Patricia S. Florestano Designated to Chair USM Board
Orlan M. Johnson Steps Down from USM
Board Chair Position;
Patricia S. Florestano Designated as New Chair
Adelphi, MD (March 8, 2012)-Orlan M. Johnson, chair of the University System of
Maryland Board of Regents since July 1, 2011, has stepped down from his board
leadership position. Johnson said that time commitments to other responsibilities
are preventing him from carrying out his duties as chair.
Patricia S. Florestano, who has
served as vice chair since July 1, 2011, has been designated as chair of the board
for the remainder of fiscal year 2012.
"Serving as chair of the
Board of Regents has been one of the highlights of my personal and professional
life," said Johnson. "The opportunity to serve with and lead a group of
individuals fully dedicated to the growth and development of the University
System of Maryland has been an honor and a privilege. And no regent is more
dedicated than Pat Florestano. She will be a great chair."
"I am especially grateful to
be able to serve as chair of the board," said Florestano. "I have been a part
of Maryland higher education for many years and to have this leadership
opportunity is very special." Florestano received her three academic degrees
from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP); she has been a member of
the faculty of UMCP and the University of Baltimore, both part of USM. And she
served for five years as Maryland Secretary of Higher Education.
Johnson will remain as a
member of the board through June 30, 2012, the end of his current term. By that
date, both Johnson and Florestano will have served two five-year terms, the
maximum allowed.
For more information about
the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, please visit: http://www.usmd.edu/regents/
Contact: Anne Moultrie
Phone: 301.445.2722
Email: Amoultrie@usmd.edu
