Faculty Excellence Awards

Faculty Excellence Awards for Full-Time Faculty

2026 Award Winner Recipient

Olaniyi Areke, Digital Media Production
School of Liberal Arts

Digital Media Production (DMP) Professor Olaniyi Areke has been recognized for his commitment to student success and growth of the DMP program.

An Emmy award-winning filmmaker, Areke has led the DMP program for 10 years, transforming the curriculum to promote student success and career readiness. The program was ranked among the 2026 Best Colleges with Digital Communication and Media Degrees in Maryland by Niche, standing as the only community college to be recognized.

DMP students continue to excel, winning production awards at the annual Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council’s Maryland Public Service Announcement Contest.

Areke described his learner-centered approach to teaching, saying, “Teaching video and production is like teaching someone a new language. I give students hands-on experience that helps them learn quickly and use real-world scenarios to prepare students for the workforce. I am available to my students’ needs 365 days a year. I tell my students to communicate with me whenever they need to.”

Areke has been instrumental in establishing articulation agreements with four-year institutions as well dual enrollment courses for regional high school students. He is an active member of several Faculty Senate Committees, and currently serves on the Academic Standard Committee and Coordinators Committee.

Faculty Excellence Awards for Adjunct Faculty

2026 Award Recipient

Mary Whitmore, Music
School of Liberal Arts

Dr. Mary Whitmore, adjunct instructor of music, has been selected for the Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award for her extensive musical knowledge and inspiration she brings to her students.

In her three years with CSM, Dr. Whitmore has made a tremendous contribution to the music program. She has assisted in revising the CSM music curriculum, leading to the creation of the associate degrees in music and theater. She serves as faculty advisor for the New Music at CSM student club, which has given multiple public performances both on and off campus.

“Students have responded positively to live instrumental demonstrations and opportunities to put their hands on tangible musical objects,” Dr. Whitmore said. “I encourage my students to challenge analytical interpretations, which fosters a climate of intellectual debate and enthusiasm for music analysis.”

In addition to her work in the classroom, Dr. Whitmore has performed in the CSM pit orchestra for more than 20 years. She continues to be an active member of the CSM Latin Ensemble and Solid Brass jazz band, serving as an inspiring example for her students