The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) has made permanent what had been an interim arrangement, announcing Aug. 10 that Dr. Dale Nesbary would transition from Interim Executive Director to Executive Director.
Nesbary took over the interim role in 2025 after a 13-year run as president of Muskegon Community College in Michigan, where he was twice recognized as leading Michigan’s top community college — a first in the school’s 96-year history — while developing 30 new academic programs and overseeing a $55 million infrastructure modernization. He also served as vice president and dean for academic affairs at Adrian College and directed the Master of Public Administration program at Oakland University. He holds a Ph.D. in law, policy and society from Northeastern University, and lives in nearby Newburg, Maryland.
“As USMSM’s Interim Executive Director, I gained valuable insights into our organization’s potential. Stepping into the permanent role, I am energized to carry that vision forward,” Nesbary said. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Chancellor, search committee, and colleagues for their confidence in me. I am fully committed to forming strategic partnerships, leveraging regional, state, and national resources to provide the highest level of service to our students and community. USMSM’s most significant achievements lie ahead, and I am honored to help lead us there.”
In the permanent role, Nesbary will continue working with USMSM’s university partners, regional employers, community leaders, students and faculty to build the center’s role as a regional hub for higher education, workforce development and economic opportunity in Southern Maryland.
The community got its first chance to meet Nesbary in his new title Friday, when USMSM hosted its inaugural College, Career & Community Pop-Up Open House from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SMART Building in California, Maryland. The free event was built around a resource fair connecting attendees with colleges, employers, and community organizations, alongside a leadership panel and industry-specific career panels featuring professionals from around the region. Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed, CEO of Intentional Design Group LLC, delivered the keynote, and panelists included representatives from NAWCAD, St. Mary’s County Economic Development, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, the College of Southern Maryland and Charles County Public Schools. The day also included networking sessions, free LinkedIn headshots, and Zumba.
“‘Discover Your Future in Southern Maryland’ reflects USMSM’s commitment to helping students, professionals, and families find pathways to opportunity close to home,” organizers said of the event’s theme.
