---
title: Four Years of Fearlessly Forward
date: 2026-06-22T12:00:00-04:00
author: Alana Carchedi Coyle
canonical_url: "https://provost.umd.edu/news/four-years-of-fearlessly-forward"
section: News
---
# Four Years of Fearlessly Forward

*June 22, 2026* — by Alana Carchedi Coyle
> Four years into implementing our strategic plan, Fearlessly Forward: In Pursuit of Excellence and Impact for the Public Good, the University of Maryland is delivering measurable results that strengthen Maryland’s workforce, fuel innovation and expand opportunity—demonstrating how a top 20 public flagship creates impact well beyond campus.

Dear Terrapin friends and supporters,

Four years into implementing our strategic plan, [*Fearlessly Forward: In Pursuit of Excellence and Impact for the Public Good*](http://strategicplan.umd.edu), the University of Maryland is delivering measurable results that strengthen Maryland’s workforce, fuel innovation and expand opportunity—demonstrating how a **top 20 public flagship** creates impact well beyond campus. Our momentum is reflected in national and international recognitions, including:

*Listing of three UMD rankings*


*Fearlessly Forward* is organized around four strategic commitments aligned with our mission and vision: to reimagine learning, take on humanity’s grand challenges, invest in people and communities and partner to advance the public good. Below are just a few of our incredible accomplishments and their impact. I encourage you to read our full annual report to learn more:

- [Read our Annual Report](https://strategic-plan.files.svdcdn.com/production/file/2026-Senate-Presentation-PDF-for-Website.pdf?dm=1776802660)


- [See Our Impact](https://strategicplan.umd.edu/impact)


**Preparing Students to Lead and Contribute**

UMD’s unparalleled academic experience is contributing to stronger outcomes for our students. Our four-year graduation rate has improved dramatically and is ranked in the top 10 among our peers. Our students are consistently winning prestigious national and international scholarships, and 91% of our graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees within just six months of graduation.

*UMD rankings and stats*


**Turning Research Into Real-World Impact**

*Hydronet*


*UMD rankings*


**Partnering to Strengthen Communities**

As Maryland’s flagship university, our success is deeply connected to our state and region. The university generates $3.7 billion in economic impact for Maryland through education, research and partnerships that drive workforce development, innovation and economic vitality. UMD received the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Innovation & Economic Prosperity Award for strengthening Maryland’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the state’s leadership in quantum innovation.

*Carnegie Community Engagement*


Through [MPowering the State](https://mpower.maryland.edu/), our partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore, we are accelerating innovation in health, medicine and biotechnology through initiatives such as the [Institute for Health Computing](https://ihc.umd.edu/), which harnesses AI, data science and clinical expertise to improve health outcomes, and the [Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine](https://ctem.umd.edu/), which brings engineers and clinicians together to transform discoveries into real-world medical solutions. These collaborations create new opportunities for students, advancing breakthrough research and strengthening Maryland’s life sciences ecosystem.

Meanwhile, through our leadership in the [Capital of Quantum](https://capitalofquantum.com/) initiative, we are helping position Maryland as a national hub for quantum science and technology—attracting investment, supporting job creation and driving long-term economic growth.

**Looking Ahead**

The progress we have made through Fearlessly Forward reflects a shared commitment to impact—one that connects education, research and service in ways that benefit society. That momentum is reflected in our [highest-ever ranking as the No. 16 public university by U.S. News & World Report](https://today.umd.edu/umd-hits-all-time-high-in-u-s-news-rankings-no-16-among-public-universities). As we look ahead, we remain focused on scaling that impact: preparing students for meaningful careers, delivering solutions to humanity’s grand challenges, and strengthening the communities we are proud to serve.

Thank you for your continued partnership in this work, and for helping move the University of Maryland Fearlessly Forward.

Sincerely,


**Signature of Jennifer King Rice**

**Jennifer King Rice**  
*Senior Vice President and Provost*