The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has named Kenneth H. Wong, PhD, the new dean of the University of Maryland Graduate School and vice provost for graduate education. Wong, a distinguished academic leader and scholar, will officially join the UMB community Aug. 14.
Currently serving as the senior associate dean of the Graduate School for the National Capital Region and director of the Northern Virginia Center at Virginia Tech, Wong brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. His impressive track record includes launching various affinity groups that foster small peer mentoring communities, a testament to his dedication to supporting a diverse student body.
“UMB’s core values resonate deeply with my faith and personal vision, and I am honored to serve UMB, the University System of Maryland, and the local/regional community in this new role,” Wong said. “The talented and diverse teams in the Graduate School and the Office of the Provost have built a strong foundation for success and prepared us for even greater achievements in the future.
“I have already learned much about the amazing students, staff, and faculty here, yet each new day brings exciting discoveries and intriguing challenges.”
In addition to his administrative roles, Wong has made significant contributions in the realm of academia. As a research professor in the Department of Physics at Virginia Tech, he delves into medical imaging, radiation therapy, image-guided interventions, and applications of machine learning. His extensive work in combat casualty care, developing critical smartphone and communications systems for delivering medical aid, is particularly noteworthy.
An alumnus of Brandeis University, Wong holds a bachelor’s degree in physics. He furthered his education with a PhD in bioengineering from the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of California, Berkeley. His postdoctoral training was completed in the radiology department at Georgetown University.
The comprehensive national search for the new dean was a collaborative effort, with valuable input from the UMB community, including the search committee chaired by Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, who recently retired as the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and co-chaired by Michelle Pearce, PhD, professor in the Graduate School.