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Kurt Schmoke
Listen to this articlePresident
University of Baltimore
With extensive experience in public service and higher education, Kurt Schmoke has served as president of the University of Baltimore since 2014. Previously, he served as Baltimore’s mayor from 1987 to 1999, implementing innovative programs in education, housing and economic development. Schmoke also held leadership roles at Howard University, including dean of the law school and interim provost, where he focused on increasing bar passage rates and expanding clinical programs.
A Yale graduate and Rhodes Scholar, Schmoke earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law. His career includes time as Baltimore City State’s Attorney and assistant U.S. attorney. He also serves on the boards of organizations including the Hippodrome Foundation, the Baltimore City Community College, the Baltimore Community Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Enoch Pratt Library.
What’s the most important thing you do?
Work in partnership with others to nurture the next generation of leaders.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
By the yard life is hard, by the inch life’s a cinch. That’s a lesson from my grandmother, a wise woman.
What’s the most significant challenge facing our state?
In the long range, it’s climate change, but in the short range, it’s adjusting to pressures emanating from the new relationship between the state and the federal government.
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This profile is part of The Daily Record's Power 100 List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com. |
