Greetings, Hawks!

I am truly honored and humbled to serve as the newly elected President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore National Alumni Association. Thank you for your confidence and support. I look forward to serving our alumni, students, and university as we build an even stronger UMES community.

Sharing this honor with me is an outstanding 2026–2028 Executive Board: Lisa Jackson, 1st Vice President; Jennifer Miles, 2nd Vice President; Anshay Tull, 3rd Vice President; Jenell Ellison, Esq., 4th Vice President; Andrea Taylor, Recording Secretary; Scarlette Howard, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. Jamila Johnson, Financial Secretary; Coya Dix, Treasurer; Jason Phillips, Chaplain; Todd Nock, Historian; and Pam Gaddy, Sergeant at Arms. I am also pleased to appoint Cimmon Byrd as Parliamentarian.

This is an exciting time for our association. Together, we will focus on strengthening alumni engagement, expanding opportunities for mentorship, increasing support for student scholarships, and creating meaningful connections that unite Hawks across generations. We have many new initiatives on the horizon, and I can't wait to share them with you in the months ahead.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the leaders who came before us. Their vision, service, and commitment have built a strong foundation, and we are honored to continue that legacy while charting a bold path forward.

To our Local Alumni Chapter Presidents, Executive Boards, and  members, thank you for your dedication. We have exciting things ahead, and we can't wait to share them with you.

Christen "Cricket" Handy

Class of 2008

UMES NAA President