Welcome to the University of Maryland Extension (UME)

New Faculty Orientation and Onboarding

We welcome you as a part of our UME team. We are delighted that you have chosen to join us in our mission to provide educational opportunities to the residents of Maryland!

UME is built on a foundation of dedicated professionals working in local communities to provide education and leadership to Maryland residents. Your role as a faculty member is not just important; it's integral to our organization's success. Whether you are county, city, or cluster-based, your Program Leader (PL) and Area Extension Director/County or City Extension Director (AED/CED) are committed to your success. If you are a state-level Extension Specialist, some of the items identified in the summary may be carried out by support staff at the Research and Education Center (REC) or on campus. Furthermore, if you are a professional track faculty member (PTK), some of the information may not align with your primary teaching focus; in such cases, your Program Leader will advise you.

This orientation checklist is a tool to further your success as a faculty member. It will help you understand UME and your role, and prepare you for the key milestones along the way. It will be your responsibility, with the help of your PL and AED/CED, to review and complete the tasks on the summary within the timelines set forth. We strongly encourage you to seek advice and assistance from your assigned Mentor and other faculty members. This collaborative approach will not only help you in your role but also foster a sense of belonging and support within the UME team.

At the end of each month, please scan and email the section of the checklist for that month to your AED/CED and PL for review of your progress.

Note: Some tasks will be reviewed with your AED/CED and Program Leader and are listed in both sections. An asterisk indicates those tasks.

Please meet with the following individuals according to the established timelines included in the checklist:

  • Area/County/City Extension Director (AED/CED)
  • Program Leader (PL)
  • Support Staff
  • Evaluation and Reporting Team

UME Directory

 

Associate Dean / Associate Director
Dr. Jinhee Kim
(301) 405-6767 | jinkim@umd.edu

Assistant Director of Operations
Dr. Shannon Dill
(410) 822-1244 | sdill@umd.edu

Director of Finance and Administration
Mr. Muhammad Bilal
(301) 405-7992 | mbilal1@umd.edu

Evaluation and Reporting Team

Brian Lappin, Director
(301) 405-9861 | blappin@umd.edu

Dr. Dacia Randolph, Coordinator
(301) 405-4129 | daciar@umd.edu

Program Leaders

4-H
Dr. Jeff Howard, Interim
(301) 314-9070 | jwhoward@umd.edu

ENR/SG
Dr. Andy Lazur, Interim
(301) 789-5256 | lazur@umd.edu

AgFS
Dr. Darren Jarboe
(301) 789-9441 | jarboe@umd.edu

FCS
Dr. Sung-Jin Lee
(301) 405-2465 | sjlee1@umd.edu

Area/County/City Extension Directors

Map showcasing the University of Maryland Extension clusters by region: Western (blue), Central (green), Northern (red), Southern (orange), Shore (orange/green), and Baltimore City (purple). Each region includes contact info for cluster directors.