Coles Elevates UMIACS Events with Expertise and Enthusiasm

For more than a decade, Mel. Coles has been a cornerstone of event planning at the University of Maryland. Her work has involved student affairs, alumni events, and most recently, coordinating multiple gatherings both large and small for the Department of Computer Science.

Now, she’s embarking on a new chapter, recently joining the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) as manager of engagement, events and special projects. It’s a tri-fold position, as Coles will also be handling event planning for the university’s Immersive Media Design (IMD) program and new Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute (AIM).

This level of multi-tasking and responsibility might seem daunting to some, but for Coles, it’s a challenge that she’s more than ready to take on.

“You must love what you do. I truly feel a personal stake in it. It requires dedication, a servant’s heart—always being willing to pitch in when needed,” says Coles, who earned both an undergraduate degree in sociology and a master’s in American Studies at UMD.

Coles says her approach to event planning is both comprehensive and dynamic. She handles everything from high-profile events—an upcoming 10-year anniversary research symposium for the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science is but one example—to the more mundane, yet equally important tasks like helping her colleagues in UMIACS handle travel arrangements for visitors and guest speakers.

Her relentless positivity and love for her work shines through in every event she oversees—qualities that do not go unnoticed by those she works with.

“We were excited and very happy when Mel applied for, and accepted, the new position we created,” says Emily Hartz, the executive director of operations for UMIACS who also is managing business operations for AIM. “Her energy is contagious and her professionalism and attention to detail makes for a ‘no worries, Mel has it covered’ attitude for everyone she interacts with.”

Coles says that her joining UMIACS’ business staff meant becoming part of a strong team of knowledgeable and motivated women, an environment that encourages her own drive to be creative and forward-looking.

What sets UMIACS apart, Coles believes, is that everyone working behind the scenes to support the institute—meaning business, tech and communications personnel—understands the impact their work can have.

“We’re not only providing the backbone for new discoveries based in computing within our own research groups, but we’re expanding our impact and outreach across the campus and beyond with many of the projects the institute is involved with,” she says.

Looking ahead, Coles says her calendar is already packed with exciting events, which in addition to the upcoming QuICS symposium includes an AI and Art Symposium in January and other events in early 2025 that will elevate the visibility and expertise of the new AIM AI initiative.

“There is impact to make, connections to steward, and high stakes to manage,” she says. “We're going to be busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

—Story by Kathryn Klett, UMIACS communications group