2015-2016 University System of Maryland Board of Regents’ Staff Award for Effectiveness and Efficiency

Mildred Homa, Research Administrator, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology

Described by many as “the heart and soul of the Department of Marine Biotechnology,” Mildred Homa has been a strong fixture in the financial management and administrative leadership of the department and the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET).

Homa’s extensive experience in accounting, finance, and research administration has been indispensable in the growth of the department and IMET. Most recently, she was instrumental in the successful application and designation of UMBC as a Non-Land Grant College of Agriculture. This new designation has already resulted in nearly $500,000 in savings for the department, with the potential for continued financial savings on future grants awarded by USDA and other agricultural funding agencies. Understanding what this new designation would mean to the university, Homa worked tirelessly to decipher complex regulations and classifications and build a case for support to petition for the university’s reclassification.

In addition, she has been an active contributor to the college and university on issues of financial services, business practices, and institutional efficiencies. She has served on the Shared Services Business Process Improvement Committee, where she guided the committee on suggested improvements in training, workflow efficiencies, and campus-wide standardization of processes.

Homa demonstrates an unwavering dedication to the institution and a commitment to proper allocation of university resources, while maintaining the highest quality service to the campus community.

She received her B.A. from Central Philippine University and an M.B.A. from University of Maryland University College.