General | 8/30/2024 1:24:00 PM

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore announces five-year contract extension for Vice President of Recreation and Director of Athletics Tara A. Owens

 
 
PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has announced a five-year contract extension for Tara A. Owens, who currently serves as Vice President of Recreation and Director of Athletics.
 
 
"As we continue to build competitive NCAA Division I athletic programming while providing a quality recreational experience for our students, we are pleased to announce the recent contract extension for Vice President Owens," says UMES President Heidi M. Anderson. "Since her arrival in the Fall of 2022, Vice President Owens has provided a great vision and leadership for Hawk athletics while effectively identifying and executing critical upgrades and changes in order to position us for success. She has also been instrumental in the overall improvement of our recreational and wellness efforts on our campus through numerous facility improvements and increased activities for students."
 
 
Owens, who was named the Director of Athletics in September of 2022, has proven to be a transformational leader, bringing a clear vision and fostering a culture of excellence in competition, the classroom and in the community.
 
Since joining UMES, Owens has made significant strides in enhancing the university's athletic programs which includes academic success, athletic prowess, operational improvements and facility upgrades. The academic success of UMES student-athletes resulted in the Hawks claiming the MEAC award for highest Academic Progress Rate in the conference.
 
 
In the fall, Owens solidified a partnership with First Point Volleyball and USA Volleyball to officially bring the sport of men's volleyball to UMES, a venture made possible by a $250,000 grant. Owens has also been at the forefront in the process of critical infrastructure improvements including the renovation of weight rooms, locker rooms and the rebranding of the Hytche Athletic Center gym floor. She is also continuing to foster the planning of upgrades to the on-campus baseball and softball fields, transitioning them from dirt to state-of-the-art turf surfaces. In addition, Owens secured an automobile sponsorship to provide the athletic department with a fleet of vans and vehicles to support its operational needs.
 
 
Owens' influence extends beyond facilities and logistics as she has restructured the athletic department's administrative team, with 95% of the current staff hired under her leadership. Her efforts to create a diverse and dynamic team have solidified the department's foundation for future success while promoting efficient and effective operational procedures.
 
 
As Owens enters her third year as the leader of Hawk athletics, she continues to emphasize the motto "Take the Limits Off" for the staff and students Owens' focus is to continue to guide the department's efforts in building upon the strong foundation she has established, pushing boundaries and achieving new heights.
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABOUT HAWK ATHLETICS
 
 
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 14 sports: women's volleyball, women's bowling, men's and women's golf, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track & field, softball, baseball, and men's and women's outdoor track and field. The UMES volleyball, bowling, basketball, softball, and cross country teams compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). UMES golf and baseball currently play as members of the Northeast Conference (NEC). Track & field holds dual membership and compete in the MEAC as well as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). UMES recently announced the addition of men's volleyball which will begin competition in the NEC beginning in 2025.