Dear Profile Readers,

In many ways, Thursday, March 13, 2025, was an ordinary day. Yet it will remain one of the most meaningful dates of my life, as it marked the day I first met Dr. Darlene Brannigan Smith. Earlier that week, Darlene had begun her interim presidency at Frostburg State University. On March 13, we both arrived early to a Chamber event—each new to our respective roles and somewhat uncertain about what to expect. We exchanged pleasantries and shared a cup of coffee while waiting for others to arrive. During those thirty uninterrupted minutes, the foundation for both a professional partnership and a personal friendship was established, growing steadily over the following sixteen months.

Our informal conversation began with discussions about our institutions, new federal and state mandates, budgets, enrollment and the many shared challenges and opportunities facing higher education. It quickly evolved into a more personal exchange about family, community, our backgrounds and the values we share. By the time others joined us, we had exchanged contact information and promised to continue the conversation.

Over the next sixteen months, that promise became a meaningful reality. We committed ourselves to a relationship grounded in trust, collaboration and mutual respect, and that connection deepened with every interaction. Whether sharing dinners with our spouses, attending sporting events, riding together in the FSU Homecoming Parade, participating in community gatherings or greeting friends at DelFest, these moments brought joy, laughter and a shared sense of pride in our community. They also reinforced our belief that collaboration, not competition, creates the strongest outcomes for everyone involved.

Earlier this year, we co-authored a Reader Commentary highlighting the Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University Transfer Intensive initiative, which was published in local media. In that commentary, we wrote:

“Frostburg State University (FSU) and Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) joined the inaugural cohort of the Maryland Statewide Transfer Intensive, a project designed to improve community college transfer outcomes statewide. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to meeting students where they are and supporting them through every stage of their educational journey. At its core is a simple truth: student success is a shared responsibility, especially for learners whose lives do not fit neatly into a four-year residential model.”

I remain deeply grateful for this collaboration and for our shared commitment to meeting students where they are while supporting them through every stage of their educational journey. Dr. Smith has been a source of encouragement, wisdom and strength throughout my tenure at Allegany College of Maryland. Since our paths first crossed in March 2025, I have been thankful for our shared experiences, her collaborative spirit and her deep appreciation for the power and value of partnerships.

One special memory occurred during the FSU Homecoming Parade. I was driving the convertible, and we were both tossing candy to the crowd. Early along the route, Darlene suddenly yelled for me to stop the car, which I did immediately. As it turned out, while she was tossing a bite-sized piece of candy to a young child, one of her rings went flying. I’m happy to report that 1) no one was injured, 2) we were able to locate the ring, and 3) we both shared a good laugh afterward.

As we said farewell to Dr. Smith, I could not be more grateful for the foundation that has been established, but equally for the personal friendship that I know will continue. 

I’m excited about continuing this partnership with FSU President Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson in the years ahead. Having served on the FSU Presidential Search Committee and with the opportunity to discuss our collaboration on multiple occasions throughout the spring and summer, I’m excited for the bright future ahead. 

Sincerely,  

David Jones '92/M'94

President, Allegany College of Maryland