---
title: Moving Fearlessly Forward into a New Academic Year
date: 2026-09-01T08:45:00-04:00
author: Bradley Bower
canonical_url: "https://provost.umd.edu/news/moving-fearlessly-forward-into-a-new-academic-year"
section: News
---
# Moving Fearlessly Forward into a New Academic Year

*September 1, 2026* — by Bradley Bower
> Sent to university faculty and staff on September 1, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back! As we begin a new academic year, I want to thank you for the dedication, creativity and collaboration you bring to our university every day. Each of you plays an essential role in fulfilling our mission to advance the public good through transformational teaching and mentoring, innovative research and scholarship, and impactful service activities locally and globally. I am excited for the new opportunities in the year ahead.


*Fearlessly Forward Graphic*


Through the excellence of our faculty and staff, we are delivering meaningful results across all of these commitments—from preparing students for lifelong success to advancing groundbreaking research to strengthening communities and driving innovation.

Our collective efforts are reflected in national and international recognitions, including:


*2026 Rankings*


These rankings are much more than just numbers; they are a composite reflection of so many areas of progress that demonstrate our commitment to people, progress and public impact.

The stories of our progress are equally compelling. To see your work in action and its impact, I encourage you to read our Strategic Plan’s annual report:


- [Fearlessly Forward 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)


<span>hope you take pride in these accomplishments, and in the many manifestations of excellence across our university community. Thank you again for all you do to move us </span>*Fearlessly Forward*<span>! </span>  
  
<span>Sincerely, </span>


**Signature of Jennifer King Rice**

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