive, a proud UMBC alumnus, and a friend, I thank him for his decades of dedicated service devoted to expanding access to educational excellence, sparking innovation, and promoting equity – efforts that have transformed UMBC into the national leader it is today.

“His retirement leaves a gaping hole to fill and his presence in this role will be deeply missed,” Olszewski added. “On behalf of the people of Baltimore County, I wish him the very best in all his future endeavors.”

.@UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski has inspired so many with his actions, words, and dedication. His commitment to supporting students from underrepresented groups has transformed higher education not only in Maryland, but around the world. I wish him all the best in retirement. pic.twitter.com/F1Y9GwYVDB

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) August 25, 2021

Photo via UMBC