ADVANCE Professors are faculty members across campus who have been selected by their college or school leadership, appointed to promote faculty professional growth and success. Each college or school has one ADVANCE Professor who collaborates with the ADVANCE Program and leadership to identify and address faculty concerns, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, there is one PTK ADVANCE Professor who focuses on the needs of Professional Track (PTK) faculty at the campus level.
ADVANCE Professors help faculty access resources and provide feedback to leadership on challenges, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment. Their role involves attending regular meetings and developing project plans to address specific issues.
April Barczewski, ADVANCE Professor for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Principal Agent, University of Maryland Extension
Barczewski currently serves as the 4-H Youth Development Educator in Cecil County. Barczewski’s work focuses on youth development and education in agriculture, animal science, leadership, and life skills, and is committed to creating meaningful, lasting impacts for 4-H youth.
Karen Denny, ADVANCE Professor for the Philip Merrill College of Journalism
Senior Lecturer & Director of Internships and Career Services, Philip Merrill College of Journalism
Karen Denny is Merrill College's director of internships and career development.
Elaine Eggleston Doherty, ADVANCE Professor for the School of Public Health
Research Professor, Behavioral and Community Health
Elaine’s research is grounded in the intersection of life course criminology and public health and focuses on the patterns and interrelationships between drug use, crime, criminal legal system involvement, and health over the life course.
Christine Hartzell, ADVANCE Professor for the A. James Clark School of Engineering
Professor, Aerospace Engineering
Christine Hartzell is a Minta Martin Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland and the director of ASTRA-UMD, UMD’s newly started center for space exploration research.
Susan Kern, ADVANCE Professor for the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
Associate Professor and Director, Historic Preservation Program
Kern’s current research looks at landmark preservation projects of the early 20th century and their role setting standards for what visitors expect from museums and historic sites. She holds a masters in architectural history from University of Virginia and a Ph.D.
Rebecca Ratner, ADVANCE Professor for the Robert H. Smith School of Business
Professor, Marketing
Rebecca Ratner is the Dean's Professor of Marketing at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. She recently served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the Smith School. Dr. Ratner received a Ph.D.