NORTH EAST, MD — Cecil College Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Christy Dryer has been named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for 2026 by The Daily Record, recognizing her leadership, mentorship and community involvement.
The award honors women who demonstrate professional achievement, mentorship and a commitment to improving communities across Maryland.
According to the college, Dryer has led institutional accreditation efforts, including reaccreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and multiple program-specific accreditations in fields such as nursing, cybersecurity, paramedic services and medical assisting.
The college said her work has focused on maintaining academic quality and strengthening accountability across professional and technical programs.
Dryer has also directed the development of new academic offerings, including certificate programs in artificial intelligence and intelligent learning design.
Additional initiatives under her leadership include launching an accelerated nursing program and establishing an electrical apprenticeship program to expand workforce training opportunities.
Cecil College said Dryer has strengthened transfer and workforce pathways by developing articulation agreements with four-year institutions to support student transitions into bachelor’s degree programs.
Her work also includes regional partnerships such as the Maryland Education Alliance and workforce initiatives with Delmarva Power, as well as collaborations with organizations including Northrop Grumman and the Independent Electrical Contractors.
The college also cited her role in developing the Institute for Law and Public Safety in partnership with regional law enforcement agencies.
Dryer has held leadership roles in higher education and healthcare organizations, including serving as chair of the Maryland Council of Community College Chief Academic Officers and holding board positions with ChristianaCare and Union Hospital of Cecil County.
She currently serves on the Home Health Board of Directors for ChristianaCare, according to the release.
In addition, Dryer served for more than 10 years on the board of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing and held leadership roles including president of the organization and its foundation.
In 2022, she received the Visionary Leader Award from the Northern Maryland Technology Council.
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