University of Maryland University College (UMUC) will be honored by the World Affairs Council as "Educator of the Year" at the organization's Global Education Gala on March 5, 2015. UMUC President Javier Miyares will receive the award on behalf of the university and will be a keynote speaker at the event.

According to the World Affairs Council in announcing the award, UMUC is being recognized "for its role as a leader in innovative education models. A pioneer in distance education since 1947, UMUC has become America's largest public online university by providing accessible, affordable, high quality, and valued education to meet the professional needs of adult learners whose responsibilities may include jobs, family, and military service."

Informed about the selection, President Miyares said, "I am proud and humbled to accept this honor on behalf of our global community of dedicated faculty, staff, students, and alumni." Other honorees are the MasterCard Foundation (Global Education Award), Federal Republic of Germany (Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award), and VICE Media (Global Communications Award).

About the World Affairs Council

The World Affairs Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to expanding awareness among the American public and the international community of geopolitical, business, environmental, and civil society issues in our interconnected world.