CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson Selected for the Aspen Institute Presidents Fellowship

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) President Dr. Yolanda Wilson is one of 23 community college presidents nationwide to join the new class of Aspen Institute College Excellence Program Presidents Fellowship.

The Presidents Fellowship is a one-year leadership program for community college presidents to deepen their understanding of student needs and advance student success.

Dr. Wilson shared her excitement for the opportunity and its impact on future CSM students.  

“It is an honor to be selected for the Aspen Institute Presidents Fellowship, and I am thrilled to work alongside this accomplished group of leaders over the next year,” Dr. Wilson said. “This opportunity will allow us to deepen our already strong focus on student success by leveraging national best practices and data-driven strategies. It will further advance our strategic focus on access, momentum, and mobility, and strengthen our impact as we continue to expand opportunities and outcomes for our students and community.”

Speaking on behalf of the CSM Board of Trustees, Chair Sonja Cox commended Dr. Wilson for her leadership and accomplishments as CSM President.

“It is certainly an honor for [Dr. Wilson] to be selected to participate in this program,” Cox said. “From day one, Dr. Wilson has been focused on the success of our students, and she works for them every day to ensure they have access and opportunities to succeed.”

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program works to improve student outcomes in higher education by engaging college leaders to learn from each other and implement effective strategies. Now in its third cohort, the fellowship includes seminars, open dialogue, and data analysis to identify institutional strengths, areas of improvement, and opportunities for advancement. The fellows aim to strengthen talent development and advance economic mobility in the community.

“We know from 15 years of intensive research how the best community colleges equip students with the skills and credentials that lead to good jobs and flourishing lives,” said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the College Excellence Program. “These 23 presidents have committed to strengthening their institutions so those outcomes become the norm for every student.”

The full list of the 2026-2027 fellowship recipients can be found on the program website.