Staff & Faculty

Michael Sarbanes has an abiding interest and wide experience in strengthening communities on behalf of children and families.

He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.  He attended Princeton University on an Army ROTC scholarship where he graduated in the School of Public and International Affairs. He studies at Oxford University on a George C. Marshall Fellowship, and received his law degree from New York University School of Law where he was a Root-Tilden scholar.

Mr. Sarbanes’ work has focused on a wide range of issues supporting opportunity fo all children.. He has served as an attorney with the Community Law Center, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Deputy Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and as Executive Director of the Citizens Planning and Housing Association (CPHA) from 2003 to 2008. During his tenure at CPHA, Mr. Sarbanes focused on inclusionary housing, transportation improvements, enhancing drug treatment, and strengthening community capacity.

In 2008 Mr. Sarbanes was appointed Executive Director of Engagement for Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools).  He was responsible for engaging partners, parents, families, and community organizations in support of City Schools, as well as all internal and external communications for City Schools. During this period, City Schools dramatically expanded its engagement of families and communities, including a broad-based mobilization resulting in over $1 billion for new school construction. Mr. Sarbanes also was lay co-chair for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. In 2014, he became a classroom teacher in 2014 at Green Street Academy, a 6-12th grade school within walking distance of his home.

Michael resides with his family in the Irvington Community of Baltimore City where he and his wife Jill helped to create an intentional community (Collins Streamside Community) focused on reconciliation across race and class boundaries and on respect for the environment. He has been active as a coach, mentor, church, and community leader.

Corey is an award-winning educator and lifelong learner. He takes pride in meeting student needs through servant leadership and holistic mentorship that centers the needs of scholars as developing teachers. Corey’s goals include diversifying the teaching profession, particularly increasing the representation of highly-skilled Black male educators.

Shirelle serves as the primary scholar advisor for the Sherman Program. She values individualized advising that is rooted in empathy. Shirelle has particular interest in the implementation of high-quality student support services for groups underrepresented in higher education.

Greg serves as the Business Services Specialist, supporting the department in key financial and Human Resources roles. From onboarding student workers, to managing purchasing and accounts payable, Greg helps to keep the office functioning and moving towards the goal of raising passionate and prepared educators.

Chris is a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools. Having served as a classroom teacher, program leader, and college counselor, Chris has spent his life promoting college access and success for students coming from marginalized backgrounds. If you are interested in the Sherman Scholars Program and want to learn more, Chris would love to hear from you.

Anthony is a career educator who is celebrating his twenty-fourth year working in K-16 schools.  He received his undergraduate degree from DePaul University, his master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and his PhD from McGill University.  Anthony has lived in four countries on three continents.  He has worked in public, private, charter and international schools, serving as a teacher and administrator.  He has also worked in higher education as an assistant professor and university supervisor.  This year he looks forward to getting to know his UMBC colleagues, learning along with the Sherman Scholars, and exploring Baltimore.

Benjamin is the Cherry Hill school site coordinator of the Reach Together Tutoring Program. He graduated with a degree in English Literature and an Honors Citation from UMBC, where he was also inducted as a Sherman Scholar. Before his current role, he was a Sherman academic mentor at multiple Baltimore City middle/high schools and also served in campus ministry leadership for several years. In his free time, he is a spoken word poet, a small group leader at his local church, and an active part of the UMBC community as a club advisor.

Colleen is a graduate student beginning her Master’s of Social Work. She is a PeaceWorker Fellow from the Shriver Center. Before moving to Baltimore, Colleen worked at the Center for Victims of Torture in Minneapolis, Minnesota, supporting mental health care professionals and survivors. She served in the PeaceCorps as a Youth in Development Facilitator in the highlands of Guatemala and after being evacuated due to the pandemic, she worked as an Operations Manager at Casa Alitas Welcome Center on the U.S.-Mexico border.