Chesapeake College has named Kamari Collins, a student affairs administrator from Massachusetts, as Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management.

Kamari Collins

“Throughout the search process, Kamari demonstrated experience in student services, excellent communication skills, and dedication to students.  He has extensive experience in outreach to underserved populations,” said Chesapeake President Cliff Coppersmith. “He will bring a proven track record in excellence in organizational leadership to his work with us and I very much look forward to working with him.”

Currently, Mr. Collins is the Vice President of Student Affairs at Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Mass., where he has been in that role since 2015. Mr. Collins begins his new post at Chesapeake on Oct. 16.

The secret to student success, Mr. Collins said, is recognizing the varied needs and experiences of the entire student population. Chesapeake serves Dual Enrollment high school students, traditional college-age students earning degrees or credits to transfer to four-year institutions, working adults, and retirees interested in personal enrichment.

“It is especially important at community college to meet students where they are. Community colleges have diverse student populations with different backgrounds and different goals. It is up to us to help each one find an individual path,” Mr. Collins said. “The challenge is that one size does not fit all. Students are more likely to be successful if we can tailor paths for them.”

It was that commitment to student success that drew Mr. Collins to Chesapeake College. He said he plans to work with Chesapeake’s student services staff members to identify opportunities.

“I want to hear from the staff and see how we can improve our systems to create an environment for student success. Chesapeake already has a great foundation with many strengths. I look forward to working with staff to build on those strengths and identify possible new opportunities,” Mr. Collins said. “It was clear during my visits that Chesapeake has a dedicated staff that are truly committed to student success.”

During his career in academics, Mr. Collins served in successive positions of responsibility including Director of Academic Advising and Dean of Academic Advising and Student Success at STCC.  Prior to his work at STCC he served as Director of Youth & Education Programs with the Urban League of Springfield, Inc.

Now he’s leaving the long Bay State winters behind for the four-distinct seasons around the Chesapeake Bay.

“Chesapeake’s service area is beautiful with many great communities,” Mr. Collins said. “I look forward to getting to know the area better.”

Mr. Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in Science in Movement and Sports Studies and Teacher Preparation, and a master’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College.  He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Northeastern University.

About Chesapeake College

Founded in 1965 as Maryland’s first regional community college, Chesapeake serves five Eastern Shore counties – Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. With more than 130,000 alumnae, Chesapeake has 2,300 students and almost 10,000 people enrolled in continuing education programs.

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.” named to the Dean’s List each semester.

Chesapeake College President Cliff Coppersmith presents Shelby Simpkins with the Dual Enrollment Student of the Year Award for 2019.

At Chesapeake, Ms. Simpkins maintained a 3.75 Grade Point Average and was 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 visit www.chesapeake.edu or email Angela DenHerder at adenherder@chesapeake.edu

Sandy Morse

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.

Four Mid-Shore students are pursuing skilled trades training this year thanks to the William O. “Billy” Bryan Workforce Training  Scholarship at Chesapeake College.

“This gift helped us with our new initiative to expand scholarship opportunities for students in our noncredit workforce training programs,”said President Cliff Coppersmith. “The majority of our current scholarships are for students in credit programs that lead to associate’s degrees or transfer to a four-year college. There are few scholarship opportunities for students in workforce training such as our trades programs, since these programs do not qualify for federal financial aid.”

The Bryan Brothers Foundation, dedicated to “building dreams for youth” on the Eastern Shore, established the scholarship to help students meet their career goals.

“We wanted to help students who will go on to help the community,” Jason Bryan said. “My father was a student at Chesapeake. He passed in 2010 and we wanted to keep his legacy going with something that was important to him. Chesapeake was near and dear to his heart. Bryan and Sons need people who weld and have other trades skills. They don’t get financial aid, so this is a way to help these students and train workers who will help local businesses.”

Pictured L-R are: Director of Skilled Trades Tom Ellis, President Cliff Coppersmith, Nicholas Pritchett, Kim Mull, Kasey Mull, Jason Bryan, and Andrew Stenger.

Two of the 18-19 scholarship recipients are Nicholas Pritchett of Linkwood and Andrew Stenger of Rock Hall, both are in the welding program.

The student recipients say the scholarships are allowing them to improve their skills and pursue fulfilling careers.

“I’ve always been interested in welding, but I need the certification. These classes are helping me take a passion and turn it into a career,” said Stenger, who works full time at Long Cove Marina. Once certified in welding, Stenger hopes to continue his training in deep sea underwater welding.

Pritchett is also working in the field and says the scholarship is helping him meet career goals

“Thanks to this scholarship I’m able to learn something that I’ve wanted to do and get certification. I want to be a structural welder. I dropped out of high school and came here to get a GED. The staff encouraged me to go further,” he said. “Coming to Chesapeake is best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve gone from not wanting to be in school to loving school. I look forward to coming to class in the evenings.”

Chesapeake currently offers trades training in commercial truck driving, CAD, electrician, HVAC, and welding. More programs are in development.  For more information about Skilled Trades programs, please contact Tom Ellis at tellis@chesapeake.edu.

About Chesapeake College

Founded in 1965 as Maryland’s first regional community college, Chesapeake serves five Eastern Shore counties – Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. With more than 130,000 alumnae, Chesapeake has 2,300 students and almost 10,000 people enrolled in continuing education programs.