Carroll Community College

Carroll Community College's 2010 commencement was Wednesday, May 26 at 3 p.m. at McDaniel College's Gill Center .

H. Clay Whitlow, executive director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges  (MACC), delivered the commencement address. Whitlow works with the State Legislature and Executive Branch Departments, coordinates with the state Department of Education on issues of mutual concern such as the federal Race to the Top grant program, and serves on the board of directors of the Maryland Workforce Corporation.

Prior to joining MACC, Whitlow was president for six years of Evergreen Valley College, an 11,000-student community college in San Jose, CA. During his tenure as president, the college’s enrollment increased substantially despite severe resource limitations. In addition, the college for the first time implemented a systematic process of evaluation. It made improvements in student services programs and made significant improvements in teaching particularly for students whose primary language was not English.

Whitlow began his professional career as an engineer with Ford Motor Company. After a brief stint with Ford, he entered law school. Then, after graduation, he began a sixteen-year legal career in Denver, CO where eventually became a partner in one of the largest law firms.

“I am pleased that Clay Whitlow has agreed to serve as our Commencement Speaker this year,” said college President, Dr. Faye Pappalardo. “He offers a tremendous understanding of community college students and of the significance of this momentous day in their lives.”