[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING DR. MARTHA A. SMITH FOR HER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AS ANNE 
                  ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Martha A. 
Smith for her years of dedication to the people of Maryland, including 
her 18 years as President of Anne Arundel Community College.
  Dr. Smith has a long history of service in Maryland. Prior to her 
time at Anne Arundel Community College, Dr. Smith served first as the 
dean of students, then as President of Dundalk Community College in 
Baltimore County. Under her guidance, Dundalk Community College 
instituted a diversity plan which significantly increased the 
enrollment of minority students.
  On August 1, 1994, Dr. Smith took over as the 5th President of Anne 
Arundel Community College (AACC). With her ``Students First'' 
mentality, she immediately implemented a 5-year strategy that would 
take the community college to new heights. Through community outreach 
and a realignment of the college administrative structure, she was able 
to open up new opportunities for students and local businesses alike. 
With an unwavering vision to make AACC the premier learning institution 
it is today, she has helped students and graduates become better 
prepared citizens and employees.
  Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has received numerous awards and 
commendations. In 1995 the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County 
honored her as one of the County's First Women in Education. A year 
later the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce named 
Dr. Smith its Business Leader of the Year. From 1998 through 2002, Dr. 
Smith was named one of Maryland's Top 100 Women three times.
  Dr. Smith's work at the college has been integral to the success of 
AACC and its students. Under her leadership there has been extensive 
construction and renovation throughout the campus. Her dedication and 
innovation has been recognized not only locally, but nationally as 
well. In 2001, the National Alliance of Business named Anne Arundel 
Community College the Community College of the Year. In addition, 
AACC's selection as a lead agency for both the Trade Adjustment 
Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program and the 
Cybersecurity Careers Consortium is a testament to the innovative 
programming and academic achievement initiated during Dr. Smith's 
tenure as President.
  Through all of the accolades, publications, and awards Dr. Smith has 
stayed true to her commitment of ``Students First.'' She has dedicated 
her life to improving higher education and has helped shape the lives 
of countless individuals throughout her career. The State of Maryland 
is forever grateful for all that she has done. As Dr. Smith retires 
from Anne Arundel Community College, I would like to thank her for her 
visionary leadership and unparalleled innovation.

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