President's Corner Message: Listening, Learning and Growing in Challenging Times

Events of the past week have been challenging for me and for the College community. Ideally, this time of the year should have been focused on final exams and end of the semester activities that leave us justifiably fatigued, and I apologize that news about me has added more stress and strain to an already challenging time of year. It is my honor and privilege to be a trusted voice and advocate for Montgomery College and for community colleges in general. Until this past week, the College has been in the headlines locally, nationally, and even internationally for the amazing work that the faculty and staff do, and for the phenomenal successes that our students achieve. The news stories last week, about me, do not diminish the outstanding work of this institution. I have been considering carefully what can be learned from this experience, and have talked with many people throughout the College--and I welcome those conversations--about the impacts of this experience. I am so thankful for the support and confidence from our external and internal communities for the institution and for me. Many people have sent messages that are encouraging and positive; in addition, some have suggested caution and increased care for the future. I have learned significantly from these valuable suggestions and from the entire experience. But it was an e-mail message from one of our faculty colleagues that reminded me of just who I am: a person who was once a college student from extremely modest means, with significant challenges who worked extremely hard to have the honor of doing this work for Montgomery College. She reminded me how much work remains to be done and advised me not to let this issue detract from the focus on students and the vital work needed by me and the College on their behalf. She encouraged me to continue raising scholarship dollars for students; she challenged me to continue advocating for our DACA students who are living in fear; and she urged me to continue building partnerships that benefit our college and community. She urged me to recommit to doing this work--and doing it well. At the end of each year, many of us review the past and make resolutions. I resolve to do the College's work with renewed vigor and voice. I resolve to always exercise caution and care. And I resolve to continue to advocate for Montgomery College to ensure we are the most relevant community college in the country and that our outstanding work continues. Listening, learning, growing--this is what I'm committed to doing. Thank you for reminding me.