Robert L. Caret will discuss vision for USM, impact on state’s economy
University System of Maryland (USM) Chancellor Robert L. Caret will talk about his vision for the multi-billion-dollar academic enterprise during a February 1, 2018 address at Water’s Edge Events Center (WEEC). The reception will begin at 5 p.m. with the speaking portion beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Caret will be the inaugural guest for the WEEC Speaker Series, designed to bring Maryland civic and business leaders to the state-of-the-art events center overlooking the scenic Bush River in central Harford County.
“We are excited to have Chancellor Caret on board as the first speaker for this new series,” said Water’s Edge owner Jim Foulk. “His experience leading this important and wide-reaching academic organization offers useful lessons for executives from all sectors of Maryland’s economy.”
The state’s higher education system, USM encompasses 12 institutions and two regional higher education centers, serving more than 160,000 students across Maryland. USM employs nearly 40,000 people and has an annual budget of more than $5 billion.
Appointed USM chancellor in 2015, Caret has two decades of experience as a leader in higher education, and he is no stranger to Maryland. He was president of Towson University, part of the USM system, from 2003 to 2011. He also served as a Towson faculty member, dean, executive vice president and provost at various times during a lengthy association with the institution.
Prior to his Towson presidency, Caret served as president of San Jose State University (SJSU), part of the California State University System, from 1995 to 2003. In 2011, Caret was named president of the University of Massachusetts System (UMass), a role he held until coming to USM in 2015.
During his tenure at each institution, Caret emphasized university partnerships to enhance students' experiences and to impact regional progress in economic and workforce development and other areas.
Caret's goal of working with internal and external partners to advance USM’s role as a major educational, research, and economic engine of the state, which he will discuss at WEEC.
“Economic growth and higher education are inextricably linked,” Caret said. “As chancellor, I have been focusing on college completion and student success, and on how that success leads to workforce development and a vibrant economy.”
The event will take place on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Water’s Edge Event Center located at 4687 Millennium Drive, Belcamp, MD. Tickets are $40 per person and include beer, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres. To make reservations and purchase tickets call 410-297-9467 ext. 100.
Water’s Edge Event Center is located in Harford County about 10 minutes north of White Marsh, off exit 80 of I-95. The center hosts hundreds of public and private events annually, including corporate retreats, seminars, weddings, charitable galas, holiday parties and more. Known for its quality food and beautiful panoramic view of the Bush River, WEEC is a nearly 32,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that includes three multi-purpose banquet halls with water views, four smaller meeting rooms, outdoor entertaining space, and an executive private dining area. For more information visit www.watersedgeevents.com
