The Monday Minute with Dr. Williams | Montgomery College, Maryland

April 21, 2025

MC is always seeking to put our mission into action and this week is no different—from celebrating Earth Day with joy and intention, to building up future educators and advancing our path to reaccreditation. Every effort reflects the values we share and the future we’re shaping together.

Earth Day Observations Include Art and Film

Earth Day brings a vibrant mix of celebration, creativity, and care for our planet. This week, the campus is buzzing with springtime energy. Tomorrow’s Earth Day festivities include inspiring contributions from the Student Art League and a film screening hosted by the Student Government Association featuring The Lorax and WALL-E—two stories that remind us why protecting our environment matters. You can also tune in to a thoughtful question-and-answer session with the MC Green Teamnew window as they share insights into the College’s energy-saving efforts.

Early Childhood Education Program Boosted by $1 Million Gift

A remarkable gift to the Montgomery College Foundationnew window from Craig and Pat Ruppert was celebrated at the scholarship luncheon this month. This $1 million pledge, from the Ruppert Family Foundation, will support students in the early childhood education programnew window by expanding scholarships and providing bilingual academic coaching through the College’s Achieving the Promise Academy. This funding will help future early childhood educators gain the support and credentials they need to thrive and earn family-sustaining wages. Pat Ruppert, who was a longtime philosophy professor at MC, continues to make an impact through her family’s meaningful contribution. Their gift is a powerful reflection of the lasting dedication faculty and staff have to the College, long after their time in the classroom.

Reaccreditation Visit Next Monday

The College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHEnew window) and the process for the renewal of our accreditation in 2027 is underway. Next Monday, April 28, marks an important point in this journey. Our Middle States liaison, Mr. Michael Bowden, will visit the College and review our self-study design (PDF, ) , which was prepared by the Self-Study Steering Committeenew window, and provide guidance on next steps. He will also lead an open forumnew window for students, faculty, and staff, who can learn more about the self-study process and what it means for MC’s reaccreditation. This is a valuable opportunity to engage directly with our accreditation journey and understand how every voice plays a role. The visit is the first major engagement with MSCHE in this reaccreditation cycle and will help to ensure that we are fully prepared for a comprehensive self-study and an effective evaluation team visit in spring 2027.

Have a wonderful week!

With Raptor Regards,
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams signature
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams
President
@DrWilliams_MCnew window

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