Cherita F. Adams is a Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience aligning and optimizing organization development and training initiatives in accordance with organization vision, mission and goals.

In January 2013, Cherita joined the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), where she currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Administration and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. In her role as the Assistant Dean for Administration and Strategic Initiatives, Cherita serves as the key advisor to the Dean of the School of Social Work for non-academic matters. Cherita is responsible for providing high level strategic administrative and operational leadership to the internal operations of the School of Social Work. 

Prior to becoming an Assistant Dean, Cherita was the Career Development Manager in the Office of Human Resource Services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. As the Career Development Manager, she was tasked with building an environment that encouraged internal career mobility. A hallmark of Cherita’s work was the creation of the UMBrella Coaching Program, a small group topical coaching program for women. Cherita was awarded the 2019 Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Recognition Award as Outstanding UMB Staff Member for her work developing career advancement programs for lower paid positions at the University. 

A Virginia Beach native, Cherita graduated from Hampton University with a B.A. in psychology. She also holds an M.B.A. and M.S. in human resources management, both from University of Maryland Global Campus. Cherita is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition to volunteering with efforts that encourage workforce stability for underserved populations, she also volunteers with the United Way of Central Maryland and the Ronald McDonald House. Cherita’s most favorite thing to do is spend time with her husband, Paul, and amazing children Nyla (15) and Khary (12).