University System of Maryland at Hagerstown

Coordinates: 39°38′33″N 77°43′16″W / 39.64250°N 77.72111°W / 39.64250; -77.72111
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University System of Maryland at Hagerstown
The old Baldwin House Hotel building along West Washington Street
TypeRegional higher education center
Established2005 (2005)
Parent institution
University System of Maryland
Officer in charge
Dr. Jacob Ashby, Executive Director[1]
ChairThe Honorable Brett R Wilson, Washington County Circuit Court
Location, ,
United States

39°38′33″N 77°43′16″W / 39.64250°N 77.72111°W / 39.64250; -77.72111
CampusSuburban
Websitehagerstown.usmd.edu

Established in January 2005, the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH) is a facility located in the Commercial Core Historic District in Hagerstown, Maryland It offers upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs to residents of Hagerstown and its surrounding region and is part of the University System of Maryland.

As part of its mission, USMH works to "develop innovative partnerships with local community colleges, businesses and civic leaders to ensure access and affordability through a seamless and quality learning experience for students in the region."[1]

Background[edit]

Recognizing the lack of higher education opportunities in Washington County, Maryland, in 1999, local leaders campaigned to have a new regional center of the University System of Maryland. The new center was targeted for the closed Baldwin House Hotel building in the city's rundown central business district.[2] Hagerstown was eventually selected as the site for the educational facility which opened in 2005.[3]

Built in 1881 the Second Empire style, the Baldwin House Hotel was a four story hotel located at 36-46 West Washington Street. The building stands on the site of two former hotels, the Globe Tavern and the Washington House along the National Pike.[4] The hotel closed in 1914 from fire damage and was later used as retail space.[5][6]

Dr. Jacob Ashby is the third Executive Director of the center.[1] He follows Mark Halsey (2012–2022) and C. David Warner III (2005–2012) in the role.[7]

Collaborating institutions[edit]

The facility offers the ability to enroll in undergraduate programs and graduate programs from University System of Maryland institutions offering bachelor's and master's degrees. Students must first complete two years of study at an accredited academic institution and must apply directly to the school or program of their choice.[8]

Along with Hagerstown Community College, one of USHM's goals is to promote the economic development of Hagerstown and the surrounding community.[10][11]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "University System of Maryland at Hagerstown names new executive director". Local. Herald Mail. February 28, 2023.
  2. ^ Dresser, Micahel (October 11, 1999). "Bucking the 2-party system; Mayor: Republican Bob Bruchey works with the Democrat he defeated to bring a state university campus to Hagerstown". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021.
  3. ^ "USM Center at Hagerstown" (PDF). Profile. Vol. 16, no. 2. Frostburg State University. July 2004. p. 6.
  4. ^ Rubin, Mary H. (2010). Hagerstown. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9781439626207.
  5. ^ "Mission and History". University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  6. ^ Clingan, Alan N. (1977). The Baldwin Story.
  7. ^ Greene, Julie E. (July 15, 2022). "USMH leader retiring after decade on the job". The Herald-Mail.
  8. ^ "Programs & Universities". USMH. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  9. ^ "FSU at Hagerstown". Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  10. ^ "Summary Mission Statement" (PDF). University System of Maryland at Hagerstown.
  11. ^ "U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5.8 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Transportation and Construction Trades Workforce Development in Hagerstown, Maryland". Economic Development Administration. U.S. Department of Commerce. August 9, 2022.

External links[edit]