The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a land-grant, historically black college founded in 1886 as the Delaware Conference Academy. Since its beginning, the institution has had several name changes and governing bodies. It was Maryland State College from 1948 until 1970, when it became one of the five campuses that formed the University of Maryland. In 1988, it became a member of the then eleven campus (now thirteen) University of Maryland System, now known as the University System of Maryland . UMES is approved by the state of Maryland and fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. UMES is committed to providing access to high quality values-based educational experience, especially to individuals who are first-generation college students of all races, while emphasizing multicultural diversity and international perspectives. The University serves the education and research needs of businesses, industries, government and non-government organizations. The University is committed to meeting the economic development needs on the Eastern Shore; workforce development needs of the State; international development priorities of the nation; and commercialization and entrepreneurial ventures of the University, through engagement activities, and partnerships. UMES is a teaching/research institution that nurtures and launches globally competent citizens. It will continue to embrace its interdisciplinary curriculum, sponsored research initiatives, rural and economic development priorities, and community engagement. UMES will continue to expand its partnerships and collaborative arrangements with the University System of Maryland Institutions, other universities, community colleges, public schools, government, and other external agencies and constituencies.