AFIT welcomes Dr. Yolanda Wilson, President of College of Southern Maryland

We are excited to welcome Dr. Yolanda Wilson, President of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in La Plata, Maryland, to our collaborative community of innovators. 

Dr. Wilson assumed the presidency of CSM in January 2023, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the community college sector. Her leadership philosophy centers on equity, access, and student success, shaped by a deep understanding of the transformative power of higher education. She has served as an Achieving the Dream Leadership Coach and is a cohort member of the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship. 

Throughout her career, she has advanced strategic initiatives in enrollment management, workforce development, accreditation, and faculty development, while championing inclusive excellence and shared leadership. 

Under Dr. Wilson’s guidance, CSM is implementing innovative practices such as the CSM Leadership Academy, designed to cultivate emerging leaders through monthly cohort sessions, executive coaching, and capstone projects that drive organizational improvement. The college also recently opened the Michelle Simpson Center for Teaching and Learning, which hosts an annual faculty conference—most recently focused on best practices in AI, experiential learning, apprenticeships, and assessment. These initiatives underscore CSM’s commitment to continuous learning and organizational transformation. 

Dr. Wilson joined AFIT to collaborate with leaders who share her vision for adaptive, student-centered institutions that anticipate industry needs and embrace innovation. 

Karen Smith Hupp, Assistant VP of Government Relations, will serve as the College of Southern Maryland team’s AFIT Rep.