NORTH EAST, MD — Cecil College President Mary Way Bolt, Ed.D., has been named the 2025 Pacesetter of the Year for District 1 by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), recognizing her leadership in advancing community college communications and advocacy across the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Pacesetter Award honors presidents and CEOs who demonstrate exceptional support for marketing, public relations, and strategic storytelling within higher education. Dr. Bolt was commended for her ability to connect Cecil College’s mission with the personal stories of its students and community members, elevating the institution’s role as a regional driver of education and workforce development.
“Whenever I have an opportunity, I kindly remind the leadership of government and private institutions that we offer programs that change lives,” said Dr. Bolt. “If we cannot get the stories out to the community, we cannot help our students as much as we want.”
As Cecil College’s fifth and first female president, Dr. Bolt has positioned the college as a cornerstone of economic and educational opportunity for Maryland’s tri-state area. Located near the borders of Delaware and Pennsylvania, the college attracts a higher-than-average share of out-of-state students while maintaining deep roots in local workforce training, continuing education, and academic transfer programs.
A lifelong resident of Cecil County, Dr. Bolt began her academic journey at Cecil College, earning an associate degree in nursing before completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Maryland and a doctorate at Widener University. She joined the college’s faculty in 1990 and advanced through several leadership roles before being appointed interim president in 2014 and later confirmed as president.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to community college education and healthcare advancement. In addition to serving as chair of Maryland’s Chief Academic Officer Association, she has held leadership positions with the Maryland Association of Community Colleges and the Maryland Board of Nursing. She was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Influential Women in 2022 and was inducted as an honorary fellow of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing’s Academy.
District 1 of NCMPR includes community colleges across the northeastern United States, parts of Canada, and the United Kingdom. The organization is affiliated with the American Association of Community Colleges and represents professionals dedicated to advancing the image and mission of two-year institutions.
Dr. Bolt’s recognition underscores her enduring message — that community colleges are not simply educational institutions, but catalysts for transformation, resilience, and regional progress.
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