Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Higher Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
College of Southern Maryland cites enrollment gains, federal earmarks and state funding losses at ‘State of the College’ briefing
Summary
College of Southern Maryland President Dr. Wilson told commissioners enrollment is up and the college secured earmarks for aviation and water‑treatment training, but state funding cuts tied to removal of a hold‑harmless provision and a 3% cap have left CSM with a multi‑year funding shortfall.
The College of Southern Maryland’s president briefed the Charles County Board of Commissioners on March 10, saying the college has regained pre‑pandemic enrollment levels but continues to feel the effects of recent state funding changes that removed a hold‑harmless provision and capped annual increases at 3 percent.
Dr. Wilson said CSM experienced an enrollment increase (7.7% in the most recent fall term) but nevertheless saw state funding fall because the funding formula looked at prior years’ lower enrollment and because of the 3% cap. She said the college has lost roughly $2.23 million in state funding over the past three years and received a one‑time supplemental grant of $300,000. Dr. Wilson testified in Annapolis about restoring the hold‑harmless provision and making the 3% cap a year‑to‑year decision.
The college highlighted workforce and program developments: a cyber‑range at the Leonardtown campus with students earning SOC Analyst certifications; a new state‑approved aviation maintenance technology program to be housed at the Center for Trades and Energy Training in Hughesville with an expected fall 2027 launch; and congressional earmarks totaling approximately $997,000 for the aviation program and $732,000 for a water/wastewater pathway. Dr. Wilson said the college maintained flat tuition despite the funding cuts.
Student Angelica Aguilar, a Charles County scholarship recipient, spoke about how the scholarship and college services supported her academic progress and plans to transfer to Towson University.
Why it matters: The presentation highlights how state funding formulas, federal support and local partnerships shape the college’s ability to expand workforce programs tied to local economic needs, such as aviation maintenance, cybersecurity and water/wastewater training.
Next steps: Dr. Wilson said the college will continue to pursue earmarks and grants, finalize program approvals and coordinate transportation and clinical placement details with school systems and local health providers as programs ramp up.
