PRINCESS ANNE Md. — During a moment certain to mark Juliette Bell’s darkest as University of Maryland Eastern Shore president, the campus community gave her a solid vote of confidence.
The salute—by an assembly of 3,000 students and supporters in the wake of a student homicide—was a public affirmation of support for the president observers say flows quietly across campus.
“She’s doing an amazing job,” said Shana Washington, president of the UMES Student Government Association. “She’s open.”
In the aftermath of the murder of a UMES student Feb. 17, Bell has been a strong presence among the student body, hosting town meetings and answering questions from the community. Observers say, away from the spotlight, Bell has taken defining steps in her first six months as president to prioritize students and academic programs.
Since September, she has appointed three cabinet members including the first provost in the history of the university, Ronald A. Nykiel.
Supporters say the move elevates the power of the senior academic officer, shifting weight in the administrative hierarchy to academic affairs, from administrative affairs.
“One subtle but important enhancement to our organization structure was the addition of the provost title to the vice president of academic affairs position,” said Bryant Mitchell, an associate professor in the school’s department of business, management and accounting.
