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College of Southern Maryland highlights enrollment gains, program growth and funding challenges
Summary
CSM President Yolanda Wilson told the commissioners the college has rebounded to pre‑pandemic enrollment, launched new programs (including an aviation maintenance pathway) and faces state funding headwinds tied to formula changes and a 3% cap that reduced projected aid by nearly $896,000 for FY27.
Doctor Yolanda Wilson, president of the College of Southern Maryland, delivered the college’s annual State of the College to the board and highlighted enrollment gains, new programs, and workforce partnerships that serve Calvert County residents. Wilson said CSM is back to pre‑pandemic enrollment levels with a 7.7% increase last fall and that Calvert County had 2,024 credit students in FY25 (about 26% of CSM's total). She described the college's three strategic pillars — access, momentum and mobility — and noted growth in dual‑enrollment and workforce‑certification programs.
Wilson warned the board about recent state funding changes: the removal of a "hold‑harmless" provision and a new 3% cap on annual increases that together will reduce CSM's state funding and, she said, "The combined impact of the funding reduction and the 3% cap means a total loss for us of $2,230,000." She also outlined new academic initiatives, including an aviation maintenance technology degree pending FAA approval and congressional earmarks for that program and a wastewater‑operator certification. A CSM student from Calvert County described how dual‑enrollment credits and CSM transfer agreements supported her plan to transfer to West Virginia University. Commissioners thanked CSM leaders for the partnership and asked staff to continue supporting workforce pipelines.
