Kurt L. Schmoke was appointed as the University of Baltimore’s eighth president on July 7, 2014.
Schmoke served as the mayor of Baltimore from 1987-1999 and was the Baltimore City State’s Attorney from 1982-1987. Prior to joining UB, he was dean of the Howard University School of Law from 2003-2012. Following that, he was appointed general counsel for Howard and also served as the institution’s interim provost.
During his tenure as mayor, Schmoke initiated a number of innovative programs in housing, education, public health and economic development. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush awarded him the National Literacy Award for his promotion of adult literacy. Two years later, President Bill Clinton praised his programs aimed at improving public housing and enhancing community-based economic development. The Clinton administration selected Baltimore as one of six cities to receive an Empowerment Zone designation in 1994.
Schmoke’s public service record extends back to the 1970s, when he was appointed assistant director of the White House Domestic Policy Staff under President Jimmy Carter. He also served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Maryland.
Schmoke earned his undergraduate degree in history from Yale University. He pursued graduate studies as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.
Schmoke is a member of the boards of several organizations, including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore City Community College, Hippodrome Foundation Board, and Baltimore Community Foundation.
