PRINCESS ANNE — The week before the start of the spring 2024 semester at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore faculty and staff participated in professional development sessions kicked off by President Heidi M. Anderson.

She highlighted the university’s focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, aviation, arts, and math) education and featured updates on major projects — including formal approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission for veterinary medicine which is anticipated to enroll its first round of students in the fall of 2026.

Dr. Anderson said the second phase of health professions and veterinary medicine was part of Gov. Wes Moore’s fiscal year 2025 budget with $150 million.

Also included was $4.8 million for funding construction of the Agricultural Research and Education Center, and while in the budget she continues to press for $73 million for renovations to Carver Hall.

About 60% of students have taken a science course in Carver Hall, which holds a R-2 (high research activity) Carnegie Research Designation. It is also home to the STEM STARS program made possible by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute “Driving Change” grant.

UMES is the first Historically Black University to receive the HHMI Driving Change award.

While not included in the governor’s submitted budget, President Anderson cited other projects including cleaning and renovating multiple residence halls, refurbishing the Tawes Gym, and improvements to the baseball and softball fields and surrounding areas.

Inservice programs included on the first day customer excellence training focused on a culture of caring, and over 60 asynchronous sessions online on the second day.

It was Monday last week when students returned to campus for the spring semester.