NORTH EAST, MD — Donna Horgan, a longtime advocate for higher education and workforce development in Cecil County, was officially sworn in this week for her fourth six-year term as a trustee of Cecil College. The ceremony, held at the Cecil County Courthouse on July 8, marked another milestone in Horgan’s nearly two decades of dedicated service to the college and the broader community.
A lifelong resident of Cecil County, Horgan has been a steadfast supporter of Cecil College since first taking classes there in the 1970s. Her commitment deepened over the years, leading to her initial appointment to the Board of Trustees in 2007 by Governor Martin O’Malley. She was reappointed twice by Governor Larry Hogan and most recently by Governor Wes Moore. Over her 18 years on the board, Horgan has played a pivotal role in shaping programs that enhance local job training, expand educational opportunities, and drive economic growth.
“Cecil County has a lot to offer now and moving forward. And Cecil College plays a major role in preparing our residents for what is to come,” Horgan emphasized during her swearing-in remarks. She was joined at the ceremony by her family, including her grandson Jack, as well as Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt and Vice-Chair Kathy Kunda.
Horgan’s tenure has seen significant campus expansion, including the construction of the Engineering and Math Building—the first Gold Certified LEED building in the county—and the Charlie O’Brien Practice Facility, the first privately funded structure on a Maryland community college campus. She is also set to participate in upcoming ribbon-cuttings for the new Mary Maloney Boulevard access road and a new facilities building later this fall.
Beyond her work at Cecil College, Horgan has been an influential figure at the state and national levels. She served as president of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges from 2014 to 2016 and held a position on the Board of the Association of Community College Trustees, representing more than 1,200 institutions nationwide. Her advocacy extended to Annapolis during her tenure as Reading Clerk of the Maryland State Senate, where she forged strong relationships with legislators to champion community colleges’ role in strengthening local economies.
Horgan’s deep connection to Cecil College is personal as well as professional. Both of her daughters are graduates of the college, with her eldest going on to teach at Perryville High School. Horgan looks forward to seeing her grandson follow in their footsteps, possibly pursuing engineering.
Reflecting on her long career, Horgan credited her mother for instilling the value of public service. “My mother made me realize how important it is to help others around you,” she shared.
As she begins her fourth term, Horgan remains committed to expanding access to higher education in Cecil County and ensuring that local residents have opportunities to succeed without leaving home. With decades of leadership and a passion for community service, she continues to shape Cecil College as a vital engine of growth and empowerment for the region.
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