The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) has appointed Dr. Dale K. Nesbary as its new Interim Executive Director, bringing a wealth of experience to guide the regional higher education center in California, Maryland. With over 40 years in higher education leadership and public administration, Nesbary’s appointment signals a focus on academic innovation and student success for Southern Maryland’s academic community.
Nesbary’s USMSM leadership role follows a distinguished career, most notably his 13-year tenure as president of Muskegon Community College in Michigan, where he earned national recognition for transformative initiatives. Under his guidance, Muskegon was named Michigan’s top community college by BestColleges.com in 2017 and Intelligent.com in 2021, and ranked among the U.S. top 50 Best Value Community Colleges by ValueColleges.com in 2016. His strategic vision drove the development of 30 new academic programs, expanding opportunities for students across diverse fields.
At Muskegon, Nesbary spearheaded a $55 million infrastructure overhaul, raising $21 million to modernize campus facilities. His comprehensive student success agenda, rooted in early engagement and college readiness, boosted the college’s graduation rate by 7%. Nesbary’s USMSM leadership is expected to draw on similar strategies, leveraging his expertise in forging partnerships to strengthen educational pipelines. At Muskegon, he expanded collaborations with K-12 districts and four-year colleges, positioning the college as a state leader in dual enrollment through early college initiatives launched 15 years ago.
Since 2022, Nesbary has consulted on technology and strategic planning, serving on the executive advisory board for CampusWorks, a firm that enhances institutional effectiveness and student experiences at U.S. colleges. His background also includes roles as Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs at Adrian College, Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program at Oakland University, and Research Director with the Boston Police Department. A resident of Newburg, Maryland, Nesbary’s local ties deepen his commitment to Southern Maryland’s educational landscape.
USMSM, located in St. Mary’s County, offers over 30 high-demand degree and certificate programs, from bachelor’s completion to PhDs, through partnerships with five University System of Maryland institutions. Nesbary’s USMSM leadership arrives at a pivotal moment, as the center seeks to expand its role as a hub for academic and professional development in Southern Maryland. His track record suggests a focus on innovative programs, infrastructure investment, and student-centered policies to meet regional needs.
For Southern Maryland students and educators, Nesbary’s appointment offers promise of continued growth. His emphasis on early college access and workforce-aligned programs could strengthen ties with local schools and employers, building on USMSM’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education. As Nesbary steps into USMSM leadership, the community anticipates a new chapter of opportunity and excellence.