Ann Smith, former dean of Career and Technical Education at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), was recognized with a DCTAL distinguished service award for her proven leadership in establishing economic and workforce development efforts that increased access for Southern Maryland students to college and careers. Here, State Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton presents Smith with an award from the University of Maryland’s health care network for promoting grassroots operations as a means of cancer prevention and treatment.
The DCTAL award recognized Smith’s more than 30 years of service to the College of Southern Maryland’s division of career and technical education, where she oversaw the creation of dozens of programs including nursing, a field in which she worked as a nurse and nurse educator for 15 years before coming to the college. Smith retired from CSM in June 2007 but has continued to work with the college on its efforts in developing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related initiatives and the Perkins grant.
“I have always admired our students for their tenacity. Even modest educational goals take a lot of effort when you are juggling a job, community responsibilities, a family, even a couple of kids, so students need to be encouraged to keep focused on their long-term goals and not get bogged down by everyday problems,” said Smith.