PRINCESS ANNE — Michael Steele, the first African-American elected to statewide office in Maryland a decade ago, will deliver the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s winter commencement address Friday, Dec. 12.

Mr. Steele served four years as lieutenant governor under Gov. Robert Ehrlich and as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2009 to 2011. He is a frequent cable news show guest and currently co-hosts “Steele & Ungar” Saturdays at 11 a.m. on SiriusXM radio.

In Ehrlich’s administration, Steele worked to reform the state’s Minority Business Enterprise program, improve public education, expand economic development and foster cooperation between government and faith-based organizations to help the needy.

His writings on law, business and politics have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Politico.com, The Grio.com, The Root.com, The Washington Times, The Journal of International Security Affairs and Catholic University Law Review.

Retired UMES professors Joseph M. Okoh and Gurbax Singh also will be recognized formally as emeritus faculty members in recognition of their distinguished teaching careers.