UB President Kurt Schmoke announces plans to retire in 2027

By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com

University of Baltimore (UB) President Kurt L. Schmoke announced that he will step down in June 2027 after more than a decade of leadership. The former Baltimore mayor informed the University System of Maryland Board of Regents of his intention to retire on June 12.

Schmoke has been at the helm of UB since 2014—guiding the school through a global pandemic, enrollment challenges and the university’s centennial celebration. Though his time at the urban anchor institution is coming to a close, his gaze remains fixed on the future. 

“I think some of the best days are still to come, but I’ve been proud of the accomplishments of our faculty, students and staff in weathering the difficult challenges that we faced both from the pandemic and economic challenges,” said Schmoke. “As a community we’ve been able to survive, and now I want us to thrive.” 

Over Schmoke’s tenure, his leadership has been marked by strong civic engagement and academic modernization. Last year, UB opened the Center for Artificial Intelligence Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation (CAILI), with an emphasis on the responsible use of AI and its potential to solve real-world problems. 

In January 2026, UB was also recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its commitment to deepening community partnerships and addressing community challenges. 

Building on that momentum, UB is preparing to revamp and replace its academic center with a new facility modeled after the John and Frances Angelos Law Center, which has been nationally recognized for its architecture and sustainable design. Schmoke noted that parts of the current academic center date back to 1922. The university is also in the process of launching new academic programs, including a major in multimedia storytelling. 

Recalling UB’s origins as a night school that served working adults pursuing business and law education, Schmoke said the university continues to carry that mission forward even as it evolves. He emphasized the school’s ongoing focus on serving working adults through graduate and professional degrees, as well as continuing education certificates designed to support career advancement for jobs of the future.  

Reflecting on his legacy, Schmoke said he wants to be remembered for his growth-oriented vision. 

“I hope people will say that I kept my eye on the future and that I was committed to building on a legacy, not resting on a legacy,” said Schmoke. 

In his next chapter, Schmoke said he hopes to teach at UB’s law school. His wife, Dr. Patricia Schmoke, an ophthalmologist, is also considering retiring around the same time. Though they don’t have any concrete plans just yet, Schmoke said they intend to use the coming academic year to reflect on their aspirations for the future. 

Whoever it may be, Schmoke advised that the next president of UB remember that the school is not merely a university based in Baltimore, but an institution poised to positively impact the trajectory of the city. He pointed to the university’s role hosting City College High School while its building undergoes redevelopment and housing the Baltimore Police Academy—partnerships that exemplify UB’s commitment to the city. 

“It’s just an example of how we work to help the city in some immediate needs, as well as educate people to address future needs,” said Schmoke. “My advice is to keep thinking of UBalt as of Baltimore and for Baltimore.”

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