December 10, 2025
Annapolis, Md. — The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) announced an evolution of its executive leadership team with the appointments of Dr. Bill Dennison as the inaugural Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), and Dr. Andrew Elmore as the inaugural Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED).
These new positions represent a strategic transformation for the university, positioning UMCES to meet the evolving needs of the environment and economy. As the institution prepares for its next century of service, this enhanced leadership structure will unify academic affairs, foster innovation, and accelerate the application of science to solve complex regional and global challenges.
"I am thrilled to announce these pivotal appointments as we launch our strategic planning process and transform UMCES for the future," said Dr. Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, President of UMCES. "By establishing these roles, we are strengthening our capacity to develop the next generation of environmental leaders while supporting actionable science that benefits the State of Maryland and the nation. Both Bill and Andrew bring exceptional experience and vision that will be critical as we shape the future of our institution."
Dr. Bill Dennison Appointed Inaugural Provost
Dr. Bill Dennison, a distinguished marine scientist and global leader in science communication, assumes the role of Provost. As the chief academic officer, Dr. Dennison will oversee academic policies, faculty governance, and the graduate program, which UMCES administers in partnership with other institutions in the University System of Maryland.
Dennison previously served UMCES as Vice President of Science Application. He is credited with revolutionizing how scientific data is communicated to industry and policymakers, notably through the development of ecosystem health report cards used for the Chesapeake Bay and iconic ecosystems worldwide.
“The creation of the Provost role reflects the maturity and growth of our institution,” said Dr. Dennison. “I am deeply honored to serve UMCES in this new capacity and look forward to supporting our exceptional faculty and students as we tackle the complex environmental crises of the 21st century—from bay restoration to climate resilience.”
Dr. Andrew Elmore Appointed Inaugural Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Dr. Andrew Elmore, Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Dr. Andrew Elmore assumes the role of Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED). In this capacity, he will lead UMCES’s research enterprise, supporting actionable environmental science while fostering innovation and partnerships that bridge the gap between ecological health and economic vitality.
Dr. Elmore joined UMCES in 2006 as an Assistant Professor at the Appalachian Laboratory. An internationally recognized landscape ecologist, his research integrates geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and ecological modeling to understand how ecosystems—from forests and agricultural lands to rapidly changing coastal and urban environments—respond to climate variability and land-use change.
Most recently, Dr. Elmore served as a Program Director in the Directorate for Biological Sciences at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). At the NSF, he helped guide national research directions in biological infrastructure and contributed to federal oversight of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON).
"I am eager to work collaboratively with UMCES faculty, students, and staff to advance our institution’s mission," said Dr. Elmore. "This is a critical moment in time to articulate the value of science to society while partnering with diverse stakeholders on projects that build resilience, foster innovation and expand opportunity across Maryland and beyond."
