2026 Annual Report
Our Mission The St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) Office of Career Development and Community Engagement fosters a culture of service, leadership, and professional readiness by connecting students with meaningful opportunities that help them discover their purpose and contribute to a thriving Southern Maryland community.
Why Career + Community? In January 2026, the former Center for Career & Professional Development merged with the former Office of Community Outreach & Engagement. The new Office of Career Development & Community Engagement (CDCE) creates partnerships that help students build professional competencies while creating a clear pathway from volunteer service and community-engaged learning to internships and employment. Students have access to a vast network of community members, and the community has a single point of contact for connecting with the College and all of its resources.
2026 Annual Report
Table of Contents 2
Greetings & Gratitude
3
Our Services
4
LEAD & Professional Pathways
6
Mentorship Programs
7
Educational Partnership Agreement
8
LEAD 211 & Lead-in-Action
10
Internships
12
Career Week & Fair
13
Navigator Leadership Program
14
Community Outreach & Engagement
17
Community Impact Awards
18
Partners & Sponsors
19
Arts Alliance
20
A Look Ahead
2026 Annual Report 1
Greetings We hope you enjoy this report highlighting our accomplishments over the past year. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, or community partner, we deeply appreciate the chance to serve and collaborate with you. Special thanks to President Rhonda Phillips and Vice President for Student Affairs Jerri Howland for your unwavering support. We look forward to a bright future as we continue to connect campus and community and guide our students and alumni toward success. Caroline King Executive Director Kristen Penningon Director of Career Development Kelsey Bush Director of Community Engagement Brandy Smith Internship & Events Coordinator Darah Schillinger Community-Engaged Learning Coordinator Kalyn Ciriaco First-Year & Volunteer Programs Coordinator Amelia Villada Office Manager
Gratitude Thank you to our campus partners for your continued partnership and support: Academic Affairs International Education, Registrar, Student Success Services, Belonging & Signature Scholars Programs, Hoyer Center for the Study of Democracy, Boyden Gallery, Library Advancement Development, SMCM Foundation, Alumni Relations
Athletics & Recreation Business & Finance Human Resources, Business Office, Auxiliary Services, Institutional Research, Information Technology, Physical Plant Communications & Marketing
Enrollment Management Admissions, Enrollment Operations, Student Financial Assistance Student Affairs Dean of Students, Health Services, Accessibility Services, Counseling, Public Safety
2026 Annual Report 2
Services We Provide Personalized career coaching Strong Interest Inventory Deciding on a major and career path Professional document review, mock interviews, internship and job search Professional skills workshops On campus for SMCM students Off campus for high school and college students Employer relations Info sessions, site visits, networking events Internship and job postings Internship support Funding and approval for credit Information on volunteer/service year options Grad school guidance Info sessions and resource fairs Assistance with applications Support for community-engaged learning courses Training on community and civic engagement Volunteer opportunity posting Voter registration and transportation to local voting locations Community outreach Calendar of campus and community events Community outreach newsletter Tabling at community events Outreach for SMCM Arts Alliance Coordination of SMCM Speakers Bureau Partnership support Hosting community forums Facilitation of campus visits Implementation of MOUs and other partnerships with external organizations
2026 Annual Report 3
Learning through Experiential & Applied Discovery The LEAD curriculum serves as a cornerstone of SMCM’s commitment to experiential learning and career readiness. Through the Professional Pathways courses, students build essential professional literacy skills, explore career interests, and connect their academic experiences to real-world applications. Grounded in the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness framework, these required courses intentionally cultivate the eight key competencies, empowering students to develop the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to navigate their professional journeys with purpose and success.
NACE Career Readiness Competencies: Career & Self-Development • Communication • Critical Thinking Equity & Inclusion • Leadership • Professionalism • Teamwork • Technology 2026 Annual Report 4
Professional Pathways Assessment Over the 2025-26 academic year, we updated our pre- and post-course assessments on NACE competencies, asking students to assess their current competencies on a 5-point scale. Across both semesters, we see clear improvement as students progress from their first semester in the program to completion of their LEAD requirements.
FA25 Courses
Pre-course average perception of NACE competencies
Post-course average perception of NACE competencies
Change
LEAD 111
3.57
3.98
+0.41
LEAD 112
3.42
3.80
+0.38
LEAD 211
3.83
4.07
+0.24
SP26 Courses
Pre-course average perception of NACE competencies
Post-course average perception of NACE competencies
Change
LEAD 111
3.43
3.81
+0.38
LEAD 112
3.52
3.63
+0.11
LEAD 211
3.80
4.08
+0.28
2026 Annual Report 5
Mentor-a-Seahawk Mentor-a-Seahawk CDCE collaborates with the Office of Alumni Relations to implement the Mentor-aSeahawk program, pairing students in LEAD 112 with alumni mentors. Mentors and mentees meet multiple times each semester to strengthen students’ professionalism, expand their networks, and prepare them for life beyond college. In the 2025-26 academic year, 383 students were matched with alumni mentors!
“The openness and kindness of my mentor was impactful for me. She gave me constructive criticism and motivated me so much. I'm glad that I am able to reach out to her in the future.”
Impact of Student Career Mentors
Over the past year, CDCE employed 38 Career Mentors (CMs), who played a vital role in supporting student success. The CMs served as teaching assistants, staffed the CDCE Career Studio, and contributed to major initiatives such as Career Week and the Career & Internship Fair. CMs have been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact. They provided peer-to-peer support, ranging from to LinkedIn and Handshake profile development to internship and job search guidance, during a total of 1,261 student appointments. 2026 Annual Report 6
Educational Partnership Agreement CDCE played a key role in the renewal of SMCM’s Educational Partnership Agreement with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and The Patuxent Partnership (TPP). This updated agreement enhances the partnership with new opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in advanced research, applied learning, and career pathway development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as business and related professional disciplines. Through the agreement, SMCM students, faculty, and staff will gain access to specialized facilities, technical expertise, and real-world applications in naval aviation and related systems, experiences not typically available in a traditional academic setting. It also creates expanded opportunities for internships, mentoring, and career exploration connected to one of the region’s most significant federal employers.
CDCE worked with the NAWCAD Strategic Education Office on programming throughout the year, including a “Speed Networking” event for students to engage with SMCM alumni that work at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. CDCE also collaborated with The Patuxent Partnership on off-campus career development workshops for local high schoolers and college interns. The agreement will continue to be implemented through coordinated efforts among all partners, including the development of structured internship pathways, faculty engagement opportunities, and targeted programming to support student success and workforce readiness. 2026 Annual Report 7
LEAD 211: The Honors College Externship All LEAD 211 courses are topic-specific and catered to the majors and minors of incoming sophomores and juniors each semester. Our courses are designed to help students make decisions about their career path through guest speaker testimonials and real-world experiences, teaching our students how to navigate from college to the workplace. Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, the LEAD 211 courses have welcomed 82 guest speakers and panelists, bringing accomplished professionals, industry experts, and community leaders directly into the classroom.
Students also participated in 14 off-campus experiential trips. These excursions offered meaningful opportunities to gain perspectives beyond the classroom and to explore potential career paths through hands-on, career-focused experiences.
In spring 2026, staff introduced two new CDCE-generated content weeks for LEAD 211, focusing on common technology in the workplace and graduate school/post-graduation resources on and off campus.
2026 Annual Report 8
LEAD-In-Action This year, we continued our “LEAD in Action” series, where students engage in tailored, experiential learning both inside and outside of the classroom. This series has grown significantly since its pilot in fall 2024, now supporting five semester-long projects or certifications. Students in the World of Writing course participated in a semester-long English Department Bulletin Board Revitalization project. Students in the K-12 Education course participated in a semester-long “change” project, where each student was tasked with identifying a need in the world of K-12 education and developing a plan to address it. Students in the Emergency Medical Services course gained free CPR certifications through Dr. Andrew Koch. Students in the Museum Operations and Engagement course worked as a class on an action plan to propose to the St. Mary’s County Museum Division for revitalization of the Softball Hall of Fame in Chancellor’s Run Regional Park. Students in the Exploring Environmental Advocacy course planted new trees at Lexington Manor Passive Park with a local chapter of the Sierra Club. In addition, students participated in a semester-long externship project where they selected, designed, and executed a local conservation project, community service event, or sustainability advocacy action plan within the local community. These are just some of the many incredible community-engaged projects implemented by LEAD 211 instructors and their students. We are incredibly grateful to our instructors, Career Mentors, guest speakers, and off-site networks for making these projects possible! 2026 Annual Report 9
Signature Honors Internship Program At SMCM, the Honors College Promise guarantees every student the opportunity to pursue an internship, research experience or international study. The Signature Honors Internship Program (SHIP) offers students the chance to gain practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields, with the added benefits of compensation and potential academic credit. Our dedicated team is focused on enhancing the success of SHIP by collaborating with both on-campus and offcampus partners. We strive to broaden the scope and variety of internship opportunities available to our students.
850 Internships Advertised 448 Internships Filled 130 Internships in Top Academic Divisions
SCIENCES & HEALTHCARE BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES ARTS & COMMUNICATION
UNDECIDED
Top Contributing Single & Joint Majors
Biology & Biochemistry
41
Marine Science
14
Business Administration
12
Economics
12
Environmental Studies
12
63 internships 48.5%
23 internships 17.7%
24 internships 18.5%
13 internships 10%
7 internships 5.4%
2026 Annual Report 10
Internship Highlights Locations: Alabama British Columbia California Florida Georgia Maryland New Jersey New York Oklahoma Pennsylvania Virginia
“Connecting ideas learned in the classroom with those of a real business.”
“Hosting a large fundraising event.”
“Being able to learn something new every day and meet people from different backgrounds and schools. “ “I brought ideas to the table and built trust with the business owner.”
“I witnessed real medical procedures on injured wildlife patients.” “I created new lessons and shared my passions with kids.”
“Connecting with different teams, learning how their work fits together and asking questions. Those conversations helped me see the bigger picture and made the experience more meaningful.”
“Each aspect was meaningful and special to me, but my favorite was field experience.”
“My Lab Coordinators were open to new experimentation outside of the normal plan.” “I gained independence in my research skills to prepare me for my SMP and grad school.”
2026 Annual Report 11
Career Week Career & Internship Fair: Student Success
96.2%
886
1,130
265
Felt Prepared for the Spring Career Fair
Career Week Participations
Career Fair Student Visits
Students Reporting Career Outcomes
Student survey results
Across 10 programs
703 fall 427 spring
Interviews & employment
During the 2025-26 academic year, Career Week connected students with professional development, career exploration, and meaningful employment opportunities. From professional attire and resume preparation to industry panels and direct employer engagement, students built the confidence, skills, and connections needed to successfully navigate the transition from college to career.
2026 Annual Report 12
Navigator Leadership Program Preparing Students to Chart Their Own Course The inaugural Navigator Leadership Program gave students the opportunity to learn about leadership, build relationships with regional leaders, and put their skills into practice through a community-based capstone project. Developed in partnership with Leadership Southern Maryland, the program’s leadership curriculum was led by Leslie Taylor, former Vice Commander of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).
A Different Kind of Leadership Experience
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Navigator combines leadership education with the relationships and experiences that allow students to put those lessons into practice. The inaugural cohort included 16 students, all of whom successfully completed the program. Students participated in twice-monthly leadership seminars, explored their individual leadership styles, and were matched one-on-one with regional professionals for mentorship. Students then completed capstone projects supporting the new St. Mary's County Family YMCA.
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION Four student teams completed realworld projects supporting the YMCA:
Marketing • Administration & Operations • Community Resource Mapping • Capstone Documentation “I initially thought of leadership as the front and center role, but through this program I tried to lead from behind to see how I could support my team members to rise to the challenge of leadership.” - Summer LaRocco '26 Navigator Leadership Program, Inaugural Cohort 2026 Annual Report 13
Community Outreach & Engagement OUTREACH
Created content for Community Hub website and three social media platforms Sent monthly email newsletters Tabled at 16 community events Presented results of Community Engagement Survey Held monthly “Coffee with Community Engagement” Attended community meetings, ceremonies and receptions Represented SMCM on Leonardtown and Lexington Park Business Associations
ENGAGEMENT
Co-sponsored “Hawks in the Community” during orientation, engaging 209 students Hosted Nonprofit Expo, connecting nearly 40 nonprofits with our campus and community Sponsored new “Science in the Pub” series in partnership with Call Signs restaurant Supported Pier450's Speaker Series Organized SMCM participation in the Leonardtown Veterans Day Parade Co-sponsored annual SMCM Sacred Journey Organized annual Seahawks in Annapolis Day - trip to State House, visit with legislators and alumni Sponsored “Morning at Morgan” trip to J.P Morgan Private Bank in D.C. Hosted the Small Biz Expo, bringing 10 local businesses to campus to connect with students Presented 3 training sessions on community engagement Partnered with PFLAG on “Out in the Workplace” Co-sponsored Bay to Bay Service Days/Volunteer Week, with students completing 245 service hours Hosted 10 career development workshops, employer info sessions, and networking events Provided 4 off-campus workshops Worked with faculty to develop new communityengaged learning courses Arranged monthly St. Mary’s County Mobile Library and local food truck visits to campus 2026 Annual Report 14
Community Events on Campus CDCE participated in the 2025 One Maryland, One Book (OMOB) program, partnering with the St. Mary’s County Museum Division and regional libraries on programming throughout the year. The capstone event on Oct. 8 brought more than 150 community members to SMCM for an evening celebrating history, genealogy, literature, and art with author Carole Boston Weatherford and artist Jeffery Boston Weatherford, creators of “Kin: Rooted in Hope.” CDCE was a part of this year’s Bradlee Lecture on Feb. 19. Director of Community Engagement and 272 descendant Kelsey Bush acted as one of the cointerviewers for Rachel Swarns, author of “The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church." The book centers on the historic and devastating 1838 sale of 272 enslaved men, women, and children by a group of Maryland Jesuit priests, with two of the locations in St. Mary's County and one only minutes from campus. SMCM and CDCE partnered with the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition and Historic Sotterley to present Sundays Revisited: A Conversation on Black League Baseball in Southern Maryland at the Dodge Performing Arts Center. The April 12 program brought together over 100 former players, community members, and young people to preserve and celebrate a vital chapter of Southern Maryland history. On June 4, CDCE convened the Southern Maryland Housing Solutions Symposium in partnership with Leadership Southern Maryland. Over 250 community leaders, housing professionals, policymakers, and residents attended to examine the growing challenges of housing affordability and availability across Southern Maryland. Speakers included Jake Day, MD Secretary of Housing & Community Development, Cindy Greb, St. Mary’s County Director of Economic Development, and Ben Seigel, Deputy Comptroller. 2026 Annual Report 15
Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm The Kate Chandler Campus Community Farm, or Kate Farm, is a shining example of SMCM’s commitment to community engagement. The Kate Farm serves as a site for community-engaged learning courses on sustainable agriculture, hosts students interns, volunteers, and the Kate Farm Club, and harvests and donates produce and eggs for on- and off-campus use. Programs throughout the year welcome students, faculty, staff, and neighbors to “grow good food and community.” “One of my favorite experiences was handing out flower bouquets to community members at the River Concert Series. It is these simple moments that I look forward to the most, interacting with people and hearing how their stories have been, or continue to be, interwoven with what we are growing and sharing at the farm.” Kate Farm Highlights: 3,603 lbs of produce harvested 39,024 eggs harvested 1,315 intern hours logged SP26 launched an apiary at Kate Farm with 6,000 bees SU26 planted three sisters plot that will integrate with ENST, ART, and POSC courses in FA26 SU26 launched a mixed pumpkin/gourd patch for fall events SU26 hatched the first successful clutch of Heritage Jersey Buff Turkey Poults (10) Ran DB Scholars Kate Farm Event Partnered with Trinity Church on “Nature & Spirituality” discussion Hosted Earth Day programs
“I am amazed by the variety of tasks, projects, and experiences I have participated in. Every day I am reminded of what farming with a sustainable focus requires of us: a willingness to learn and collaborate with more people.” –Mercedes Pope ‘26 (Summer Intern) 2026 Annual Report 16
Community Impact Awards CDCE proudly hosted the first annual SMCM Community Impact Awards, themed "Celebrating the St. Mary's Way in Action." The event honored students, faculty, staff, and community partners for their service, leadership, and meaningful engagement both on and off campus. Developed from a previous departmental recognition program, the Community Impact Awards expanded this year into a campus-wide celebration honoring non-academic achievements that significantly shape the College community.
Career Mentor of the Year - Cecelia Layfield Professional Pathways Adjunct Instructor Community Impact Award - Crystal Dunkin Professional Pathways Adjunct Instructor Community Impact Award - Jamie Naluai Professional Pathways Community-Engaged Learning Award - Rosa Hance Distinguished Campus Partner - Holly Fabbri Psychology Department Community Impact Award - Angie Draheim Sociology Department Social Impact & Advocacy - Li Rizek Peer Health Educator of the Year - Pillar Dyson Accessibility Ally - George McLeod, Matthew Wilfong Cait McPherson, Sarah Malena, James Mantell, and Matthew Fehrs Public Safety Officer of the Year - Victoria Janey Faculty Community Engagement Award - Parisa Rinaldi Faculty Community Engagement Award - Patricia Davis Student Outstanding Community Service - Lily Beck Student Outstanding Community Service - Clay Kiesel Community Partner of the Year - St. Mary’s County Museum Division & Karen Stone, Manager Community Partner of the Year - The MIL Corporation 2026 Annual Report 17
Thank you, Community Partners!
AY25-56 Career and Internship Fair Sponsors
SILVER Sponsors Calvert Marine Museum Charles County Public Schools Maryland State Police Sabre Systems Inc.
PLATINUM Sponsors
GOLD Sponsors City of Alexandria Police Department Enterprise Mobility Erie Insurance JAG Consulting Precise Systems
KBR The MIL Corp.
CHESAPEAKE CHAMPIONS
Naval Systems Incorporated St. Mary’s County Public Schools
We extend sincere appreciation to the dedicated members of our Community Engagement Council: Marcia Greenberg, chair Barry Muchnick, PhD, co-chair Mahree Annan Gwen Bankins
Michael Bellis Cynthia Brown Nell Elder Kellie Hinkle Rev. Charity Humm
Hafiz Jaffer Kathy Koch, PhD Gretchen Phillips Brandon Russell
2026 Annual Report 18
SMCM Arts Alliance The Arts Alliance was created to promote and support cultural and arts-related activities and programs at the College for the enrichment and enjoyment of the Southern Maryland community. The following faculty and staff received grants for arts-related programming during the 2025-26 academic year: Karen Anderson – VOICES Reading Series Crystal Oliver – Chesapeake Writers Conference Brittany Chanell Johnson – High School Choral Festival Jerry Gabriel – Southern Maryland Folklife Center Jennifer Cognard-Black – Reading with Merideth Taylor Rie Moore – Sound Immersion Series Caroline King – One Maryland, One Book
Thank you to Arts Alliance members for supporting the arts at SMCM:
Benefactors Mr. Tony Pait & Mrs. Bozena Pait Dr. Alfred E. Victor and Mrs. R. J. Victor
Patrons Mr. Frank R. Allen and Mrs. Christina L. Allen, Ms. Phyllis A. Bailey, Ms. Paula M. Coxon, and Mrs. Beverly B. Hargraves and Mr. John C. Hargraves
Partners Mrs. Rachael W. Barnoski and Mr. Tom Barnoski, Mr. David G. Brown and Mrs. Erna Brown, Mr. Christopher Rodkey, Ms. Louise K. Snell, Mr. Charles J. Steenburgh, Mrs. Virginia M. Stein and Mr. Charles W. Stein, Mrs. Loretta A. Taylor, The Honorable Karen H. Abrams and The Honorable James A. Kenney, Mr. Jon H. Baake and Mrs. Pamela P. Baake, Mr. Joseph J. Carbonaro Jr. and Mrs. Andrea L. Carbonaro, Mrs. Susan L. Dyer and Vice Adm. Joseph W. Dyer, Mr. Vankirk E. Fehr and Mrs. Cynthia Fehr, Mr. Dennis N. Gordge and Mrs. Melina D. Gordge, Ms. Green and Mr. Edgerton, Ms. Marcia E. Greenberg and Mr. David Lewis, Mrs. Joann R. Guy and Mr. Rodger W. Guy, Mrs. Sarah E. Houde and Mr. Edward D. Houde, Mrs. Suellen T. Keiner and Mr. R. B. Keiner, Mr. David Lewis and Ms. Marcia E. Greenberg, Mrs. Elizabeth L. Matthews and Mr. Timothy S. Matthews, Mr. Robert H. Milburn Jr. and Mrs. Linda J. Milburn, Dr. Robert W. Paul and Mrs. Susan G. Paul, Mr. Christopher F. Perlick and Mrs. Kathleen M. Perlick, and Mrs. Margaret M. Weir
Friends Mrs. Abigail B. Adelman, Ms. Patricia Armstrong, Mrs. Rebecca L. Benton and Mr. Huntt F. Benton, Ms. Barbara L. Bowman, Ms. Eliot Girsang, Mrs. Sylvia F. Rivers, Ms. Alice Tetelman, Mr. James Tidwell, Mrs. Kimberly K. Westcoat and Mr. W. Dean Westcoat, Mrs. and Mr. Dowdell, Mr. and Mrs. Fulchiron, Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith, Mr. Alan Hinkle and Ms. Rosemary Hinkle, Mr. William Riddell and Mrs. Nancy Riddell, Ms. Debra Szymkowiak and Mr. Gregory Penk, Mr. Brian Tarleton and Mrs., Marie T. Tarleton, Ms. Sibyl Tilson, Dr. John G. Williamson and Mrs. Carolyn F. Williamson, Ms. Janet H. Allison-Chandler and Mr. Robert L. Chandler, Mrs. Patricia A. Cole, Ms. Joyce L. Judd, Mr. Alan R. Newhouse, Mrs. Katherine H. Owens, Mrs. Margaret A. Carlton and Capt. Kenneth M. Carlton, Ms. Kathleen M. Cummings and Mr. Ned C. Wolfe, Mr. Chris Ferraro, Ms. Lesia Mandzia, Mr. David McGowan, Mrs. Norma Osterhouse and Mr. Jim Osterhouse, Mrs. Suzanne L. Patterson and Capt. John B. Patterson, Mr. Robert W. Russell and Mrs. Ruth Russell, Mr. Frank E. Taylor and Mrs. Susan D. Taylor, and Mr. Warren Walker and Mrs. Beverly A. Walker
2026 Annual Report 19
Looking Ahead: Academic Year 2026-27 In the year ahead, CDCE remains committed to setting students on a path toward meaningful careers, engaged citizenship, and purposeful lives. Building on the strong foundation established this year, we will continue expanding opportunities for students both on campus and beyond. A key focus will be further enhancing our LEAD curriculum and LEAD 211 offerings. We will also work to increase the number and diversity of internship and job opportunities available to students.
Expanding employer site visits and strengthening relationships with regional and national partners will provide students with greater exposure to career pathways and professional networks, while the Navigator Leadership Program will offer our top-tier students an additional opportunity for skill development and professional growth. Community engagement will remain central to our work. Guided by this year's Essential Question, “What is Community?”,
we will incorporate opportunities for dialogue throughout our programming, encouraging all students, faculty, and staff to consider their roles in their communities. We will continue cultivating partnerships, working closely with campus partners, alumni, employers, nonprofits and community stakeholders to develop learning opportunities while addressing real community needs. Botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote, “All flourishing is mutual,” and we believe that wholeheartedly.
2026 Annual Report 20
Announcing the new SMCM Career Development & Community Engagement Partnership Program! Designed to support our Career & Internship Fair, student internships, and the Navigator Leadership Program, it provides employers and community partners exclusive opportunities to engage with our students and campus community. Contact us at careercenter@smcm.edu to learn more.
2026 Annual Report
Excellence in Program Development & Innovation
inside.smcm.edu/office-career-development-and-community-engagement careercenter@smcm.edu/community@smcm.edu (240) 895-4203 • Glendening Hall 210