Wallace Loh

Early life

Loh was born in Shanghai, and emigrated at a young age to Lima, Peru. He went to the United States for college, earning a bachelor's degree from Grinnell College. He later earned a master's degree from Cornell, a doctorate in psychology from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Yale.

Academic career

Before becoming the president at University of Maryland, College Park, Loh spent three decades in higher education. He has been dean of the University of Washington Law School, vice chancellor of the University of Colorado, a dean at Seattle University, and most recently provost at the University of Iowa where he oversaw budgets and personnel for the state university's eleven colleges.

During his career in academic administration, Loh has led campaigns to curb underage drinking at University of Iowa, and more significantly, to diversify the University of Washington Law School.

In his position as President of the University of Maryland he has led many initiatives that have benefited the campus as a whole. Some of his most notable work has been on building diversity at the University of Maryland. Under his direction, the university has seen a 13.8% increase in underrepresented minority graduation rates, and a decrease in the gap between white and underrepresented minority students by 6.1%. He wrote an editorial in Time magazine discussing the importance of an open dialogue on cultural differences between the student population. He also participated in the planning and development of a memorial square to Frederick Douglass to honor his contributions to America's quest for freedom, liberty, and equal rights.

Awards and memberships