UMB StaffKelly Grover, a fourth-year Doctor of Nursing Practice student specializing in psychiatric-mental health at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, has served as senator, secretary, and now president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) University Student Government Association (USGA).
With the USGA, Grover has focused her leadership efforts on fostering collaboration across UMB’s seven schools and championing the integration of the Universities at Shady Grove to build stronger connections and encourage shared problem-solving approaches.
A lifelong Marylander, Grover studied agricultural and resource economics and business management at the University of Maryland, College Park before pursuing a career in nursing. As an emergency room nurse who has a Teaching in Nursing and Health Professions Certificate, she noticed a persistent gap in behavioral health care. Determined to better understand the complexities of health care systems, she enrolled at UMB to help research evidence-based solutions and their application.
After graduation in May, Grover hopes to continue bridging gaps in mental health crisis prevention by expanding access to integrated psychiatric and medical outpatient care for individuals of all ages. Grounded in a holistic vision of treating mind, body, and spirit, she is committed to an interprofessional approach that reflects her belief in the power of teamwork.
In her spare time, she is an avid slalom water skier and passionate animal rights advocate.
“Stepping outside my comfort zone hasn’t always come naturally, but somewhere between competitive cheerleading, cross country, and marching band, or ‘winging it’ during track and field or a banana-split eating contest, I learned to just go for it,” she says. “Over time, going first became second nature.”
Grover recently sat down to talk with CATALYST magazine as she neared the end of her term as USGA president and her graduation in May.
What is your favorite part about being a student at UMB?
My favorite part about being a student at UMB is how the University brings together diverse perspectives and lived experiences to drive innovation, while remaining grounded in its core values. From pioneering specialty programs to a plethora of academic and professional resources on campus and beyond, there is a shared sense that fosters motivation through resiliency and teamwork.
What I find especially inspiring is being surrounded by individuals who are deeply committed not only to their academic or professional fields but also to shaping the future through personal growth. Just as importantly, UMB cultivates an environment where bold ideas are welcomed; if one path forward feels uncertain, there is always another team ready to listen, support, and help bring those ideas, especially the big ones, to life. Being in a space where individual drive is actively supported creates a mission-driven, forward-thinking community that continually nourishes growth and leadership.
What is your favorite part of being the USGA president?
Serving as UMB’s USGA president has provided an incredibly meaningful opportunity to create spaces where students feel encouraged to and confident that their voices are valued. What has been most rewarding is helping elevate student perspectives and spark fresh ideas by connecting with Universitywide organizations and committees, as well as with students from each of the seven schools. Representing UMB within the University System of Maryland has shown me how advocacy can extend beyond campus to have a statewide and federal impact.
Translating those experiences into accessible opportunities for students to collaborate here has been a core motivator. Encouraging more voices to be heard and faces to be seen at our hybrid tables is a responsibility that I will honor and value. These experiences have reinforced that the skills we develop in the classroom, through leadership, or by stepping out of our comfort zone shape how we engage with the world and influence broader systems long after graduation.
I am grateful to work alongside a team of dedicated leaders and mentors whose support, guidance, and partnership make it possible to bring even the most fearless ideas to life.
If you could give one piece of advice to your fellow students, what would it be?
In times of uncertainty, no matter the circumstance, never doubt that your voice and experience matter. If you ever feel discouraged or hesitant to share your perspective, I encourage you to lean into that moment rather than step away. Take a moment to write down your “why,” including your purpose, vision, and goals, so that when you wonder what comes next, your clarity is anchored. There will always be challenges beyond our control, but meaningful change often starts with courage and is sustained by patience. If you ever have a question, concern, or idea, trust that you are never alone and that you belong wherever that conversation is happening. Our strength is rooted in our ability to work together, and that always includes you.
What is your goal for the University Student Government Association over the rest of your term?
My goal is to help students achieve their own goals by continuing to support student initiatives at UMB and the Universities at Shady Grove. I aim to foster an active, long-term culture of shared governance and reduce barriers to participation by strengthening connections among students and student organizations, through clearer communication, intentional programming, and expanded accessibility efforts. By increasing outreach and engaging with University leadership, we can create a safe and inclusive environment where every student, no matter their commute or background, feels empowered to participate. Ultimately, creating more opportunities for students to be heard, supported, valued, and included is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of student organizations across campus.
What has been your biggest accomplishment during your time serving on the USGA?
My time with the USGA has focused on strengthening student advocacy, advancing transparency, and encouraging innovation. Moving from senator to secretary to president has deepened my understanding of how to identify barriers and outdated processes to create more accessible pathways for students to get involved and stay informed. Through expanded communication, campuswide engagement, and advocacy at the University, state, and federal levels, I remain committed to making student voices heard and leadership more inclusive. I also recognize that even when trying your hardest to be careful, leadership means owning mistakes with heartfelt apologies and learning from them.
Whether through hybrid Senate meetings, campuswide events, opening committees to all students, expanding campuswide resources and pilot programs, editing or creating policies, sharing well-being services, equalizing inclusivity, meeting with students one-on-one or in a group, proposing long-term opportunities to collaborate after graduation, or building new partnerships across the University, we’ve made meaningful progress. But there’s still work to be done to ensure every student feels informed, empowered, and supported to help further shape our sustainable community, one that I have been grateful to grow alongside and trust will continue to flourish through collaboration, advocacy, and a shared commitment to showing up for one another along the way.
