USM's Joseph Bryce Honored for Government Relations Innovation

ADELPHI, Md. (November 30, 2006) - Joseph Bryce, associate vice chancellor for government relations at the University System of Maryland (USM), has been selected to receive the 2006 Edwin Crawford Award for Innovation. The award is presented annually by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC). It recognizes government relations officers who-while relatively new to their profession-exhibit great initiative and effectiveness in achieving the legislative goals of their state institutions of higher education.

"Joe's efforts on behalf of the system have been extraordinary," said William E. Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland. "Joe joined USM during a very challenging time for higher education. We faced an economy in recession and state budgets under stress. But Joe tackled these challenges and strengthened our position with state policymakers. Because of his knowledge of how Annapolis works and because of the trust and respect he enjoys in all quarters, Joe's efforts have enabled the system to achieve a stronger partnership with state government than at any time in its history. Thanks in large measure to Joe's efforts, USM's state funding has reached an all-time high. He truly deserves the recognition accorded by this national award."

"I am very proud to receive this honor," said Bryce. "Working together with the stakeholders in Maryland higher education-the Governor, legislators, and my colleagues across the system's institutions-has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career."

A 1989 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, and a 1993 summa cum laude graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, Bryce has more than 12 years experience in government affairs, first as a legislative assistant to Maryland State Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (1994-1997) and later as chief legislative officer for Governor Parris Glendening (1997-2002). Since November 2002, he has served as USM's point person for government relations, fostering collaboration among the system's 13 institutions to address the issues affecting higher education with the Governor's Office and General Assembly. His efforts have advanced the mission of USM in step with gubernatorial and legislative priorities for economic development, workforce preparation, research and technology leadership, affordability, and greater access to higher education.

The Edwin Crawford Award is named to honor the 40 years of state government relations work by the late Edwin Crawford, a former director of public affairs and state relations at CASE, Auburn University, the University of Virginia, the Ohio State University, and the University of California System. Bryce will receive the award on December 7, 2006, during the annual State Relations Conference in San Antonio, TX.

Contact: John Buettner
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: jbuettner@usmd.edu