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America's Best Leaders: Freeman Hrabowski, University of Maryland-Baltimore County

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Fenton of MD 10:49AM April 20, 2012

Proof that children can learn; especially if someone tells them they can learn instead of why they cannot learn. Need more professionals like him. Best wishes for continued success.

Shirley Darrell of OK 12:12PM November 22, 2011

Amazing story!!!

YR of KY 8:05PM November 13, 2011

I wish there were more people like Dr. H. We need him ALL OVER!

Pamela Wisecup of GA 7:49PM November 13, 2011

i love freeman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

laporshia kennedy of GA 1:44PM September 13, 2011

I have attended four universities over the years, including U of M College Park, which some of the respondees prefer. UMBC is superior, and I'm speaking as a history major, not a sci/math major. Here's why:
Undergraduates matter here. At many "top" universities, research matters far more than teaching when professors seek tenure. UMBC had best public institution undergraduate teaching in the nation last year, and made the top list this year, as well. You can see it in the liberal arts classes every student is required to take.
UMBC is smaller than College Park, but still has a big-institution library thanks to the U of M interlibrary loan. It won't take a half hour to get across campus, and compared to College Park, parking is a dream. You will experience far more diversity here, as well as smaller class sizes. You will actually get to know your professors. It isn't just an old boys' club, either: several of the liberal arts departments are headed by women.
Unlike College Park, which went without a medievalist or Tudor historian for several years, UMBC has a medievalist AND a Byzantinist in addition to other early modern scholars. They have an interdisciplinary department called Ancient Studies to cover ancient archaeology, Latin and Greek, Greco-Roman history, and ancient literature. Ancient Studies has placed several students at top universities, including U of NC and Johns Hopkins.
At the groundbreaking of the new Fine Arts building, students from the Ancient Studies department gave a presentation in Latin. Hrabowski's pride in the students was evident. He clearly finds the liberal arts important enough to push for funding a much-needed new building. Sure, everyone has a bias toward his or her educational background, but in an age when a lot of universities are removing liberal arts from campus, Hrabowski is keeping them alive.

Ness of MD 2:03PM February 15, 2011

There's a term at UMBC, it's called being "Freeman-ized." Until I began my graduate degree at UMBC, I had never experienced such enthusiasm for an individual, a leader.
Dr. H lights up every room he walks into and remembers the face of every person he meets. I first had the pleasure of meeting Dr. H. during my orientation week last fall. My first impression was his commitment to his university. During our orientation dinner, Dr. H. dropped by to officially welcome our class to the university. He knew every professors name and was sure to greet every student. A couple days later, a group of classmates and I ran into Dr. H. as he was showing a legislator around campus. He remembered each of us and introduced us to his guest (then he told us to write the legislator and tell us how important our education is). We all obliged.
At the end of my first semester, Dr. H. came to speak to my class. In an emotional speech, he told us the story of his march in Birmingham that is mentioned in this article. He so vividly painted the picture it felt as if you were there with him. He inspired each of us to follow our dreams and stand up for what we believe in - a hard task when you are dealing with mid-career professionals! I really don't even know what else to say.
If you talk to any UMBC student - undergrad, grad, post-grad - I'm sure they will say the same thing. Dr. H. is an amazing and inspirational individual. Because of Dr. H., I am proud to be a UMBC student.

Rachel M. of MD 10:33PM April 01, 2009

sir, i want to attend your school, among all the universities i have seen here, i think your school is the best, and am from nigeria. i don't know if it will be possible for me to apply for admission in your school. please if there is any way you can help, please let me know because am so much interested. thanks

monica ndidiamaka anakor of MD 9:09AM January 10, 2009

He is what a college campus needs, an inspirational leader. You can clearly see he loves what he does and wants everyone to achieve. The vibe on campus is a very positive one, thanks to his leadership. Intelligence and hard work are valued in all fields. The college leans towards math and science because of his work to increase minorities within these fields. Liberal arts are not ignored, there are a wide range of interesting classes available with fantastic professors. UMBC is a campus representing diversity. Different cultures, religions all living together in harmony in their community. It is a model for what should be seen across the country.
This is not to say UMBC is not fun, its 10 minutes from a city with many many awesome bars and clubs. The universities responsibility is the academic side, not creating a campus of fun! Students control the parties. I have been to and hosted great parties on campus but they don't magically appear - you want a party- make one happen!!
Dr. Hrabowski deserves this award, he is inspiring a generation of young people to achieve and make a difference. Congratulations Sir, you deserve this and more.

CC of MD 11:16AM January 07, 2009

He is what a college campus needs, an inspirational leader. You can clearly see he loves what he does and wants everyone to achieve. The vibe on campus is a very positive one, thanks to his leadership. Intelligence and hard work are valued in all fields. The college leans towards math and science because of his work to increase minorities within these fields. Liberal arts are not ignored, there are a wide range of interesting classes available with fantastic professors. UMBC is a campus representing diversity. Different cultures, religions all living together in harmony in their community. It is a model for what should be seen across the country.
This is not to say UMBC is not fun, its 10 minutes from a city with many many awesome bars and clubs. The universities responsibility is the academic side, not creating a campus of fun! Students control the parties. I have been to and hosted great parties on campus but they don't magically appear - you want a party- make one happen!!
Dr. Hrabowski deserves this award, he is inspiring a generation of young people to achieve and make a difference. Congratulations Sir, you deserve this and more.

CC of MD 11:16AM January 07, 2009