CCC's honors program is a big step forward

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(Arianne Starnes/ Examiner)
Faye Pappalardo is president of Carroll community College.

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Faye Pappalardo became president of Carroll Community College in 1999. Previously, she was the college’s associate president and director of student services. Pappalardo began her career as a college administrator in the 1970s at Bay College in Baltimore and Baltimore City Community College. A Philadelphia native, Pappalardo earned a bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College, a master’s of science in higher education from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s of arts in higher and adult education from Columbia University, where she also earned a doctorate.

Q Is Carroll Community College experiencing an increased number of traditional college students?

A I would say there’s been a shift [over the past decade] to more full-time students. Surely, Carroll County is getting more younger students coming in right out of high school. That’s not to say we aren’t admitting our share of older students. But we are very pleased, because it is the sign of a healthy college when a younger student wants to come in and matriculate and then go on to a four-year degree.

Q How have the shifting demographics changed the college?

A Students stay around longer during the day. Ten, 12 years ago at Carroll, very infrequently did you see students staying until 4 or 5 in the afternoon. We certainly have increased student participation in clubs and organizations. At any given time, we have anywhere between 20 and 30 clubs and organizations that appeal to a diversity of students.

Q Do you have articulation agreements with four-year schools?

A We have articulation agreements with McDaniel College, Hood College, Shepherd College [in West Virginia], Towson University. We even have a wonderful agreement with Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. The majority of our students go on to Towson and McDaniel.

Q What about Carroll’s new honors program?

A The Hill Scholars Program is starting in the fall. Many years ago, I tried to start an honors program — not successfully. However, when we went out and campaigned — in 2003 — one of my goals was to get a donor who would give us money that would be concentrated on a real honors program, whereby we would be able to give scholarships to high school students with high averages.

I was able to get a husband-and-wife team [Mr. and Mrs. Martin K.P. Hill], who gave us a half-million dollars. There are 19 [honors students] starting this year. We will run cohorts, so in many of the classes, the students will move together. The students will also have a lot of outside learning. They will be traveling to different places.

Q Why was it so important to get an honors program at Carroll?

A So students with a higher average can come to a community college and see exactly what higher education is about. They can come to Carroll, and we are willing to cater to them as we do to students who come to us as underachievers. I think community colleges should cater to students with higher averages and let them understand that community colleges are interested in educating them as well.

Q Carroll also has academic communities. What are these?

A I am a firm believer that not all learning goes on within the four walls of a classroom. We have eight or nine academic communities, so when students come to Carroll, [they can join one] that fits their interests. If it’s a business academic community, they may go to New York, to Wall Street. If they are in a community for art and music, they may go to New York and visit the Museum of Modern Art or go to Baltimore and visit the Walters Art Museum. Their education is expanded beyond the classroom.

Q What’s the difference between teachers at community colleges and four-year colleges?

A Community college professors are here to teach. We’re not going to say, “Well, if you don’t publish within five years, you’re out of here.” Our real interest is the classroom. Students will write to me, long letters, to tell me what Carroll has meant to them and how they have grown.

We do not have tenure here. We have three-year rolling contracts. If you do your job and teach well, you’ll get another three years.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

» Amanda Schuler

Public relations specialist

Office of Naval Intelligence, Washington, D.C.

Class of 2002

» Kelly Hill

Philanthropist

Class of 2004

» Jeannine Morber

Director of Carroll Technology Council

Class of 2004

» Erika Maier

Nuclear medicine technologist

Class of 2002

» Adam Leviton

Senior graphic designer at Hood College

Class of 2004

» John Eric Stolarski

Project manager of Guild Hardy Architects

Class of 1998

FAST FACTS

» Founded: 1976

» Enrollment: 3, 216 students

» Percent of students from Carroll County: 91

» Percent from Baltimore County: 5

» Cost: $108 per credit hour (in county), $149 per credit (out of county)

Source: Carroll Community College

mmcilroy@baltimoreexaminer.com

The Examiner is taking an indepth look at colleges and universities across the state. Click here to read the entire series.

SEE THE LATEST ON THIS STORY

EMAIL STORY

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300 days ago: ‘Always ready’ are words to live by

300 days ago: Coast Guard means danger, commitment

307 days ago: McCready paved way for black students

307 days ago: Be in demand; become a nurse

314 days ago: Academy brings leaders to life

321 days ago: Promises aside, read the contract

321 days ago: Join up, go to war, get a degree

328 days ago: As volunteers, students reach into community

328 days ago: Loyola teaches with outside service

342 days ago: New quad for students — not cars