Adelphi, Md. (Jan. 30, 2024)— University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is pleased to announce Kimberly D. Whitehead, PhD, has been appointed vice president of academic affairs and executive dean. Whitehead, who has nearly 25 years of experience in higher education, joins UMGC after most recently serving in a senior leadership role at Medgar Evers College.
Whitehead has also held supervisory roles at the University of Maine, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, West Virginia State University, Rowan University, Bowie State University and Shaw University. During her career, Whitehead has implemented strategic plans, provided leadership to academic affairs departments and worked closely with presidents, provosts and deans. She has served as a consultant, peer reviewer, mentor, academic instructor in mathematics and biology, and researcher.
"Kimberly’s experience at different types of institutions, with different missions, student populations, and cultures, will be an invaluable addition to the academic affairs leadership team,” said Blakely Pomietto, UMGC ‘s senior vice president and chief academic officer. “She has a track record of successfully facilitating change in ways that are inclusive of key stakeholders. She understands the post-secondary landscape in Maryland and will help us expand our portfolio of learning experiences to meet workforce demands.”
At Medgar Evers College, where she served as senior vice president for strategy and chief of staff, Whitehead was the confidential advisor to the president and responsible for the implementation of a new giving campaign that increased scholarship opportunities. She also secured funding for a pilot program called Spring Forward: Bridges to the Baccalaureate to help students who had left high school and recent graduates to resume their education.
Whitehead has a doctorate in genetics from North Carolina State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Norfolk State University. In 2019, she completed a Leadership and Management Certificate at UMGC.
“University of Maryland Global Campus is a phenomenal university, and I am happy to join the institution and return to the University System of Maryland and the state of Maryland,” Whitehead said. “This transformative role allows me to collaborate with colleagues across the organization to increase operational efficiency as we focus on achieving our strategic goals.”
While at University of Maine, Whitehead’s role as vice president and chief of staff expanded to work closely with the university’s Emergency Command Center to assist with key decisions on COVID-19.
Her career in higher education has also included the planning, preparing and writing of grants and the launch of programs to benefit aspiring and new students, nonprofit organizations and small businesses. In 2023, Whitehead served on the planning committee for the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium at Delaware State University. The HBCU symposium focused on how to ensure the sustainability and future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“I am excited to expand my commitment to provide educational access and to develop innovative approaches to enhance learner experiences at UMGC,” Whitehead said. “I extend my sincerest gratitude to President Fowler and Chief Academic Officer Pomietto for entrusting me with this inaugural role.”
About University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.
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