The College of Southern Maryland’s current president completed her “state of the college” presentations with the region’s three boards of county commissioners earlier this month, declaring the multi-campus institution is strong.
Yolanda Wilson, the community college’s sixth president, marked her one-year anniversary Jan. 3. Her investiture ceremony was Thursday at the La Plata campus.
A summary of the positive aspects of the school — which, in addition to La Plata, has campuses in Hughesville, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick — was presented to each commissioner board in the form of a video. Wilson was also accompanied at each meeting with a member of the CSM board of trustees and a student outlining their progress in preparing for the workplace.
Wilson said college officials are aiming to hit their goals of “rebuilding, re-engaging and strengthening our partnerships.”
The College of Southern Maryland, Wilson said, is “shifting to our strategic plan” to provide “access, momentum and mobility” to its enrollees.
Those enrollees hailing from the three counties — Calvert, Charles or St. Mary’s — are charged a tuition of $140 per credit.
During her late January discussion with Calvert’s commissioners, Wilson was questioned about the data showing over 30% of the school’s enrollment is online.
When asked by Calvert County Commissioner President Earl F. “Buddy” Hance (R) what direction that number was headed, Wilson said, “I don’t think it will decline” adding that “digital technology” gives students “flexibility” to work while “still taking classes.”
Hance said the trend of students “getting an education in their pajamas” raises questions about whether this will prevent them developing “social skills” that are needed in the workplace.
Hance said he has seen data showing that “people who actually show up in person have a greater rate of advancement than those individuals who work from home.”
Wilson said students enrolled in the college’s nursing program have to show up for class, as it is a curriculum that “has to be taught face-to-face.”
Calvert Commissioner Todd Ireland (R) asked Wilson about a possible partnership between the community college and Calvert County Public Schools’ Career and Technology Academy.
“We are already in dialogue,” Wilson said.
The topic of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future state education reform plan also came up during the session with Calvert Commissioner Catherine M. Grasso (R) asking about the college’s role.
College personnel who advise students, Wilson said, are “working together to make sure students develop an academic plan and pathway they can follow.”
In late February, Wilson met with the Charles County commissioners.
Board President Rueben B. Collins II (D) praised the college for aiding the county in developing a better educated workforce.
“Workforce development is economic development,” Collins said. “You are creating that ecosystem.”
Charles Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” O. Bowling (D), who told the college president he was currently enrolled as a student, said he appreciated the collaboration of the college administration and Charles County Public Schools.
A similar collaborative effort in St. Mary’s County prompted some discussion in early March when Wilson met with that county’s board of commissioners.
Commissioner Mike Hewitt (R) said he didn’t understand why the school system was paying 75% of a student’s tuition for the dual enrollment program, which allows high school students to take college level courses, which are taught by public school teachers.
The state education department grants a 25% waiver of tuition, Wilson said.
St. Mary’s County Public Schools has over 700 students who are dual enrolled.
Wilson conceded that the state-mandated tuition formula has “created a strain on our public schools partners,” adding that administrators are “looking at a more balanced approach.”
“The goal is good, it just doesn’t make sense that someone’s teaching in high school and is paying the college for that,” Hewitt said.
Toward the end of the session in Leonardtown, Commissioner President Randy Guy (R) told Wilson the board was opposed to “any cuts” in state funding.
Guy was referring to a plan by Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) to cut community college funding by $22.6 million. The board president said he recently had an opportunity to tell Moore to his face that it was wrong, calling CSM “a part of workforce development” and “an economic engine.”
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