Hogan-Rutherford Administration Sponsors Historically Black Colleges & Universities Conference

20 Maryland Executive Departments Highlight State Employment Opportunities

ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Hogan-Rutherford administration this week took part in the 12th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Career Development Marketplace Conference. This annual three-day conference, held at the Baltimore Convention Center, hosted more than 500 college students and their families from 30 colleges and universities from across the country. Maryland schools with conference attendees include Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Since taking office, the Hogan-Rutherford administration has invested more than $1.15 billion in state funds toward Maryland’s HBCUs. The state leverages its investment by offering graduating students opportunities in state service as a valuable and viable career path.

“Today’s conference is an opportunity for the students to receive firsthand knowledge from state government professionals,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, who delivered the closing address at the conference. “Our administration is committed to educating citizens on the many employment opportunities the state has to offer.”

The HBCU Career Development Marketplace is a national conference to inform and educate undergraduate students of HBCUs on how to achieve success in corporate America. The students are able to speak face-to-face with experienced HBCU alumni and representatives from corporations, organizations, and government agencies seeking to hire talented graduates.

HBCU students were provided with direct access to state agency recruiters to learn more about the state’s workforce opportunities. Each attending agency sponsored a recruitment booth at the conference where students were able to interact with state leaders and learn the many diverse careers each agency has to offer.

State government representatives included cabinet secretaries and directors including Dr. James D. Fielder, Secretary, Maryland Higher Education Commission; Ellington E. Churchill, Jr., Secretary, General Services; and Ricky D. Smith, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Aviation Administration (MDOT MAA).

The Department of General Services was the lead agency in coordinating the participation of 20 state agencies, including Aging, Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Energy Administration, Environmental Service, General Services, Governor’s Coordinating Offices, Health, Higher Education, Housing and Community Development, Human Services, Information Technology, Juvenile Services, Labor, Natural Resources, Planning, Public Safety and Correctional Services, State Police, and Transportation.

“General Services has been diligently working with other state agencies to provide as many resources as possible for these bright young students,” said Secretary Churchill. “Our goal is to help students connect to state leaders and provide them with the valuable information they need to successfully and effectively begin their careers.”

As a part of the state’s participation in the conference, the state hosted a full day of conversations including a panel addressing Maryland careers in cyber security which have a critical role in driving Maryland’s growth in key Maryland industries. The panel discussion led by General Services included current and former state experts from the Maryland Department of Information Technologies, Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Military Department.