Robert "Bob" Infantino Awarded 2024 President's Medal
Robert "Bob" Infantino Jr. has been awarded the University of Maryland's 2024 President's Medal—the highest honor the university community can bestow. Recipients must have worked on campus for at least 10 years and have an exemplary record of sustained service and acknowledged contribution to the quality of life on campus. Infantino will receive the award at the Faculty & Staff Convocation on September 18, 2024, in the Memorial Chapel.
From elevating UMD on the global stage to supporting more than 20% of the undergraduate majors on campus, Infantino has been an energetic and innovative campus leader at the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) for three decades.
“The entire campus has benefited immensely from his service, which has improved the university’s visibility, reputation, and student opportunities and experiences,” said CMNS Dean Amitabh Varshney.
As associate dean for undergraduate education, Infantino is responsible for more than 7,000 CMNS students, including those in two of UMD’s three biggest majors: computer science and the biological sciences (he began his leadership career as director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Biology). Since 2010, the college’s four-year graduation rate has risen nine points to 83%. This includes significant increases for both women and those in underrepresented populations, thanks to his emphasis on and support for inclusive excellence. His experienced leadership team supports CMNS students and all campus students pursuing postgraduate study in health professions.
He has supported the creation of more than 10 majors and specializations, five minors and unique initiatives like the BioFIRE program, focused on broadening inclusion, mentoring and undergraduate research, and helping to develop the biological sciences program at Shady Grove. Infantino also helped launch two Honors College programs, Integrated Life Sciences and the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students, enrolling some of the nation’s most talented high school students at UMD.
Described as gregarious, empathetic and warm, Infantino is “a tactical administrative genius” who works with colleagues in many units to make an impact beyond CMNS, said Vice President for Research Gregory Ball and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Associate Dean Katherine Russell.
As the university’s representative for the Goldwater Scholarship since 2001, Infantino has successfully nominated 63 students for the prestigious award honoring STEM excellence, placing UMD second only to Stanford University in the last 15 years. This has had a ripple effect as some have gone on to earn other internationally recognized awards, such as the Churchill and Rhodes scholarships.
In addition, he has served on 50 university committees addressing critical issues, including the Mental Health Task Force, the Veterans Affairs Steering Committee, the Accessibility and Disability Services Advisory Board, and the Facilities Advisory Committee. He helped develop and implement the campus policies for the review of sexual misconduct cases.
“It would be difficult to find another person on our campus to serve in such a role with the same level of respect for human dignity that Bob exhibits,” said Andrea Goodwin, assistant vice president and dean of students.
Despite his many administrative responsibilities, Infantino makes time for students. He opens his door to CMNS undergrads and others across campus, from veterans looking for career advice to freshmen struggling with mental health or adjustment challenges. He has also mentored underrepresented students in the C.D. Mote, Jr. Incentive Awards Program since 2006.
A biologist who earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and a doctorate in zoology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Infantino is “a natural scientist who is, in all senses, a humanist with a big heart,” said William Cohen, associate provost and dean for undergraduate studies.
Adele H. Stamp Student Union Director Marsha Guenzler-Stevens shared, Bob is “an extraordinary colleague, university citizen, teacher and mentor, trailblazer and champion of all things that enhance education, and friend.”
Written by Karen Shih
