University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance on Maryland's picturesque Eastern Shore. As a proud public historically black land-grant research university, UMES is a vital part of the esteemed University System of Maryland. Embodying its motto, "Facta, Non Verba" (Deeds, Not Words), UMES is dedicated to action and impactful contributions, earning its classification among "Research Colleges and Universities" for its commitment to discovery and innovation.

Established in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy, UMES's journey reflects a remarkable evolution. Born out of necessity during an era of segregation, it grew to become the Princess Anne Academy, providing critical land-grant education for African-American students following the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Its transformation from church control to state ownership during the Great Depression marked a pivotal moment, ultimately leading to its renaming as Maryland State College in 1948, and finally, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 1970.

Today, UMES offers a diverse and robust academic portfolio, including 37 undergraduate areas of study, 15 master's degree programs, and 8 doctoral degree programs, with 27 of these programs holding specialized accreditation. Students thrive in a vibrant, rural campus environment spanning 1,138 acres, which includes a dedicated research farm and the Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Center near Assateague Island, providing unique hands-on learning opportunities. With a student body of 2,467 undergraduates and 696 postgraduates (Fall 2024), UMES fosters a close-knit community where Hawks soar, clad in maroon and gray.

In recent years, UMES has garnered significant philanthropic support, highlighted by two transformative gifts from MacKenzie Scott: $20 million in 2020, followed by a monumental $38 million donation in 2025—the largest single gift in the university's history. These contributions underscore the growing recognition of UMES's vital role in higher education and its enduring commitment to student success and groundbreaking research.