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UMGC Forms Alliance with National Assoc. of African Americans in HR

Liz Connolly-Bauman
By Liz Connolly-Bauman

Adelphi, Md. (April 10, 2024)—University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR) have partnered to offer association employees and members the opportunity to pursue college degrees with discounted tuition and other benefits.

“UMGC is proud to team up with NAAAHR and expand access to educational opportunities that align with employees’ and members’ educational goals,” said Blakely Pomietto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at the university. “From certifications to certificates to degree programs, employees and members can increase their skills and advance their careers in human resources management or a variety of other subjects.”

NAAAHR provides “a unique global forum for the career development of Black and African American human resources professionals.” Founded in 1998, the association has more than 25,000 members and operates over 25 chapters and interest groups throughout the country.

"The partnership between NAAAHR and UMGC is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Erika Broadwater, national president of NAAAHR. “Together, we ignite pathways for professional growth, cultivate talent and foster inclusive workplaces. Through shared values and collective efforts, we empower individuals and organizations to thrive in a diverse world."

The alliance with UMGC gives all NAAAHR staff, members and dependents the opportunity to take courses from any of the university’s more than 125 online degree and certificate programs at discounted rates.

"As a proud alumnus of UMGC and past president of the Alumni Association, I am honored to also be the co-founder and chairman of the national board of NAAAHR,” said Nathaniel Alston. “This partnership journey underscores my commitment to fostering excellence, diversity and leadership in both academia and the professional arena."

UMGC also makes a college degree more economical through the use of digital resources, which have replaced costly publisher textbooks in most courses. Students enrolling in UMGC’s degree programs also may be eligible to transfer credits from other institutions and earn credit for prior learning, shortening their path to a degree.

About University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland. It continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide and more than 125 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.


About the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources

NAAAHR exists to provide a unique global forum for the career development of Black and African American human resources professionals.

The National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR) is an inspirational and unique career development and networking powerhouse for Black and African American human resources practitioners and those who are aligned with our goals to provide: networking, career opportunities, educational and professional development, mentorship, coaching and tools, tips and resources. These opportunities will enhance the careers of our members and position them to be key contributors to the strategic direction of their organizations! For more information, visit naaahr.org.