FSU, ACM, ACPS Co-Host Leadership Allegany Education Day
Nov 13, 2025 8:00 AM
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Frostburg State University, Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) and Allegany County Public Schools (ACPS) co-hosted the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Leadership Allegany Education Day. This year’s theme was From Learning to Earning: Building Community Through Education.
The Class of 2026 began the day at ACM and had the opportunity to participate in a lively and engaging CEO panel discussion with Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD, Interim President, FSU; Mr. David Jones, President, ACM; and Dr. Michael Martirano, Superintendent of Schools, ACPS. The panelists each provided an institutional overview and discussed shared partnerships, accessibility, economic and workforce development and answered questions about future initiatives, goals and collaborations.
“David, Mike and I have a unique relationship, said Smith. “We work so well together because we know that education is the foundation upon which strong communities are built. This year’s Education Day theme captures the essence of what we strive for – strong partnerships between our university, our community colleges and our public schools that open doors of opportunity for every learner.” Smith continued, “Together we are forging pathways that not only prepare our students for meaningful careers but also strengthen the economic and social fabric of our region.”
Following the panel discussion, class members learned more about ACM through an interactive game presented by recruiter Jordan Marini. They also participated in an education design lab simulation experience and student panel discussion alongside ACM students, Dione Clark-Trub, Director of ACM Learning Commons, and Tara Devore, Director of TRIO Pathways for Education. They ended their time at ACM learning about the power of education and workforce development.
The second part of Education Day was hosted by the public school system at the Center for Career and Technical Education. The class heard from a panel of ACPS administrators including Kate Loughrie, Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Steve Thompson, Secondar Supervisor of Math and AP Programs; Dr. Sarah Welsh, Secondary Supervisor of ELA and Guidance Counselors; Jenny Ramsey, Coordinator of Community Schools; Staci Noah, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Breann D’Atri, Coordinator of Workforce Development, Apprenticeships and Career Coaches. The group departed for FSU following lunch and a tour of the Career Center’s various skill areas.
"Allegany County Public Schools has incredible partners in Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University, as demonstrated by today's Leadership Allegany Education Day,” said Martirano. “Together, we're opening doors for our K-12 students and giving them new ways to think, learn, and prepare for college and careers."
Gathering in Frostburg’s Children’s Literature Centre (CLC) housed in the University’s newest building, the Education and Health Sciences Center (EHSC), the class was welcomed to campus by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Michael Mathias. Prior to taking a tour of the EHSC, Devann Cowden, lead graduate assistant at the CLC, spoke about their new space, which is the focal point for the study and dissemination of children’s literature.
On their tour of FSU’s ESCH, the class made stops at the Student Health Center and Student Counseling Center, where they heard from Chrissy Burke, Director of Health Services, and Susan Mandell, PsyD, clinical director; nursing simulation labs where they heard from Dr. Kara Platt, associate professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing; and FSU’s athletic training facilities, where they heard from Dr. Jackie Durst, associate professor of kinesiology, and Sarah Pettit, faculty member in the MSAT Program. Class members ended their day with a tour the Cordts P.E. Center and the President’s suite at Bobcat Stadium led by Rubin Stevenson, Interim Director of Athletics.
“Leadership Allegany Education Day is a prime example of the power of collaboration between Allegany County Public Schools, Allegany College of Maryland, and Frostburg State University,” said Jones. “Collaboration instead of competition will ensure that our area can continue to thrive and meet the education and workforce needs of the community.”
Leadership Allegany Education Day topic day chairs included Courtney Jensen, Director of Grants and Development and Executive Director of the ACM Foundation, ACM; Beth Little, Chief Advancement and Community Relations Officer, ACM; Joe Brewer, ACPS Supervisor of Career and Technology Education; Mia Cross, FSU Director of Communications; Dr. Sara-Beth Bittinger, Associate Vice President for Academic Operations and Fiscal Affairs, FSU; and Kayla Mathew, Alumni Relations and Events Specialist, FSU.