For the fourth consecutive year, The Chronicle of Higher Education has named UMBC one of the best colleges in the nation for which to work. Each year, The Chronicle asks faculty and staff across the country to rate their workplaces on a host of factors. UMBC rated highly across all categories this year, earning it a spot on the “Honor Roll” for the second consecutive year. “I’m delighted that the Chronicle has once again recognized UMBC for what those of us who work here already know: UMBC is a great place to work,” said Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC. “We support and respect each other and deeply value collaboration. Year after year, that makes us a ‘Great College to Work For.’” UMBC is among only 97 colleges included in the Chronicle's full list, and is one of only 10 Honor Roll institutions nationwide in its size category. UMBC is the only four-year institution in Maryland to appear on either list. Other Honor Roll institutions in our category include Baylor University, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. The Chronicle results are based on responses from nearly 45,000 people at 300 institutions nationwide, including UMBC. The assessment also included an analysis of demographic data, benefits, and workplace policies at each participating college. This year, UMBC received high ratings in seven categories: • Collaborative Governance • Teaching Environment • Confidence in Senior Leadership • Supervisor/Department Chair Relationship • Respect and Appreciation • Tenure Clarity and Process • Diversity “Our shared governance is really important as it shows that our leaders, faculty, staff and students work together to continue to improve and enhance the future growth of UMBC. This contributes to a positive work environment where our leadership is approachable,” said Dottie Caplan, president of the Non-Exempt Staff Senate. The full list and more information can be found in the Chronicle’s report. ]]>
UMBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Zeev Rosenzweig as chair of the department of chemistry and biochemistry and professor of chemistry, effective January 1, 2014. Rosenzweig will come to UMBC from the National Science Foundation, where he is presently a program director in the division of chemistry. He also carries the title of professor adjunct in the chemistry department of the University of New Orleans, where he was previously a professor. His research interests are in the synthesis of nanomaterials and their applications in biological and environmental systems. “We are delighted to have Dr. Rosenzweig be a member of our campus. He is a gifted and talented researcher, experienced educator, and proven administrator,” said William LaCourse, dean of the college of natural and mathematical sciences. In addition to his management and leadership experience, Rosenzweig has an outstanding record of scholarship. He received his B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1986 and Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1992. He also held postdoctoral research positions at the Ames Laboratory of Iowa State University (mentored by Dr. Edward S. Yeung) and the University of Michigan (mentored by Dr. Raoul Kopelman). He is the author of 57 refereed papers in a variety of prestigious journals, eight book chapters and one patent. Rosenzweig has presented numerous papers at national and international conferences. Rosenzweig’s leadership and excellence has been recognized with an NSF CAREER award, Hebrew University Visiting Scholar Award, and a number of service awards from NSF including the NSF Director’s Superior Accomplishment Award. On accepting his appointment as the chemistry and biochemistry chair, Rosenzweig said, "I am honored to have been selected Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UMBC. I thank Dean LaCourse and the search committee for their confidence in me to work with the faculty and lead the department to continued excellence in chemistry and biochemistry research, teaching, and service in the upcoming years. I am excited about the opportunity to redevelop my research program in the area of nanomaterials chemistry and to make significant contributions to solving sustainability and human health problems through the use of nanoscience and nanotechnology. I wish to thank NSF for providing me with the opportunity to serve the community as Program Director in the Division of Chemistry for the last eight years. I believe that lessons I learned from my NSF experience will prove invaluable as I assume my new role as Department Chair. Finally, I wish to thank the outgoing Department Chair Dr. Richard Karpel for his leadership over the past few years, which has allowed the UMBC Chemistry Department to maintain its tradition of excellence." Rosenzweig’s appointment as chair brings to a conclusion a successful national search for a leader who will build upon, and enhance, the outstanding reputation of UMBC’s department of chemistry and biochemistry in teaching, research, outreach and service.]]>