LEONARDTOWN, Md. — After more than two decades of balancing a career in law enforcement and raising a teenage son, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy Cpl. Jaime Davis is set to graduate from the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) with an associate’s degree. Davis, a 19-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, has served as the School Resource Officer at Leonardtown High School for the past four years, a role that reignited her determination to complete her education.
Davis began her college journey after high school, taking community college courses before stepping away to focus on full-time work. “I took a long break from pursuing my degree, but working at the high school inspired me to continue my quest to further my education,” she said. Her time at Leonardtown High, along with previous assignments at Margaret Brent Middle School and Leonardtown Middle School, provided the motivation to return to the classroom.
In March, Davis completed her final requirement for the associate’s degree: Math1010, a general education course she had delayed due to its difficulty. “I have never been good at math, so I waited until the end for the hardest course for me,” she said. “My professors understand that to some people math does not come easy. They helped me whenever I had questions or needed guidance.” With the course behind her, Davis has been accepted into the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
CSM’s flexible scheduling played a critical role in Davis’s success. “I would highly recommend CSM to other working adults looking to further their education and careers,” she said. “As a working mother, I found CSM to be inclusive to my schedule and my life. I was able to take in-person classes in the evenings, as well as hybrid and virtual classes.” She also praised the support she received from faculty and staff. “My professors were accessible and helpful when I had questions,” she said. “Advisors at CSM were always available and ready and willing to assist with any questions I had. The advisors helped me chart my path toward graduation. CSM made it possible for me to come back to my education and fulfill my goals.”
The college’s commitment to accessibility aligns with its mission, according to Tracy Harris, vice president of CSM’s Division of Student Equity and Success. “At CSM, we welcome everyone, including high school students, retirees, or working parents,” Harris said. “Access is one of our core pillars, and we work to remove barriers to higher education. Our second and third pillars are momentum and mobility. CSM takes persistence seriously and regularly examines its culture, policies, and practices to improve student outcomes. CSM offers educational pathways to improve lives, strengthening partnerships to increase career and transfer opportunities.”
Harris emphasized the college’s broad reach. “We are proud to offer educational pathways to law enforcement officers and those from all walks of life,” she said. According to CSM’s official website, the college serves over 16,000 students annually across its four campuses in Southern Maryland, offering more than 100 programs of study, including associate degrees and workforce training certifications.
Davis’s achievement highlights a growing trend among working adults returning to education. A 2023 report from the National Center for Education Statistics noted that nearly 33% of U.S. college students are over the age of 25, many balancing careers and family responsibilities. For Davis, completing her degree is not the end of the road. Her next step at the University of Maryland Global Campus will build on her extensive experience in law enforcement, a field where higher education is increasingly valued. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that officers with college degrees often have better problem-solving skills and career advancement opportunities.
As Davis prepares to walk across the stage at CSM’s commencement, her story stands as a testament to perseverance and the role community colleges play in supporting nontraditional students.
