Patricia S. Florestano Designated to Chair ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Board

Orlan M. Johnson Steps Down from ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Board Chair Position;
Patricia S. Florestano Designated as New Chair

Adelphi, MD (March 8, 2012)-Orlan M. Johnson, chair of the University System of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Board of Regents since July 1, 2011, has stepped down from his board leadership position. Johnson said that time commitments to other responsibilities are preventing him from carrying out his duties as chair.

Patricia S. Florestano, who has served as vice chair since July 1, 2011, has been designated as chair of the board for the remainder of fiscal year 2012.  

"Serving as chair of the Board of Regents has been one of the highlights of my personal and professional life," said Johnson. "The opportunity to serve with and lead a group of individuals fully dedicated to the growth and development of the University System of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø has been an honor and a privilege. And no regent is more dedicated than Pat Florestano. She will be a great chair."

"I am especially grateful to be able to serve as chair of the board," said Florestano. "I have been a part of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø higher education for many years and to have this leadership opportunity is very special." Florestano received her three academic degrees from the University of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø, College Park (UMCP); she has been a member of the faculty of UMCP and the University of Baltimore, both part of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø. And she served for five years as ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Secretary of Higher Education.

Johnson will remain as a member of the board through June 30, 2012, the end of his current term. By that date, both Johnson and Florestano will have served two five-year terms, the maximum allowed.

For more information about the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Board of Regents, please visit:

Contact: Anne Moultrie
Phone: 301.445.2722
Email: Amoultrie@usmd.edu