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College of Southern Maryland highlights enrollment growth, new cyber labs and workforce pathways
Summary
CSM presented its annual State of the College to the Calvert County commissioners, spotlighting enrollment growth, cybersecurity labs (Leonardtown ribbon-cutting May 14), trades training, an aviation maintenance program under review, and workforce supports for displaced federal workers.
Dr. Yolanda Wilson, president of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), and a delegation including trustees Pamela Cousins and Celeste Alexander Frye presented the college’s annual State of the College to the Calvert County Board of Commissioners on April 1.
Wilson said CSM’s fiscal year 2024 awards included 753 associate degrees and 555 certificates, with 244 recipients from Calvert County. Over the past three years, 24.4% of CSM degree recipients were Calvert residents. Enrollment trends show a 4.5% increase system-wide for credit and noncredit learners in FY24, with Calvert County student enrollment increasing 11.2% year-over-year and a 49.9% jump in dual-enrollment participation.
Wilson emphasized CSM’s strategic plan (2024–2029) built on three pillars — access, momentum and mobility — and highlighted workforce and transfer partnerships. The college touted cybersecurity program credentials and two new immersive cyber labs, including one at the Prince Frederick campus. Wilson said CSM’s statewide cyber-range network will give hands-on training at community colleges across Maryland and that CSM’s Leonardtown cyber lab will hold a ribbon-cutting May 14.
CSM outlined new and expanding workforce programs: the Center for Trades and Energy Training (welding, electrical, HVAC, construction), nursing and health sciences partnerships (clinical apprenticeships and potential radiation therapy associate degree), and a proposed Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS that has been approved by college curriculum committees and submitted to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for approval. Wilson said the aviation pathway would include industry partnerships, possible lab equipment donations from military partners and articulation to a baccalaureate program.
Student speakers and alumni illustrated outcomes: Brianna Garcia described transferring from CSM to the University of Maryland and her scholarships and internships; other alumni recounted apprenticeship-to-career pathways in HVAC and mechanical engineering internships leading to full-time positions with Navy-affiliated employers.
Wilson said CSM is planning supports specifically for displaced federal workers in Southern Maryland, including dedicated advising, credit-for-prior-learning evaluation, laptop loaner assistance and job fairs. The college also announced plans for a Center for Career Development and Success and detailed partnerships with local chambers of commerce to connect graduates with employers.
Commissioners thanked CSM representatives and raised questions about applied baccalaureate degrees, program expansion and capacity; Wilson said discussions continue with the University System of Maryland and state higher-education authorities on transfer, applied baccalaureate options and program alignment.
