AAWCC CSM Chapter Installs Officers, Welcomes New Members in Inaugural Ceremony

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated a milestone on May 23 as the newly formed campus chapter of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) hosted its inaugural Officer Installation and New Member Pinning Ceremony at the college’s Regional Hughesville Campus.

The event marked the official launch of the AAWCC–CSM Chapter, highlighting a commitment to leadership, equity, and the advancement of women in higher education.

Dr. Kandace Foreman, chapter president-elect and the event’s emcee, welcomed attendees and called the ceremony to order. “This is a momentous occasion,” Foreman said. “A celebration of leadership, service, connection, and new beginnings.”

The ceremony featured an inspirational keynote address by Dr. Yolanda Wilson, president of the College of Southern Maryland and president-elect of the national AAWCC organization.

“Our AAWCC-CSM chapter represents more than a local milestone. It is a meaningful step forward in our shared commitment to foster connection and belonging at CSM, while expanding leadership and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. And with the strength and synergy that comes with being part of a national network of women dedicated to expanding opportunity, uplifting one another, and leading with purpose, our impact will be that much more powerful,” Wilson said.

As both a campus and national leader, Dr. Wilson played a key role in guiding the formation of the CSM chapter and underscored the broader impact of local chapters within AAWCC’s national network.

Wilson also led the formal installation of the chapter’s first executive officers for the 2025–2026 term:

• Dr. Kandace Foreman, President
• Sylvia Royster, Vice President
• Tamara Gibbs-Franklin, Secretary
• Lesley Quattlebaum, Treasurer

Each officer took a public oath of service, pledging to uphold the organization’s mission to support and advance women in community colleges.

Following the officer’s installation, the ceremony continued with the pinning and recognition of new members. Each was invited forward to receive their membership pin and certificate before collectively reciting a pledge affirming their commitment to professional development, inclusion, and advocacy. The inaugural chapter boasts a roster of more than 60 members.

Tamara Gibbs-Franklin, chapter secretary, offered a special reading of Empowered Journey, a poem that captured the day’s themes of resilience, unity, and purpose.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Dr. Foreman, who reflected on the chapter’s formation and announced upcoming events, including a Fall Mixer in August at the Velocity Center.

“We built this chapter from the ground up—and we are just getting started,” said Foreman. “Leadership is not about titles; it is about presence, purpose, and people. You belong here.”

The AAWCC–CSM Chapter joins a national network dedicated to advancing women through education, leadership, and community engagement in two-year colleges. Chapter membership and participation is open to all faculty and staff working in any role at the College of Southern Maryland. 

The American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) was established in 1973 and champions women’s leadership, equity, and advancement in community colleges. AAWCC is an affiliate council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.