In celebration of African American History Month, Chesapeake College and The Office of Student Life welcomes the Nazu African Dance Company to campus. Nazu African Dance Company is a Baltimore-based West African Dance & Drum ensemble under the Artistic Direction of Nai Zou Olivier.  Nai Zou was born in Ivory Coast, Africa where he danced with the National Ballet of Ivory Coast until 1991.  Nai Zou released a critically-acclaimed African Dance video in 1998 and traveled to Senegal, Mali, Canada, Burkina, Cameroon, Niger, Johannesburg, South Africa, Japan, France to promote his project.  In addition, Nai Zou danced with the National Ballet of France and eventually came to the United States where he formed Nazu Dance Company.  As the Artistic Director of Nazu Dance Company, Nai Zou Olivier uses traditional and contemporary forms of West African Dance & Drum as a vehicle for cultural expression and  a medium for personal healing.  Members of Nazu and Company represent a cross-section where experienced, professional dancers and drummers, join "beginners" in an effort share the cultural richness of West Africa and Ivory Coast.

Wednesday, February 20th @ 12:00 pm 
Caroline College Center

AND 

Thursday, February 21st @ 1:00 pm
Cambridge Cente

Announcing Peake Summer for Youth: July 8, 2019 — August 16, 2019

Weekly camps offering enrichment for kids Grades K-5 

Chesapeake College presents fun, educational camps for children with Peake Summer youth camps. Offered as six weekly sessions, each camp features a theme taught by professional educators and students in Chesapeake’s education programs. Chesapeake is using campus resources such as experienced educators, energetic education students and impressive facilities to create a fun atmosphere and exciting opportunity for kids to learn. 

The weekly sessions run from July 8 – August 16, 2019, with the following themes:
 

July 8 - 12: Gooey Science
Slimy, sticky, and stretchy experiments. Create your own mad science lab this week to experiment with different ingredients and how they react together.

July 15 - 19: Out of this World
Take a trip into outer space to explore the planets, the stars and the moon. Have fun making space slime, fruit kabob rockets, edible constellations and creating a custom space shuttle and mission! 

July 22 - 26: Artists - Get creative!
This week create art to express yourself and learn about fine arts and crafts. Some activities are painting with squirt guns, and creating a variety of collages.

July 29 - Aug 2: Engineering is Everywhere
Ramp it up! Create ramps and use critical thinking skills all week long to build and use recycled or classroom materials to experiment and test ideas.

Aug 5 - 9: STEAMing Superheroes
Every kid is a superhero! Spend the week with lots of superhero challenges. Get ready to grow kryptonite crystals and make bat slime!

Aug 12 - 15: Let’s Move It
Get moving, and get healthy with exciting exploration of exercise and fitness, complete with outdoor games and dance-based activities. 

Tuition for the camp is $190 per week.  The fee includes two healthy snacks per day.  The camps run from 9 am to 4 pm daily. 

A $10 sibling discount is available.  Before care from 7 – 9 a.m. or after care from 4- 6 p.m. is an additional $25 per week.  The before and after care option is $40 per week.

Reserve space with a non-refundable $50 reservation fee. For more information or to register, please contact Melissa Saperstein at msaperstein@chesapeake.edu or 410-827-5801.

The Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) at Chesapeake College launches the 2019 edition of the popular IAL Speakers Series on March 11.  The free lunchtime presentations on a variety of topics are open to members of the public. Bring lunch, enjoy the speaker and socialize. 

"The IAL Speaker Series offers interesting and informative lectures on a wide variety of topics. Everyone is invited to bring a lunch, relax, and enjoy these insightful lectures,” said IAL Chairperson Kathy Leary. The series kicks off with Sandy Morse on Monday, March 11 at 11:45 am when she presents “Community Activism” in Room 110 of the Higher Education Center. Ms. Morse will be sharing her experiences as a civic, social and political activist. She has worked and/or volunteered at the local, county, state, federal and international levels in the civic, educational, and political arenas with private, public and governmental groups and individuals.

Additional speakers will be featured on Mondays at 11:45 am this spring:

Allison Wood of Compass Regional Hospice presents “Hospice – Myths and Facts” on March 25.
Susan Schumaker from CASA of the Mid-Shore (CASA) will present “Advocating for Shore Children” on April 8
Corinne Vinopol, an international educator, presents “Enhancing Special Education Overseas” on April 22.

The IAL at Chesapeake College features lifelong learning classes, presentations and day trips. Designed for learners 50 and over, the classes cover a wide range of topics and are offered during the fall and spring semesters. Please see the latest list of courses at www.chesapeake.edu/ial.
A daytrip to Paul Reed Smith Guitars in Stevensville is scheduled for March 5, and a visit to the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover is schedule for May 18.

For more information about the Speaker Series or other IAL activities, please contact Lois Thomas at lthomas@chesapeakee.edu or 410-827-5810.

Talbot County Public Schools Launches Education Scholarship Program

Aid is available to Chesapeake Education majors pursuing bachelor’s degrees

Talbot County Public Schools unveiled an annual $3,000 scholarship program in partnership with Chesapeake College designed to help students majoring in Education earn bachelor’s degrees. Developed to cultivate local talent, the scholarship program will assist local college students who commit to teaching in Talbot County.

“TCPS is fortunate to be able to collaborate with Chesapeake College to address our staffing needs. Currently very few school systems in Maryland are fully staffed due to the shortage in certified teachers,” said Superintendent of Schools Kelly Griffith.  “With only 40% of the teaching force we need graduating from Maryland colleges and universities, we rely too heavily on recruiting from other states. We are hoping to ‘grow more of our own’ with these incentives."

Students may receive the $3,000 scholarship for up to three years while working toward their bachelor’s degree in Education. Recipients must re-apply each academic year.   The program is open to all Education majors, but priority will be given to students planning to teach in critical needs areas including Career and Technology, Foreign Language, Mathematics Grades 7-12, Science, Special Education and ESOL.

Chesapeake College students in their second year may apply one time, then re-apply for two subsequent years if they are enrolled at a four-year institution. Students may apply now for the 2019-2020 school year. “We’re really excited about this wonderful scholarship opportunity for our students! This measure is extremely proactive given the very real teacher shortage facing schools in Maryland,” said Chesapeake College Education Program Coordinator Dr. Deanna Reinard. 

To be eligible to re-apply for the scholarships, students must do the following:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or greater with a minimum 30 credit hours for the year. 
• Complete their program in four-year completion tract course of study.
• Agree to provide teacher services to Talbot County Public Schools for one year for each year the scholarship is awarded. 
• Following each semester, supply a copy of the upcoming class schedule, bill for classes and grades from the previous semester.

Chesapeake College President Cliff Coppersmith said the innovative scholarship program will aid individual students and the entire community. “As part of our continued partnership with Talbot County Public Schools, this scholarship program helps our students meet their career goals. There is also the added benefit of preparing graduates for local jobs and assisting area employers in developing local talent,” Dr. Coppersmith said.

Applications are now available for the 2019-2020 academic year and accepted on a rolling basis. For more information about the scholarship and to apply, please visit www.talbotschools.org.

Photo: Chesapeake College President Cliff Coppersmith and Talbot County Public Schools Superintendent Kelly Griffith are shown here on Chesapeake’s Wye Mills Campus. 

The Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College is hosting an exhibit of photographs by the Tidewater Camera Club through April 29.

About 55 photographs by more than a dozen photographers are on display in the TPAC halls and foyer.

The Tidewater Camera Club, based in Easton, is a private, nonprofit organization that was founded in 1963. The club comprises photographers who work in all genres of photography. Some members have distinguished themselves professionally as photographers, and many have been recognized for their work in publications, exhibitions and competitions.

The club is dedicated to improving member skills and to promoting interest and participation in the field of photography for all ages and across all levels of photographic expertise.

Learn More: www.tidewatercameraclub.org

Prepare for a great career!

Join us Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 9:30am - 11:30 am at the HPAC building on our Wye Mills Campus for an Open House!

Discover what Chesapeake has to offer by attending one or more of our info sessions, participating in a campus tour, or talking to faculty, staff and students to learn about:

• Our Degree and Certificate Programs
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Academic Support Services
• Transfer Opportunities
• Extra-Curricular Activites, and more!

This Open House is ideal for all prospective students, including their parents or guardians, adult learners entering college for the first time, dual enrollment students, and more. There will be information here for everyone interested in furthering their education. 

Tours and info sessions start at 9:30am, with light refreshments served. Door prizes and college swag will also be available.

Registration coming soon!

Barnes is named Coach of the Year

The Chesapeake Skipjacks women’s basketball team is headed to the NJCAA, DII National Tournament after taking the Region XX Championship on March 10.

Chesapeake enters the tournament with accolades for both freshman guard Jahnaya Peterson as Outstanding Player in the regional tournament and Head Coach Gwen Barnes as WBCA Coach of the Year.

The Skipjacks defeated the College of Southern Maryland 73-62 in the March 10 game to clinch the NJCAA Region XX Tournament.

“Coach Barnes is super dedicated and committed to her family, players and the college,” said Director of Athletics Frank Szymanski. “She goes above and beyond for Chesapeake College and is a positive role model for her student-athletes.”

Barnes, who has led the Chesapeake women’s basketball program since Fall 2014, said her coaching philosophy encompasses more than game strategy.

“I know that many coaches are most concerned about recruiting the best players and then getting the wins, and moving on to the next season,” she said. “I see my role as different. Yes, I’m a basketball coach and want them to develop as players. But I want them to develop as individuals. This is about much more than the game. I want our student-athletes see this experience as preparation for the rest of their lives. I take that role seriously.”

The national tournament begins on March 19 in Harrison, AR where the Skipjacks will take on the Kansas City Kansas Community College Lady Blue Devils in the first match up. Chesapeake, with a 20-5 regular season record, enters the tournament as the #14 seed.

Barnes, along with assistant coaches Coleman Bender and Alex Barnes, will lead the team of mostly freshman to the national tournament.

“This is a young team. They’re very excited to be playing in the national tournament, but I know they’ll be a little nervous,” Barnes said. “I told them that those nerves will disappear as soon they take their first run down the court. Then they’ll forget who is watching them and play the way that I know they’re capable of.”

The Chesapeake Skipjacks roster includes: Joneisha Cain, Jontasya Cain, Toni Chiarella, Shaniyah Grace, Victoria Kirby, Se’ri Miles, Amunique Newell, Jahnaya Peterson, Breyonna Seymour, Brittiney Seymour, and Ashia Wright.

Photo above: Coach Gwen Barnes, center, celebrates with the Chesapeake College women’s basketball team and coaching staff after the Region XX Championship game.

Clint Black
April 14th, 2019, 7pm.
Todd Performing arts Center

Join country music legend Clint Black in celebrating the 30th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album “Killin’ Time”!

The multi-million selling country icon is on tour commemorating the release of the triple-platinum album that all but altered the landscape of country music.

Black surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of ‘89, reaching #1 with five consecutive singles from “Killin’ Time”. He followed that with the triple-platinum “Put Yourself in My Shoes”, and then a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the ‘90s.

Perhaps most impressively, the Grammy-winner wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, including “A Better Man,” “Where Are You Now,” “When My Ship Comes In,” “A Good Run of Bad Luck,” “Summer's Comin’,” “Like the Rain,” and “Nothin’ But the Taillights,” part of a catalog that produced 22 #1 singles and made Black one of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era.

“A country music traditionalist from Texas, Clint Black was one of the first artists to kick-start the mass-market popularity of country in the ‘90s. Black is also one of the first artists of a generation that was equally inspired by rock-oriented pop -- like ‘70s singer/songwriters and ‘60s rock & roll -- as well as country artists like Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, and George Jones.” AllMusic.com

www.clintblack.com

Tickets available at www.avalonfoundation.org

Chesapeake College’s Alpha Sigma Pi chapter is thrilled to report that over the course of the Middle States’ Regional Conference weekend, they received an astonishing 13 awards! The awards are as follows:

Alpha Sigma Pi Chapter- Chapter Milestone Award

This award reflects the huge undertaking of growing our chapter from a zero-star chapter to a five-star chapter in just one year. Alpha Sigma Pi was the only chapter to receive the award at this conference and it was presented by Regional Coordinator Pattie Van Atter with a very moving speech about her pride in the growth and determination of our chapter and its stellar advisor, Jeremy Crowe.

Alpha Sigma Pi Chapter- Five Star Chapter Plan Certificate

Chapters who reach five stars through execution of the year-long, five-star chapter plan earn this award.

Alpha Sigma Pi Chapter- Gold Chapter Award

Chapters who achieve 5-Star Status, increase their membership by 15+%, participate in C4 Week, and participate in the Middle States Regional Project (MSR Feeds) earn this award.

Alpha Sigma Pi Chapter- Outstanding C4 Week Programming Award

To qualify for this award, the Alpha Sigma Pi chapter had to host a minimum of three events during C4 week that demonstrated collaboration with the college and community. The plan the chapter came up with and executed received the Outstanding C4 Week Programming Award.

Alpha Sigma Pi Chapter Officers- Distinguished Chapter Officer Team

To receive this award, the officers must be nominated by their advisor and “the officers should demonstrate an exceptional atmosphere of teamwork, leadership abilities, promotion of Honors in Action and other engagement in the Society, and enthusiasm for the Society's Hallmarks.” (ptk.org)

Advisor Jeremy Crowe- Horizon Award

The Horizon Award is given annually to one outstanding chapter advisor.

Advisor Jeremy Crowe- Distinguished Chapter Advisor Award

This award recognizes excellence for Phi Theta Kappa Advisors with four years or more of outstanding service to PTK.

Advisor Jeremy Crowe- Five-Star Chapter Advisor Award

This award is presented to Advisors who complete the Five-Star Chapter Advisor Program and who guide their chapter to Five-Star Status in the Five-Star Chapter Development Program.

President Clare Kelly- Hall of Honor Chapter President Pin

This pin is presented for service as an outstanding chapter president.

President Clare Kelly- Distinguished Chapter Officer Pin

“Distinguished Chapter Officers are selected based on the recipients' demonstration of leadership, promotion of Honors in Action and other engagement in the Society, and enthusiasm for the Society's Hallmarks.” (ptk.org)

Recording Officer Jacquelyn Smith- Distinguished Chapter Officer Pin

“Distinguished Chapter Officers are selected based on the recipients' demonstration of leadership, promotion of Honors in Action and other engagement in the Society, and enthusiasm for the Society's Hallmarks.” (ptk.org)

Recording Officer Jacquelyn Smith- Second Place in Prepared Speech Competition

Students participating in the prepared speech competition had to prepare a speech and deliver it to a panel of judges. Students who made it through the first round had an opportunity to edit their speech and deliver it to another panel of judges. Jacky will serve as an alternate and may advance to the International Prepared Speech Competition

Member Kaitlyn Manlove- Distinguished Chapter Member Pin

“Distinguished Chapter Members are selected based on a student's embodiment of the Hallmarks of the Society through Honors in Action and other chapter activities.” (ptk.org)

THANK YOU!

We’d like to thank the people who have helped us to make this possible. Thank you to the Middle States Region for their support and recognition of our efforts to improve and excel. Thank you to Chesapeake College and President Clifford Coppersmith for encouraging us with even our most ambitious plans. We’d also like to especially thank former Vice President of Institutional Advancement Lucie Hughes and all the current staff of the Office of Advancement: Advancement Project Manager Michelle Hall, PR Director Marcie Molloy, Designer Kim Quiqley, and Latellya Stewart for their collaboration on our College Project and Honors In Action Project and their advocacy for funding to support our endeavors. Thank you to the Chesapeake College Public Safety Office, whose officers graciously remind us that it’s time to lock up and help us keep our events safe. Thank you the custodial staff of Chesapeake College who help us frequently with everything from how to best arrange our events to assisting with the cleanup of our messier projects.

Absolutely none of this would have been possible without the mentorship of our phenomenal advisor, Jeremy Crowe. His patience, strength, guidance, and humor have helped the officers and members of Alpha Sigma Pi to grow exponentially over the past year. We love you Professor Crowe!

With gratitude and love,

Clare Kelly, Jacquelyn Smith, the Alpha Sigma Pi Officer Team and its Members!

April is Community College Month and for the next 30 days, together will all the community colleges in Maryland, we will be working to bring awareness to the many reasons why community colleges are so beneficial to the populations they serve in the classroom, and in the community.

Here are a few facts you should know about community colleges in Maryland.

• 70% of Maryland freshmen and sophomore college students are enrolled in one of Maryland’s 16 community colleges.
• Each year, Maryland’s community colleges enroll a diverse population of nearly 500,000 students.
• More than 50% of Maryland’s community college students transfer to in-state colleges and universities to complete their baccalaureate degrees.
• Maryland’s community colleges have dozens of transfer agreements with colleges and universities, both in-state and out-of-state, that guarantee the maximum number of credits will transfer and save students thousands of dollars in achieving their bachelor’s degrees.
• Students who start at a Maryland community college and earn an associate degree and transfer in-state to earn a bachelor’s degree will save on average $11,000 in tuition and fees.
• There are 156 non-credit program options at Maryland’s community colleges that meet professional licensing and certification requirements for in-demand jobs within our local communities.
• The average student-to-faculty ratio at Maryland’s community colleges is 16:1, which encourages a collegiate environment of increased student/faculty engagement.
• Maryland’s community college classes are taught by highly educated and credentialed faculty and industry experts, who are dedicated to student learning.
• Maryland’s community colleges engage diverse student populations through enriching co-curricular activities and clubs as well as with successful, competitive men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs as part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MDJUCO) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
• 88% of alumni from Maryland’s 16 community colleges remain within the state and they contribute to their local and state economies by purchasing goods and services and as engaged tax-paying citizens.
• For every dollar invested, community college students will realize an average 2.5 return on investment while taxpayers see an annual return of 4.2% on their investment in Maryland’s community colleges.
• Nearly $10 billion is pumped into Maryland’s economy every year by our 16 community colleges (equivalent to employment of 150,000 people).
• By 2020, 69% of Maryland’s jobs will require a postsecondary education. Community colleges are the largest single workforce trainer in Maryland.
• Due to Maryland’s community college students and their completion, Maryland will see avoided social costs amounting to $494 million annually, equal to the sum of avoided costs related to health, crime, and unemployment.
• Maryland community colleges offer degree, certificate and skills training programs to support workforce development for the region’s fastest growing industries such as nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, and hospitality.
• Graduating from one of Maryland’s community colleges has proven to have a profound impact on earnings. The median income for graduates more than doubles three years after completion when compared to student earnings one-year prior to graduation.

Former SU coach named new head of Chesapeake men’s basketball

Andrew Sachs, former coach at Salisbury University, is the new head men’s basketball coach at Chesapeake College.  Sachs served has the head men’s basketball coach at Salisbury University from 2015-2018, where he led the Sea Gulls to a 59-24 record in his three seasons.  He had the highest winning percentage of any men’s basketball coach in Salisbury University history.  

Under Sachs’ leadership the Sea Gulls made two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2015-16 and 2016-17.  Sachs was the second coach in school history to make back to back NCAA Tournament appearances and the only coach ever to do it in his first two seasons.  

During the 2015-16 season the Sea Gulls were #2 in the country in scoring defense.  In his three seasons, Sachs developed five Sea Gulls that were named 1st team all-conference players.  The 2016-17 team reached as high as #5 in the national poll, the highest the Sea Gulls had since Sachs was a Salisbury assistant in 1991-92 when the Gulls were #2 in the country at the end of the regular season.  Sachs also improved the team’s academic prowess as the Gulls placed seven players on the conference’s All-Academic team in 2017-18, the most ever in Salisbury Basketball history.  

”Coach Sachs’ passion, enthusiasm and dedication to student athlete success and the game of basketball is outstanding,” Director of Athletics Frank Szymanski said. “We are super excited to have him as a member of our athletic department at Chesapeake College.” 

Before his arrival at Salisbury, Sachs was the head coach at Bethany College (WV) for six seasons 2009-2015.  At Bethany, Sachs again left his mark, as he led the Bison to two NCAA Tournament berths and four ECAC appearances.  His overall record of 117-49 is the best winning percentage of any head coach in the 111-year history of the program.    Sachs’ teams are known for their tenacious defense, were relentless in turning opponents over.  The 2013-14 team led the country in steals.  Sachs’ back to back NCAA tournament appearances with the Bison in 2010-11 and 2011-12 were dominant and the 2011-12 team finished with the most wins in school history at 25-4.  The 2011-12 team reached their highest national ranking at #20 at the end of the regular season, the highest national ranking the Bison have had in fifty years.  In his six seasons, Sachs developed eleven all conference players, including two conference players of the year in Nick Wilcox and Delonte’ Joyce.  Sachs also served as the head men’s tennis coach during his tenure at Bethany College.  Overall as a head coach for nine seasons at two different programs, Sachs’ teams have never finished lower than third place.

Before becoming a head coach, Sachs spent five years as an assistant coach to Ralph Willard at the College of the Holy Cross from  2004-2009.  The Crusaders went 103-56 in his five seasons with the Crusaders.  Sachs served as the Crusaders recruiting coordinator and office manager, in addition to handling all scheduling, equipment and team apparel. He was also heavily involved in opponent scouting, academic advising, game preparation and player development.  In 2006-2007, Sachs helped the Crusaders to an overall record of 25-9, while winning the Patriot League regular season and tournament titles, and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. That 2006-2007 team finished top 10 in the country in scoring defense. During the 2004-2005 campaign, he helped the team to a 25-7 overall record, a Patriot League regular season title and defeated Notre Dame in the NIT for the first ever Patriot League post season win.  Sachs helped develop six all-league players including two Patriot League players of the year Kevin Hamilton and Keith Simmons and Defensive Player of the Year Torey Thomas.

Sachs went to Holy Cross after spending three seasons as an assistant coach at Baltimore Catholic League power Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn.  While at Spalding, Sachs also worked for the AND1 Corporation as a grassroots consultant in the DMV. He helped Archbishop Spalding to an overall record of 85-22 and two conference championships, while developing 10 players who went on to play at the collegiate level in Division I, including current San Antonio Spurs forward Rudy Gay.  

From 1996-2001, Sachs was the associate head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He helped the squad to 98 total wins, five straight winning seasons, including a pair of 20-win campaigns and a NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 1999-2000. While at IUP, Sachs coached and recruited 13 all PSAC players including three PSAC players of the year in Dennis Mims, Mike Beckles and 1st team All-American Rodney Horton.   

Sachs previously spent four years as an assistant coach at Virginia Wesleyan College from 1992-1996, where he also served as the head men's tennis coach and sports information director. In 1993, the Marlins won their first ever Old Dominion Athletic Conference title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.  Sachs recruited and developed seven all conference players including two ODAC Players of the Year in Jason Nickerson and Ron Yuhasz.  

Sachs began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Salisbury State University from 1987-1992 helping the team to back to back NCAA Tournament bids. The 28 victories in 1991-1992 set a school record for wins, with the team winning 27 straight games and advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight. While at Salisbury, he helped build the Sea Gulls into a national power and recruited six all league players.  

Overall, Sachs has recruited and/or coached 49 All League players at the collegiate level, including 11 who earned All-American honors.  Every team has been a part of as a head coach or assistant coach has made the NCAA Tournament.  He has worked over 130 weeks of basketball camps all over the east coast and has run his own camps the past nine years.  His camps have become the biggest basketball camps on the Eastern Shore.  He received his bachelor's degree from Salisbury State in 1990, then went on to earn a master's degree in 1992.  Sachs is married to the former Paula Handy.  They have two children Derek (10) and Meredith (7) and reside on the Eastern Shore.

Chesapeake College Names David A. Harper, Jr.  Vice-President for Workforce and Academic Programs

Mr. Dave Harper, the current Interim Vice-President for Workforce and Academic Programs, has been permanently appointed to the position. He brings with his appointment strong connections to the region and commitment to Chesapeake’s students. 

Mr. Harper was appointed to the position following a nationwide search and process that recently culminated in an on-campus day of interviews with a formal presentation to the college community.    

Mr. Harper accepted the interim appointment January 2018 after serving as Dean for Faculty and Teaching and as a faculty member in the English Department. Previously, he was a faculty member, assistant dean and honors program director at Chesapeake.  

“Dave has the vision to lead our academic and workforce programs into the future. He possesses formal training in leadership and has experience in both academic and non-academic settings as an administrator and manager,” said President Cliff Coppersmith.   “Throughout his experience he has successfully developed workforce and academic programs, promoted innovative curriculum, collaborated productively with student services and established strong connections to industry and business partners to support effective applied technology programs at the College.  He is fundamentally student centered in his work.”  

Mr. Harper is currently pursuing a doctorate in biblical studies at the Capital Seminary and Graduate School (Greenbelt, MD).  He earned his baccalaureate degree at the University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies and a master’s degree in English literature at Washington College.  He has completed additional coursework in literature at the University of Maryland and graduate level work in leadership studies at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, Wyoming.  

“I love this college and the community it serves.  I intend to work very hard on behalf of both,” Mr. Harper said. “I look forward to working with the college community to implement our new Strategic Plan.”

Mr. Harper resides on his family’s farm in Caroline County with his wife, Christy, and their two children. 

Both Clare Kelly of Easton and Jacquelin Smith of Greensboro show the kind of enthusiasm it takes be successful leaders who inspire others. They share the same experience of growing into leaders through their experiences at Chesapeake College. These two women will be honored Wednesday, May 22, with the John T. Harrison Award at Chesapeake College’s Commencement. The award-winners are at different points in their lives, but both discovered previously hidden abilities at Chesapeake.

Kelly is the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and helped lead the chapter to multiple district awards, including the designation as a Five Star Chapter. She encourages her peers as a tutor in the Academic Support Center. “School wasn’t always easy for me. I was taunted and teased for my mumbling and stuttering, and it seemed no matter how hard I studied, I was never going to comprehend anything,” Kelly said. “I never allowed these obstacles to ruin this love of school, because from a young age, I knew I never wanted to stop going. As I grew older, I realized this meant attending college.” Financial hardship and being told she “wasn’t smart enough for college” tested Kelly’s resolve. She persevered, took the encouragement of her professors and became a campus leader.

“Each of my professors encouraged me and taught me more about myself than I could ever realize. They saw potential in me — something I didn’t see because I was too blinded by my own self-doubt,” Kelly said. “Their time and advice made all the difference, and their power of a simple word, a phrase of reassurance or even a small smile truly made a profound impact on me forever.”

Kelly has a 4.0 GPA and was a semifinalist for the national Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. A member of the Honors Council this year, Kelly was a congressional intern during summer 2018. Kelly also was named to the All-Maryland Community College Academic Team and was named multiple semesters to the dean’s list. She was a member of the Student Senate Association and is a Leadership Program graduate. “Clare embodies all that we hope for in our students. She is focused, hard-working, thoughtful of and helpful to others, and is genuinely proud of being a part of Chesapeake College,” Associate Professor of English Linda Earls said. “She will shine in all that she will attempt in the future and is most deserving of this award.

A liberal arts and sciences major, Kelly hopes to become a college English professor. She will transfer to St. Mary’s College in the fall.

Smith came to Chesapeake more than 20 years after graduating from high school. Smith, her husband and two children moved to the Eastern Shore from the Chicago suburbs. As a volunteer for her children’s schools in Caroline County, Smith learned she enjoyed working with students in a classroom. “I became a substitute teacher and later an instructional assistant. I just loved working with children and knew that I belonged in education,” she said. Raising two children and helping with the family construction business, however, left little time for an endeavor such as pursuing a college degree. Once her two children were grown, Smith decided to go “all-in” and enroll in Chesapeake full time to earn an associate’s degree as soon as possible.

“It wasn’t easy being the oldest person in every class. I now had classmates who were kids I’d worked with in the schools. Sometimes, I was even older than the professor teaching the course,” Smith said. “But overall, this was a positive experience. My professors encouraged me and helped me realize that I had wisdom and valuable experience.” With that encouragement, Smith looked for other opportunities on campus. She found campus involvement, particularly her work with PTK, helped bridge the age gap between younger students and herself. “I learned that I had something to offer for the greater good. The age difference quickly disappeared between the PTK members and me. They seemed to appreciate my contributions, and it was great working together,” she said.

Those contributions include helping PTK achieve Five Star status this year and earn numerous regional chapter awards. A dean’s list student, Smith also is in the Honors Program. “She is one of the best students I have had the pleasure of teaching, because she is naturally intellectually curious and wants to teach for all of the right reasons,” said Deanna Reinard, professor of teacher education. “She is the epitome of who community college serve in this country.”

She will attend Washington College in fall, where she plans to major in English with a minor in education. Smith’s goal is to become a middle school English teacher.

The Mid-Shore Nursing Assistant Advisory Council (MSNAAC) recently presented the inaugural CNA Community Advocate of the Year award to Mr. John DeLuca of Cambridge for his steadfast support of the Certified Nursing Assistant workforce.  Mr. DeLuca has been the driving force behind the T.R.E.E.S. initiative since its inception in 2014. The mission is “To make a difference in the lives we touch through Training, Recruitment, Education, Employment, and Support with compassion, care and commitment. T.R.E.E.S.  provides full scholarships to students who enter the CNA program at Chesapeake College.  Through Mr. DeLuca’s diligent outreach, networking and support, twenty-seven T.R.E.E.S. scholarship recipients have successfully completed the CNA program.  Graduates are gainfully employed at various facilities in the mid-shore including Bayleigh Chase, Candlelight Cove, Comfort Keepers, and Caroline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  For more information email lwidmaier@chesapeake.edu.

Each year, employers of Nursing Assistants nominate CNAs who demonstrate exceptional dedication to healthcare, compassion for others, leadership skills, work ethic, professionalism and team work. The CNA of the Year event, hosted the by the Mid-Shore Nursing Assistant Advisory Council (MSNAAC), was held on May 16 at Chesapeake College’s Todd Performing Arts Center and honored twenty-seven hard working Nursing Assistants.  Each nominee receives recognition during the event and the recipient receives the honor of The “CNA of the Mid-Shore” award.  This year’s winner, Esther Nichols, is a member of the University of Maryland Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown team and was nominated by her supervisor.  As described in her nomination letter, “Esther is devoted to caring for her patients in a non-judgmental manner. She treats all patients as if they were her family member.”  

For more information,visit the MSNAAC website at www.msnaac.org. or email lwidmaier@chesapeake.edu.

Join us at Business After Hours withDorchester County Chamber of Commerce
Let’s Celebrate!
40 years of Chesapeake College in Cambridge
Thursday, June 27th
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Kick Off our 40th Anniversary
Welcome Brandon HessonNew Cambridge Center Director
Enjoy a Wine & Cheese Reception
RSVP at www.chesapeake.edu/cam40

Shelby Simpkins, 18, of Easton was recently named 2019 Outstanding Dual Enrollment Student at Chesapeake College. The outstanding student credits her lifelong drive to excel academically for her high school accomplishments.

Ms. Simpkins said that drive took her beyond the college prep curriculum of upper level and Advanced Placement classes to the fast track for a college degree. Less than a month before her graduation from Easton High School in June, Ms. Simpkins earned an associate’s degree at Chesapeake College.

Each year, high school students across the Mid-Shore get a head start on college through Chesapeake’s Dual Enrollment program. High school juniors and seniors earn college credits in classes in offered in the schools, at the college or online. 

“I wanted to do something different that would really challenge me. Knowing at the end of the semester that I had made it through a true college class was motivating for me and made me want push ahead,” she said. “Dual Enrollment  gave me the chance to test myself and see how I would do in a college setting. I really enjoyed the challenge.”

At Chesapeake, Ms. Simpkins maintained a 3.75 Grade Point Average and was named to the Dean’s List each semester.

With the 59 credits she is transferring from Chesapeake to Salisbury University, Ms.  Simpkins could potentially finish her bachelor’s degree when she is just 20 years old.  

That accelerated pace, she says, gives her the time to earn additional emergency certifications and eventually a master’s degree. She plans to major in nursing at SU, and hopes to be a shock trauma nurse in the future. 

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people. It’s amazing to see how medical technology and skill can bring someone back from their lowest point to a full recovery,” Ms. Simpkins said. “I knew that I wanted to make a career of helping people.”

 Ms. Simpkins volunteers with Talbot Hospice and earned nearly 200 service learning hours. She holds two jobs, including a file clerk position at an Easton law firm.  She is a member of National Honor Society and the Key Club. As a student at EHS, Ms. Simpkins also participated in the Unified Bocce Ball team.

“From day one, Shelby was a focused, determined young lady with a definite plan. She is hard working, organized and mature beyond her years,” said Easton High School Guidance Counselor Debra McQuaid. “Shelby will excel in any career she pursues.  She was a delight to work with.  I'd wish her luck, but she doesn't need any.”

In addition to her academic achievements, Ms. Simpkins has also earned accolades as Miss Easton Fire Prevention, Miss Maryland Fire Prevention and Miss DelMarVa Fire Prevention.

For more information about Chesapeake’s Dual Enrollment program for high school students, please email Angela DenHerder at adenherder@chesapeake.edu

Join us on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 12pm until 4pm for CRABS ON THE QUAD!!!

An All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feast to benefit the JC Gibson Memorial Book Fund, presented by the Chesapeake College Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Meet us on the Wye Mills campus (1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD) for food, music & fun—all for a great cause!

Tickets are $45 per person, and can be ordered by calling 410-822-5400, ext 2303.

Call for more information and additional details, including child's pricing and bulk orders. 

Join us for new student orientation in Cambridge!

Join us for new student orientation on August 24 in Wye Mills.