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Twenty law enforcement officers from Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Talbot, Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties graduated in the 95th entrance-level class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, operated by Wor-Wic Community College. Graduates included Coale Lenox of the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Police Department (front right).

The Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, in partnership with the City of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ and D3, a local full-service digital marketing agency, recently announced the launch of the Downtown ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Brand Boost Grant Program. The initiative is designed to help small businesses strengthen their brand identity, improve visibility, and enhance their marketing presence. One selected downtown business will receive a comprehensive branding and marketing support package valued at more than $4,000.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ has announced Dr. Jessica Clark as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. Clark has served as acting vice president of academic affairs since July 2025. She was appointed assistant provost for faculty success in 2021, becoming associate provost in 2024. She joined the University in 2014 as an assistant professor of biological sciences, with a background and research interest in neuroendocrinology.

Since the Blood Bank of Delmarva reopened its doors in ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ last summer, community members have been filling up appointment slots. In December, the blood bank expanded its efforts to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ. Students took a seat, rolled up their sleeve and donated blood, helping bring the banks’ inventory up, to be distributed to hospitals across the peninsula. Freshman Caitlyn Bussaid knows the impact that donating blood can have on a person. “I just think it’s a really simple way to help people in need,” she said.

Zero-based budgeting is a strategy that involves assigning each dollar of income to a specific monthly expense, so income minus expenses always equals zero. “Zero-based budgeting is especially effective for people who want their money to have a clear purpose,” said Dr. David Emerson, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ associate professor of accounting. “It works well for anyone entering a transition — graduating, starting a career, combining finances after marriage, buying a home, or recovering from financial setbacks — because it forces you to see exactly what you can afford and what needs to change"

Some 60 students recently vied for top honors during ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ’s Mid-Atlantic Sales and Marketing Institute’s (MASMI’s) 13th biannual sales championship competition. The event included two contests, one for overall sales and one for elevator pitches. Emma Wivell received $1,000 for her first-place finish in the overall sales competition plus $100 for best resume. Luke Curran topped competitors in the elevator pitch session, taking home a $300 prize.

Sometimes we forget to show gratitude for the little things. But Brenda Hicks wanted to encourage students at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ to be loud and proud about the things they’re most grateful for. So, the SU social media coordinator set up a microphone on campus, inviting students to share their gratitude via the University's accounts. “This is what ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ is about," she said. "It’s about community. It’s about the little things. It’s about appreciating whatever we go through along the day."

At Maryland's most recent Board of Public Works meeting, Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day made his pitch for $26.4 million in funds to support projects across the state, including $1 million for demolition of the former Wicomico County Library and construction of a new ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ performing arts center. The funding was part of $10 million in grants and loans approved and provided to higher education institutions and hospitals by the Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund for community development projects.