1. October 2016 Edition
FROM MY FOXHOLE
by Lloyd "Milo" Miles, Senior Vice President, Global Military Operations
Dear Military Partnerships Team,
During the course of my military career, I knew of UMUC, but I did not know UMUC. I had seen the
signs and advertisements, and I knew personnel who attended classes. It wasn’t until I began
serving with UMUC did I begin to understand the mission, people, and culture of the organization.
Today, I am proud to tell the UMUC story to anyone who will listen. It is a story steeped in history
and service to others.
I grew up in a family with eight children. We were poor, but I really did not know we were poor
because everyone else in our neighborhood was poor too. People said we live on the “wrong side
of the tracks.” The railroad tracks were about a hundred yards from our home, but as a child, I did
not know there was a right side or a wrong side to a set of railroad tracks.
My dad worked hard to make ends meet every month, and my mom worked even harder as a
stay-at- home mother raising eight kids. Early on, my siblings and I knew that without a
scholarship, college was not an option because of the cost. Nonetheless, a day did not go by
without my parents stressing the importance of education and studying hard. It was our only ticket
out of the environment we grew up in.
My older brother and I received appointments to West Point, but the rest of my siblings did not
have the opportunity to attend college right after high school. Each of them did it the hard way:
holding a job and going to school at night. Today, I am proud to say that all of them obtained their
degrees. My oldest sister was the first member of our family to graduate from college, and she
graduated from UMUC.
Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to understand that for me, serving in UMUC is not
just a job, it is personal. In our students, I see my brothers and sisters. They are the working adults

2. doing it the hard way: at night or on the go; after a major deployment or after a major
life-changing event; during the daily noise or the stillness of the night.
For me, it does not matter whether our students stay with us for one class or ten terms. During the
time that we have them, we should try to help them achieve their goals and their dreams. It would
be great if our students obtained their degree from us, but in the end, it is not about us. It is about
helping them
take one more step in their journey. It is about hope, and persistence, and family… and doing
something good for someone else.
Thank you for the passion and dedication you devote to our students every day, and thank you for
serving beside me in this noble endeavor.
Lloyd “Milo” Miles
Senior Vice President, Global Military Operations
A FEW WORDS FROM KELLY WILMETH
by Kelly Wilmeth, Vice President Stateside Military Operations
It is my honor to write a few words for this inaugural Global Military Operations newsletter.
This is a project that has been a long time coming, and one that reflects Milo’s commitment to
creating a culture within GMO of transparency and open communication and to bringing life to the
One Global University concept.
It’s exciting to see that each division has numerous accomplishments to celebrate and is pursuing
a variety of initiatives designed to increase enrollments, diversify our student population, improve

3. the student experience and retain talented staff. We will never be able to showcase everything that
is happening in GMO in one newsletter, but my goal is to keep the momentum going so that each
quarter, our teams can read about the numerous activities taking place across the globe, become
even more engaged in serving UMUC and its students, and contribute their voices by authoring
articles.
I would like to send a big shout out to our global newsletter team of Karla Hersh (Adelphi), Letizia
Norwood (Europe), Michael Harrison (Asia), Cordelia McDougall (Asia). This dynamic team
volunteered to spearhead the global newsletter and have done an excellent job. Congratulations!
WORLDWIDE CONFERENCE 2016
by Tiffany Winston, Director - Western Region UMUC Stateside
The Stateside Military Operations team hosted the Worldwide Symposium in Largo, Maryland
during the week of July 11. The purpose of the event was to provide cross-functional training and
professional development opportunities for field staff and management teams in Europe, Asia, and
Stateside. The Symposium focused primarily on topics pertinent to the success of our field staff
operations across all three divisions. It included opportunities to network and strategize with
colleagues, as well as training on the tools and resources available to meet the needs of students
and staff.
The 5-day symposium included sessions with numerous university departments. We heard from
over 40 guest speakers discussing topics ranging from the new Workday platform, the functions of
the Service Center, to new Veteran Initiatives. The support of our partners at UMUC was
overwhelming, and their presence and knowledge added to the success of the event. In addition to
external presenters, many of you and your colleagues presented topics during our Concurrent
Session Day. These sessions focused on providing first-hand knowledge and tools for participants
to apply once they return to their sites. The discussions and presentations were both collaborative
and informative.
From the feedback that we received, many of you have gained new resources, ideas, and
partnerships. A new tiger team was formed to improve the relocation process, and various
colleagues forged lasting relationships. Those that already knew one another enjoyed a productive

4. and dynamic reunion, and those relationships will help keep our department vibrant and
connected.
We appreciate your feedback and we will be working to provide a concise report for our colleagues
in Asia who will be hosting the next global conference. If you were unable to attend, then please
feel free to view the presentations and materials in the shared Google folder for the conference.
We thank you for your participation, whether at Largo or from around the world, as we would not
be the department that we are without each and every one of you.
UMUC AND EVOLUTION LABS DEBUT MOBILE APP
AND WEB-BASED STUDENT VETERAN
ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM
Christopher Tipton, Director - Veteran's Initiatives
UMUC has a long standing tradition of serving those who serve our country. Helping our military
students make a successful transition to civilian life is a major part of that mission. That is why we
created Mil-Vet Checkpoint, a multi-channel (web, mobile web (responsive) and app) digital
communication and networking tool exclusively for UMUC's military and veteran community. Mil-Vet
Checkpoint provides a central place for student veterans to access timely, relevant information
about academic success and career opportunities; connect with fellow UMUC student veterans;
and get support from the Veterans Resource Center, Veterans Certification Office, Accessibility
Services, and Career Services as they make a successful transition to civilian life.
Chris Tipton, collaborated with Evolutions Lab over the course of 6 months to develop content and
functionality that will provide a world-class experience for students across all three of UMUC’s
divisions. "Our goal with UMUC Mil-Vet Checkpoint is to provide a central place for student
veterans to access timely, relevant information about academic success and career opportunities.
MIL-VET Checkpoint provides the technology to turn our vast student network into a virtual support
network for students who have questions or need assistance with anything related to academic or
career support."
Since launching Mil-Vet Checkpoint on July 27, the tool has more than 400 active users. One of the
features that Evolution Labs brings to Mil-Vet Checkpoint is its utilization of the Dynamic Discovery
Engine (DDE). The DDE provides the user with highly individualized content tailored to the criteria
and interests they find most relevant to their own search from – articles on academic planning to
workplace etiquette. Student veterans are also able to interact and “shadow” current students

5. (Ambassadors), view “real-life” social media feeds and share their interest by connecting program
features with their preferred social networks – all on a single platform.
MIL-VET Checkpoint will be the Virtual Student Union for military and veteran students. UMUC’s
student veterans are now able to capitalize on and maintain the relationship(s) built during a
semester with other online students from around the world. Keith Hauk, Associate Vice President,
Veterans Initiatives says “UMUC has served the needs of military-connected students for over 70
years, and over that time, we’ve continually provided innovative opportunities for those students to
further their education, continue a career, or chart a new path – MIL-VET Checkpoint continues
that innovative growth. Think about it: the one single thing that EVERYBODY in the military has in
common is the fact that they all will – at some point – leave the military. Checkpoint provides our
military-connected students access to the tools and services they need – peer support and
networking, mentoring, tutoring, accessibility, and career services – to successfully complete their
academic work and transition to a civilian career.”
CareerQuest- UMUC'S NEW AND IMPROVED CAREER PORTAL
Kristin Schrader, Assistant Director of InternPLUS- UMUC Stateside
Do your students ask questions about career support? If yes, please share the link to the
new and improved UMUC career portal, CareerQuest (careerquest.umuc.edu). This new portal
provides additional resources and tools aimed at helping students and alumni with their career
journeys. It is free and exclusive for all students and alumni.
Some of the features of the new CareerQuest include:
 Access to career tools and resources
 Register for upcoming recruitment events, career fairs, and webinars
 Search and apply for jobs and internships from premier
employers
 Find a mentor through the UMUC Career Mentor
Program
To access these resources, click on this link. Students can sign
in using their UMUC username and password. Alumni are
encouraged to sign in using the Email option. UMUC faculty
and staff are also welcome to create an account so you
can become familiar with this tool. If you have questions,
please let us know: 240-684-2720 or
careerservices@umuc.edu.
We hope you enjoy the new and improved UMUC CareerQuest platform!

6.
A LETTER TO THE FIELD
Robert Loynd, Director- UMUC Europe
For most of us, anniversaries unavoidably focus the heart and mind, evoking thoughts, feelings
and perspectives on where we have been and what we still have left to do. Having just surpassed
one year with UMUC on August 10th, I reflected on this personal milestone through the prism of
service and how privileged I have been over this past year to be part of an institution dedicated to
serving the educational needs of perhaps our nation’s greatest treasure – the men and women
who have unselfishly chosen to defend our freedom and our liberties around the globe, every day,
often with great personal sacrifice. Our UMUC Global mission is thus born from principled
necessity. And through our own collective dedication and commitment to service, UMUC will
continue to set the innovative standard among similar higher educational institutions. And here at
UMUC Europe, we have been leading the way for generations – as our own 70th anniversary
approaches this spring. As we close on this important historical marker, I hope all of us will
continue to reflect on where this great organization has been and all the exciting things we still
have left to do!
With appreciation for your service,
Bob Loynd
UMUC GOES GLOBAL
by Gregory S. Evans, PhD

7. Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize winning economist said that one of the main challenges with
globalization is making it work for all, and not just a few (World Economic Forum, 2016).
Fundamentally, globalization means that we wish to cooperate and work together to make our
systems, process, and outcomes better for all involved. How will a global UMUC benefit the
student? The instructors? The advisors? While we may agree that a global UMUC will benefit all
stakeholders, how do ensure that we all have a voice in the process? How do we gain not just
compliance with a global UMUC, but commitment? It is easier to commit to a global UMUC if I
believe my interests are being included in this initiative. And just how does my voice get heard
when we are moving from the old order to the new order? These are challenging questions, but the
reality is that if we don’t bond together as a global university, others will pass us by. We are
fortunate that we have skilled leaders calling for a global UMUC. However, without our
commitment and engagement, this initiative will fall short. Not intentionally, but by neglect.
Globalization must minimize the global “bads” and maximize the global “goods.” At first glance, a
global UMUC may seem like more work, more communication, and more bureaucracy -- which
may prompt resistance. However, are there benefits or “goods” from going global? Will our
students be able to transfer from Europe, to Downrange, to Asia seamlessly? Will our spouses
working in the Education Centers be able to transfer to another position within UMUC at their new
PCS location? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an experienced new person on your team? One
with institutional knowledge and history who can not only hit-the-ground running, but add value to
current systems and procedures? Or, maybe we just don’t know what a global UMUC looks like.
What will that mean for me in my education center? What will that mean for me in my classroom?
I am blessed that I teach AMBA 660 – Globalization and Management. I do my best to prepare our
MBA candidates for a future as global business leaders. I would be remiss if I did not incorporate
the same beliefs that I espouse in the classroom as a staff member of UMUC. Bring it!
GETTING TO KNOW JIM CRONIN
NEW DIRECTOR AND VP
UMUC ASIA
Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?
I joined the Army right out of DePaul University in 1980 where I earned a Bachelor of Science in
Political Science and was commissioned as a second lieutenant infantry officer. During my Army

8. career that spanned more than twenty years, I served in the 8th Infantry Division (M), in Mainz,
Germany, the 5th Infantry (M) at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and the XVIII Airborne Corps, at Fort
Bragg, North Carolina. I commanded two infantry companies and served as a brigade executive
officer. Some of my other assignments include that of recruiting company commander and
various positions in public affairs stateside in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and overseas in Korea and
Bosnia. In my final military assignment I served as the director of the Public Affairs and
Journalism division of the Defense Information School at Fort Meade. I retired as a Lieutenant
Colonel. I started working at UMUC in 2000 right after leaving the military and was part of the
initial four-person team called DOD Relations that focused on expanding UMUC’s military
enrollments stateside. Beginning as an Assistant Director, I worked my way up, serving a number
of roles to include program management, supervising various programs and partnerships, and
bringing the GoArmyEd and Air Force institution portals aboard UMUC. Eventually the team grew
from four to well over one hundred and became Military Partnerships and then Military
Operations when we brought a number of other functions under one roof such as veteran’s
certification. Initially I was named the Associate VP of Program Management in this organization
and about three years ago I was selected as the Vice President. I’ve also had the opportunity to
teach Public Speaking a number of times as an adjunct professor.
What have been some of the highlights of your tenure with UMUC?
There have been many highlights over the past 15 years to include:
 Helping assist military and veteran students
 Leading the GoArmyEd portal project in 2006 to automate Army enrollments
 Assisting Stateside Military Operations the past three years despite a number of negative
environmental factors
 Partnering with the Blewit Foundation and the Yellow Ribbon Fund in order to give full
scholarships to wounded warriors
 Mentoring a number of middle managers and helping them achieve success
How would you characterize your leadership style?
I believe that I am very focused on achieving the goals that we have collectively set. Although I
like to be engaged and hands on, I enjoy making sure that all leaders and members of the
organization understand my intent so that they feel more empowered in their decisions. Leaders
should praise in public and make corrections in private. I lead by walking around and asking input
from all. Also, an open door is important and leaders must be approachable. I also am proactive
and believe that a leader must be visible at the most difficult times. Finally and most importantly,
my most important responsibility is to serve the staff and faculty, and those on the front lines, so
they have what they need to be successful.
What are your major goals for UMUC Asia?
1. Steady enrollment growth in new students and retention
2. Explore new opportunities and revenue streams to help the growth

9. 3. Make sure that we have all the right positions on the books and then fill these positions with
employees who want to be part of our team
4. Build effective training for our front line staff that can be done anywhere and any time
5. Provide opportunities for employee growth and movement between the campuses when
needed
6. Find opportunities to work with HQs, Stateside Military Operations, and Europe to help our
students have a smooth transition as they move between campuses
What are some of the strengths of UMUC Asia that you plan to use in achieving these
goals?
From what I have seen over the last few years from afar, my visit the last couple of weeks, and in
attending some of the weekly meetings, I can tell that everyone on the Asia team is committed to
doing a great job. It is apparent that they are already focused on the students and making sure
that we maintain contract compliance.
What do you see as some of the barriers to achieving these goals?
Again, I will need to do a few more assessments, but I think we have too many key unfilled
positions, which leaves more work for departments with gaps. If the position is important enough
to our mission, then we need to fill the positions and actively seek to identify those leaving and
find quality replacements in a timely manner. I know that there are challenges that we will need to
overcome. I think we need to focus more efforts on quality training particularly to our frontline
staff. Having staff that are not trained enough working with students, causes a number of
problems. I know there has already been a lot of improvement in this area, but our entire team
needs to focus on taking steps that are focused on generating new leads and nurturing them
through on own work effort as opposed to waiting for them to all walk in the office.
Are you planning on visiting our Asia field offices anytime soon?
First, I want to find a place to live, which is challenging in the Yokota area. I will be in Asia soon
and am looking forward to visiting sites and interacting with the staff and students. Also, I will be
open to answering questions.
SAC CORNER
UMUC Asia
UMUC Asia recently completed its 2017 SAC election cycle and is pleased to welcome new
members: Chair William Walker, Jr. from Korea, Vice Chair Shalatikka Smith from Asia
Headquarters in Japan, Secretary Burcu DeMarco from Korea and Global SAC appointee
Abraham Darriel, also from Korea. Aaron Marshall joins from Okinawa as the fourth council
member new to Asia SAC this year, serving as an alternate. Returning members include
Cordelia McDougall, Thomas Rozzi, Krysten Shick and Chisom Uluh. Asia SAC is excited to

10. kick off this new period with plans for many special initiatives and projects relating to employee
satisfaction and engagement, and continued collaboration with the Stateside and Europe Staff
Advisory Councils on charitable initiatives such as Operation Backpack.
UMUC Europe
UMUC Europe is pleased to welcome the following new members to the Europe Staff Advisory
Council: Secretary Angie Persello, Marcus Gradney, Jennifer Jaks, Chelsey Bullock, Katrina
Schultz, and Kurtis Porter. Returning members include Vice-Chair Michael Gillespie and Chair
Felicia Moss. ESAC is excited to have a fresh group of determined representatives driven to
better the UMUC work environment by tackling staff issues and concerns in order to create a
more motivated and cohesive workplace. We are here to spark forward-thinking conversations
and will work diligently to make a difference in everyday staff operations.
UMUC Adelphi
UMUC Stateside completed their 2016-2017 SAC election in June. Newly elected members
include: Caitlin Smith (Secretary), Adrienne Price, Elia Amegashie, Jason Tiwari, Jenn
Volberding, Sylvia Bolden, Terry Cooper, Michelle Sievers, and Jessica Sweet. Stateside
also saw reelected members including Alyssa Petroff (Chair) and Candace Johnson. Other
elected officers include Mark Freeman (Vice Chair), Heather Gatzke (GSAC) and Jade Walker
(GSAC). Adelphi SAC wraps up the summer having participated in the successful Operation
Backpack, which provided school supplies for Woodridge Elementary School in Prince George’s
County Maryland.
Looking ahead, the council looks forward to continuing to hear from staff and advocating for
them.
A FAREWELL TO NOELLE ATWELL
Michelle Reitze, Assistant Vice President, Veterans Certification Office
It was a bittersweet day as Global Military
Operations bid farewell to Noelle Atwell,
Assistant Vice President of the Veteran
Certification Office, on the event of her
September 2, 2016 retirement from UMUC
after over 33 years of service. While we're
thrilled for her, and the new adventures that
await in the next chapter of her life, we are
sad to see her go after all the lives she has
touched and influenced here at UMUC.
Since 1983, Noelle literally built the veteran
certification process from the ground up,

11. enabling thousands of students to utilize their veterans benefits and reach their educational goals.
Her dedication to serving students and supporting their educational needs knows no bounds, and
UMUC owes much of its success in serving and educating veterans to Noelle's three-plus
decades of exceptional work. Her friends, colleagues, and students will miss her greatly, and wish
her all the best as she embarks on the exciting next part of her journey.
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