A Loss Compounded

The Resignation of Dr. Wallace Loh Adds to The Pain of The Death Of Jordan McNair

By Rushern L. Baker III

“Dr. Wallace Loh and I began our tenures as County Executive and University of Maryland President at basically the same time. Over the past eight years, we have forged a wonderful partnership and friendship that has benefited both the residents of Prince George’s County as well as the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Maryland, College Park.

From supporting and fighting for the Purple Line to creating an economic development boom in College Park, Dr. Loh has done more to unite the University with the county in his eight years than his predecessors over the preceding decades. Additionally, the academic partnerships and resources that the University developed and worked on with the county has helped create unprecedented health, public safety, and educational outcomes.

This week’s decision by the University System of Maryland Regents was very disappointing. It is a shame that they appear to have put the short-term interest of building the University’s football program ahead of continuing the progress of Maryland’s flagship university.

Throughout this situation, Dr. Loh displayed a level of candor and courage that are a testament to his character. I applaud him accepting moral and legal responsibility for Jordan McNair’s death. It was a sign of true leadership, guts, and integrity. It is unfortunate that instead of rewarding him for his courage, Dr. Loh was punished for doing the right thing. Leaders like him are hard to find, and the university is truly losing a great man.

Dr. Loh’s departure is not just a loss for the University of Maryland; it is also a loss for the greater community, Prince George’s County, and the State of Maryland. It will be hard to replace his visionary leadership and collaborative spirit. I want to thank Dr. Loh for his service and stewardship, and I wish him the best in his remaining eight months of his presidency. It is my hope that his successor will be equally as committed to building a collaborative working relationship with Prince George’s County, its residents, and businesses as he was.”