Chesapeake College

Chesapeake College is a public community college located in Wye Mills, Maryland, serving the Eastern Shore of Maryland region, including Queen Anne's County, Kent County, Caroline County, and Talbot County. The college was established in 1965, with the goal of providing affordable and accessible higher education to the local community, in partnership with University of Maryland, College Park and Towson University. Chesapeake College offers a range of academic programs, including associate's degrees and certificates, in fields such as business administration, nursing, and environmental science, with transfer agreements with institutions like University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.

● History

The history of Chesapeake College dates back to the 1960s, when the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation authorizing the creation of a new community college to serve the Eastern Shore region, with support from Governor Spiro Agnew and Senator Charles Mathias. The college opened its doors in 1965, with an initial enrollment of approximately 400 students, and has since grown to become one of the largest community colleges in the state, with partnerships with institutions like Johns Hopkins University and University of Delaware. Over the years, the college has expanded its academic programs and services, including the introduction of new degrees and certificates in fields such as cybersecurity and sustainable energy, with funding from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Today, Chesapeake College is a thriving institution, serving over 2,500 students and employing a faculty and staff of over 200, including notable educators like Diane Ravitch and Jonathan Kozol.

● Campus

The Chesapeake College campus is located in Wye Mills, Maryland, on a 170-acre site that features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Wye Oak tree, a historic landmark and former state tree of Maryland. The campus is home to a range of facilities, including the Todd Performing Arts Center, which hosts performances and events throughout the year, featuring artists like Wynton Marsalis and Renée Fleming. The college also has a number of athletic facilities, including a gymnasium and soccer field, which are used by the college's athletic teams, including the Chesapeake College Skipjacks, who compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association against teams like Howard Community College and Anne Arundel Community College. In addition, the campus features a number of sustainability initiatives, including solar panels and a rain garden, with support from organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Nature Conservancy.

● Academics

Chesapeake College offers a range of academic programs, including associate's degrees and certificates, in fields such as business administration, nursing, and environmental science. The college is divided into several academic divisions, including the Division of Business and Technology and the Division of Health Professions, which offer programs accredited by organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The college also offers a number of transfer agreements with four-year institutions, including University of Maryland, College Park and Towson University, allowing students to seamlessly transfer their credits and complete their bachelor's degrees, with support from programs like the Maryland Transfer Advantage Program and the Articulation Agreement with Frostburg State University. In addition, the college offers a range of online courses and degree programs, allowing students to complete their studies remotely, with support from platforms like Blackboard and Canvas.

● Student Life

Chesapeake College offers a range of student life activities and services, including clubs and organizations, athletic teams, and counseling services. The college has a number of student clubs, including the Student Government Association and the Environmental Club, which offer opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference, with support from organizations like the National Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club. The college also offers a range of support services, including academic advising and tutoring, to help students succeed in their studies, with support from programs like the TRIO Program and the Student Support Services Program. In addition, the college hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts and lectures, featuring speakers like Cornel West and Angela Davis.

● Athletics

Chesapeake College has a number of athletic teams, including men's basketball, women's soccer, and baseball, which compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association against teams like Harford Community College and Cecil College. The college's athletic teams are known as the Chesapeake College Skipjacks, and have a strong tradition of competition and sportsmanship, with support from organizations like the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the American Athletic Conference. The college also offers a number of athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes, allowing them to pursue their academic and athletic goals, with support from programs like the National Junior College Athletic Association Scholarship and the Chesapeake College Athletic Scholarship. In addition, the college has a number of athletic facilities, including a gymnasium and soccer field, which are used by the college's athletic teams and are also available for community use, with support from organizations like the Maryland State Athletic Association and the United States Olympic Committee.