LA PLATA, Md. — Dr. Yolanda Wilson, president of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), has been appointed national president of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), effective July 1, 2025. Wilson, who served as president-elect for the past year, succeeds Dr. Suzanne Johnson of Green River College in Auburn, Washington, who completed a two-year term.
“The American Association for Women in Community Colleges stands on a powerful legacy, one built by leaders who have championed equity, empowerment, and excellence for over five decades,” Wilson shared. “As I begin my term as president, I am both humbled by that legacy and energized by the opportunity to work with other community college leaders to help shape its future.”
The AAWCC, dedicated to transforming women’s lives through education, service, and leadership development, represents a network of community college professionals advocating for equity and opportunity. Wilson’s presidency places her at the forefront of these efforts, guiding the organization’s initiatives to support women in higher education.
Wilson’s role as AAWCC president also secures her a position on the board of directors for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), which represents nearly 1,000 associate-degree-granting institutions serving over 10 million students—approximately half of all U.S. undergraduates. “Selected by their peers, the AACC board of directors are recognized leaders who bring deep knowledge and an unwavering commitment to student success,” said AACC President and CEO Walter G. Bumphus. “Their service helps advance national initiatives and ensures that the voices of community college leaders shape federal policy and regulation.”
Before her presidency, Wilson served as AAWCC’s Secretary and Region 2 Director, overseeing chapters in Delaware, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Her leadership in these roles strengthened regional collaboration and elevated the organization’s presence nationally. Wilson’s extensive experience in community college leadership, spanning over 25 years, includes roles in academic affairs, student services, and campus operations across North Carolina and South Carolina systems. She began as an adjunct faculty member before advancing into administrative positions.
Since January 2023, Wilson has led CSM, a multi-campus institution serving Southern Maryland. Her tenure has focused on expanding educational access and fostering student success. Nationally, she has contributed as an Achieving the Dream Leadership Coach and a member of AACC’s Commission on College and Career Readiness. In 2019, she was selected for the Aspen Institute Rising Presidents Fellowship, a prestigious program preparing aspiring community college presidents.
The AAWCC’s board, composed of diverse leaders, drives the organization’s mission to create pathways for women’s academic and professional growth. Wilson’s appointment underscores her commitment to this mission, building on the association’s five-decade legacy of advocacy. Her leadership is expected to influence national policies and programs, particularly as community colleges address challenges like workforce development and equitable access to education.
Wilson’s presidency coincides with a critical time for community colleges, which play a vital role in serving diverse student populations. The AACC’s board of directors’ initiatives emphasize policy advocacy and student-centered reforms, areas where Wilson’s expertise will contribute significantly. As she begins her term, her focus will likely include strengthening AAWCC’s regional chapters and expanding leadership development opportunities for women.
