Best wishes

Dr. Sundiata “Sunji” Jangha will serve as the Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Special Initiatives in the Graduate School.. Dr. Jangha started at UMBC in 2008 and currently serves as the Director of Pipeline Programs within the Office of Academic Opportunity Programs within Undergraduate Academic Affairs and The Graduate School. He oversees the Upward Bound Math and Science Center and actively recruits and supports undergraduate students in STEM fields and graduate students across all disciplines. In this newly repurposed position, Dr. Jangha brings extensive experience necessary to bridge the critical gap between graduate student admission and degree completion by establishing and sustaining initiatives that support academic excellence, broaden participation, and accelerate progress through key milestones. Dr. Jangha has been nationally recognized for his ongoing commitment to empowering students to succeed.

Dr. Laila Shishineh will serve as assistant vice provost and chief of staff to the provost. Laila brings extensive UMBC experience to her new role. She joined the university in 2010 in support of academic transition programs within the Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. Laila served in a variety of roles within UAA, most recently as assistant vice provost and assistant dean. Throughout her tenure, Laila has provided leadership for numerous student success and transition-focused initiatives, including curriculum and programs designed to support new and continuing students as they navigate their first semesters at UMBC and beyond. In addition to her work in student success, Laila has been deeply engaged in shared governance, previously serving as president of the Exempt Staff Senate, chair of the Council of University System Staff, and chair of the ESS Staff Mentoring Program for over a decade.