Mourning the Loss of International Educator Dr. Mark Wellman

Jan. 7, 2022

Image courtesy of Maryland Smith School of Business

The Office of International Affairs joins the entire University of Maryland community in mourning the sudden passing of Dr. Mark Wellman, and sending our deepest condolences to his beloved family.

Dr. Wellman made an indelible contribution to international education at the University of Maryland. Over the span of his 30 year long career at the university, as a professor in the Smith School of Business, Dr. Wellman taught more than a thousand students on life-changing journeys around the world. He directed the university’s three largest faculty-led study abroad programs, teaching students in locations in the Middle East, Asia and Australia. 

What set Dr. Wellman apart in international education was his unparalleled ability to tap into his thriving network around the world to create unique, global learning experiences for his students while keeping the cost of his programs affordable. He was committed to making global education accessible to all his students. 

“Mark was a monumental figure in UMD study abroad, showing the entire university community that the ambitious goal of ‘global learning for all’ is both worthwhile and feasible,” shared Dr. Ross Lewin, Associate Vice President for International Affairs.

Mark did not simply take students on trips; he designed enriching and immersive experiences that challenged his students to develop new skills and attitudes that would fuel their success professionally and personally for years to come.

On a virtual memorial page established by Maryland Smith, one former student commented, “Dr. Wellman’s approach to teaching was incredibly rare. He made it a point to give us as many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom and arm us with the skills needed to excel in the real world. His investment in our education was unmatched and you could see it in the way he thoughtfully planned our international trips.” 

Another contributor commented, “Mark loved to travel with students and to show them the world beyond the confines of their upbringing. His student trips to the four corners of the globe are legendary. Over the years, I have retold many of his tales to wide eyed listeners who were amazed that any professor would go to such lengths (and risks!) to provide immersive educational and life experiences for their students.”

At the time of his unexpected passing, Mark had been actively planning his next study abroad program. He had intended to travel with students over Spring Break to attend the World Expo in Dubai, where they would also visit local companies represented at the fair. 

The loss of such a dedicated educator, mentor, and friend to so many is felt throughout our community, but the impact that Mark had on so many people's lives, educations and careers during his time at UMD leaves a legacy that will endure far into the future.

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To read about Mark's many accomplishments in the Smith School of Business and across the University of Maryland, read Tributes, Memories for Professor Mark Wellman.

Condolences may be expressed at Eley Funeral Home. A virtual memorial may also be visited at Smith Virtual Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his honor be made to AdamGhat Ministries and the Samaritan’s Purse.