Hundreds Welcome New President to Maryland

At campus reception, new president promises “great things together.”

By Jeff Raymon
August 9, 2010

Jay A. Perman, MD, the new president of the Baltimore campus of the University of Maryland, met hundreds of his constituents at a reception Aug. 5 – shaking hands with nearly every person who attended the hour-long event.

He was joined at the informal reception by his wife, Andrea.

“This incredible turnout is a reflection of the great respect and admiration the whole community has for you and Andrea,” said University System of Maryland Chancellor Brit Kirwan.

The job actually represents a homecoming of sorts for Perman, who had chaired the pediatrics department at the University of Maryland School of Medicine from 1999 to 2004.

“It is so lovely to be back among so many dear colleagues and friends,” said Perman. He added, “We will do great things together.”

Perman had been the dean and vice president for clinical affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine when he was recruited for the presidency in Baltimore.

Kirwan is a University of Kentucky graduate, and joked that “my friends in Kentucky have not forgiven me” for “stealing” Perman away from that campus. But Kirwan was beaming as he declared that the University of Maryland’s best days are still ahead of it with Perman at the helm. He said Perman’s presidency begins with high hopes and high expectations, and speaking for the System board, he added, “You will have our full support.”

Along with Kirwan, E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, dean of the School of Medicine and acting president for the four months prior to Perman’s July 1 arrival, also offered welcoming comments to the new president.