LA PLATA, MD – On June 26, 2025, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Board of Trustees approved CSM faculty promotions and tenure for 15 professors during its meeting at the La Plata Campus. The recognitions highlight the faculty’s dedication to teaching, scholarship, and service, reinforcing CSM’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Tenure Awards Recognize Faculty Excellence
Seven faculty members received tenure following a rigorous peer review process, meeting standards set by CSM’s administration and Faculty Senate. Tenure recipients demonstrated exceptional contributions to their disciplines and the college community.
Dr. Bernice Brezina, dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Professional Studies, praised Rachael Bateman for her work bridging K–12 and higher education. “Rachael has an exceptional ability to bridge the gap between K–12 education and higher education,” Brezina said. “She leads the foundational science course for early college programs and coordinates the Environmental Studies associate degree.”
Judith Horn and Jeffrey Hunt, also from STEM, were recognized for their innovative teaching and leadership in math and aviation programs. Ann Stine was commended for leading engineering and robotics initiatives, including advising the Talons robotics team. In the School of Health Sciences, Dr. Caroline Combs highlighted Christopher Gransberry’s research on healthcare technologies, William Johnson’s community service during the pandemic, and Petita Rentz’s student-centered approach while pursuing her doctorate.
CSM Faculty Promotions to Professor and Associate Professor
Eight faculty members earned CSM faculty promotions based on excellence in instruction, student engagement, and contributions to the college’s learning community. The promotion process, established by CSM’s administration and Faculty Senate, evaluates candidates’ overall impact beyond teaching.
Promoted to Professor, Stacie Bailey (Accounting) was noted for her leadership in accreditation efforts. “Stacie provides outstanding collaborative leadership as Accounting Program Coordinator and contributes significantly to accreditation activities and self-study work,” Brezina said. Eugen Leontie (Computer Science) and Buddhadeb Mallik (Chemistry) were recognized for their program coordination and student success initiatives. James McCrary (Physics) earned praise for his STEM outreach and mentorship. Dr. Randall Salm (Sociology) and Anthony Stout (Business) were commended for their contributions to curriculum alignment and strategic planning, respectively.
Promoted to Associate Professor, Michael Coffey (History and Political Science) and Caitlyn Socrates (English) were recognized for their scholarly work and committee service. Christopher Ripley (Business) was noted for his role in accreditation and student advising. “In her first three years, Caitlyn has demonstrated exceptional dedication to student success while continuing her doctoral research on Afro-Diasporic literature,” said Dr. David Robinson, dean of the School of Liberal Arts.
Impact on CSM and the Community
The CSM faculty promotions and tenure decisions reflect the college’s mission to foster academic excellence and community engagement. Faculty contributions extend beyond the classroom, with initiatives like robotics programs, healthcare simulations, and accreditation efforts strengthening CSM’s role as a regional educational leader. The School of STEM and Professional Studies, School of Health Sciences, and School of Liberal Arts continue to drive innovation and student success.
The board’s approvals underscore CSM’s commitment to recognizing faculty who enhance educational quality and support students’ academic and professional growth. These professors’ work in curriculum development, community outreach, and scholarly research ensures CSM remains a vital resource for Southern Maryland.
Looking Ahead
As CSM continues to grow, the contributions of its faculty remain central to its mission. The 2025 CSM faculty promotions and tenure recipients are poised to lead initiatives that prepare students for careers in STEM, health sciences, and liberal arts. Their dedication to teaching and service will shape the college’s future, fostering a culture of excellence and opportunity.
