ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore delivered remarks yesterday at the inauguration of Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek, who was inaugurated as the 11th president of Frederick Community College.
“Dr. Cheek is an inspiration and one of the most influential leaders in the community college movement,”
said Gov. Moore. “She is a champion for our students and our educators with a vision that is not only welcome, but necessary. This inauguration isn’t just about the promises we make – it’s about the promises we see. The promise of tomorrow. The fulfillment of a hope. The potential we can unleash because of this new leader in this new moment.”
Frederick Community College is a public college accredited by the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The college is distinguished by its quality and affordability, making it attainable and valuable for local students. Accredited programs, comprehensive instruction, and affordable costs of attendance have made Frederick Community College the learning destination for more than 200,000 students since 1957.
Dr. Cheek previously served for four years as president of St. Cloud Technical and Community College in Minnesota and more than 12 years in various leadership positions at Sinclair Community College in Ohio. Governor Moore also recently appointed Dr. Cheek to serve as the community college representative on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Recognizing the benefits of the “village” who aided her success, Dr. Cheek harnesses the power of the interconnectedness and responsibility of college resources to create the right conditions for both employee and student success.
“It was both a pleasure and an honor to have Governor Moore in attendance for the Investiture Ceremony,”
said President of Frederick Community College Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek. “We are grateful for his support and recognition of the significant role of community colleges in providing individuals the critical access needed for educational and career opportunities that lead to their equitable participation in our society, our economy, and our democracy.”
The Moore-Miller administration is committed to community colleges and the key role that they play, both in preparing students who want to continue to four year schools and in workforce development. Community colleges are on the front lines of training Marylanders for a host of professions.
In April, Governor Moore announced more than
$100 million in state scholarships and grants for higher education. Through the Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards, the Maryland Higher Education Commission will help more than 43,000 students attend Maryland postsecondary institutions during the 2023-2024 school year.
Earlier this month, Governor Moore
announced $17.4 million in funding for Adult Education. Maryland will direct $9.5 million in support from the U.S. Department of Education and $7.9 million from the Maryland Department of Labor to 23 adult education providers who will expand access to basic and secondary education for adults, English language acquisition, civics education, integrated education and training, and family literacy.
All 16 Maryland community colleges, two local K-12 school systems, three community-based organizations, one public library system and the state correctional education system will receive the funding.