CSM’s Harris Honored by Commissioners

The College of Southern Maryland’s Vice President/Dean of the Leonardtown Campus Dr. Tracy Harris, center, was recognized by the St. Mary’s County commissioners for his service on the Sheriff’s Office Retirement Pension Plan Board and the Economic Development Commission. The ceremony can be viewed here. (Photo provided by St. Mary’s County government).

Dr. Tracy Harris, dean of CSM’s Leonardtown campus, was honored recently by the St. Mary’s County commissioners for his volunteer efforts on county boards.

Dr. Harris serves on the Sheriff’s Office Retirement Pension Plan Board and the Economic Development Commission. He was one of a number of county residents who were honored at a ceremony at the commissioners’ Jan. 26 meeting because of their willingness to share their time and expertise on county boards, commissions and committees.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Retirement Pension Plan Board work to provide a systematic plan for the retirement of sworn Law Enforcement and Correctional Officer Personnel.

The Economic Development Commission represents the economic interest in St. Mary’s County. It is responsible for developing, revising or replacing the economic strategy of the county and works in close proximity to the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development. That department includes three divisions: Tourism, Agriculture & Seafood, and Business Development. With help from groups like the Economic Development Commission, the DED can identify and meet challenges in the county.

For more information about the Economic Development Commission, visit here.

Dr. Harris has nearly 30 years of higher education experience, including 12 years within community colleges and 14 years with bachelor-degree universities before he came to CSM in 2012. Before CSM, he served as dean of enrollment services with Prince George’s Community College, with prior experience in admissions and financial aid at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Dr. Harris earned a doctorate of philosophy, community college leadership, from Walden University; a master of public administration from University of Pittsburgh with certification in personnel and labor relations; and a bachelor of science degree in administration of justice from The Pennsylvania State University.

As an adjunct faculty member with PGCC, Dr. Harris taught principles for learning success. When he came to CSM, he had already served and presented on state and national levels on leadership, enrollment management, student assessment and stress management. Dr. Harris has conducted research in strategic marketing and student retention and he has published several peer-reviewed research articles on the persistence of first-year college students, college campus safety and enrollment management practices.

For more information about the College of Southern Maryland, visit their Leader member page.