Announcing the 2026 Distinguished University Professors
Dear UMB Community,
We are pleased to announce that six University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) professors have been recognized with the designation of Distinguished University Professor, the highest appointment bestowed upon a faculty member at UMB. This title is a recognition not just of excellence, but also of impact and significant contribution to the nominee’s field, knowledge, profession, and/or practice.
I know you’ll join us in congratulating these exemplary faculty colleagues:
- Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP, Dr. William and Carol Carpenter Professor in Psychiatry for Mental Illness Research, Department of Psychiatry, and Director, Treatment Research Program, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM)
- Eun-Shim Nahm, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA, Professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, and Associate Dean for PhD Program, University of Maryland School of Nursing
- Thomas M. Scalea, MD, Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery, and Director, Program in Trauma, UMSOM
- Michael P. Van Alstine, JD, Francis King Carey Professor in Business Law, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
- Hongbing Wang, PhD, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
- Huakun Xu, PhD, MS, Professor and Chair, Department of Biomaterials and Regenerative Dental Medicine, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
We are extremely proud of the exceptional and transformational contributions each of these faculty members has made to support UMB’s mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good. They are excellent examples of living UMB’s core values, and it is our honor to call them colleagues.
Joining our previous awardees, the 2026 cohort will be celebrated and receive their Distinguished University Professor medals at UMB’s Faculty Convocation on Sept. 17.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA
Provost and Executive Vice President
