A Passionate Educator Takes Her Leave

Nunley said among her proudest accomplishments are the creation of several honors programs for college students and one that allows Montgomery public high school students to experience college. She also oversaw the renovation and expansion of the college's Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus.

Nunley has been instrumental in raising money through the college's foundation. The school now ranks among the top five nationally among community colleges in fundraising. The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation recently announced a gift commitment of $3 million, which will go toward building a state-of-the-art visual arts center at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. The donation is the largest on record to a Maryland community college.

"She believes strongly in the power of education to transform lives," said Freeman A. Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, a longtime friend of Nunley. "When she speaks, the listener knows she's sincere, knowledgeable, experienced and passionate."

That's part of the reason, Nunley said, that she will continue working with the national Achieving the Dream initiative, designed to help community college students succeed by offering scholarships and other support.

But "retirement" won't be only work.

Also on her agenda: improving her golf game and traveling. Nunley, who confesses to loving "bad fiction," said she may even try her hand at a little writing.

She doesn't rule out other adventures.

"I want to evolve," she said. "I'm not really sure what my interests are at this point because I haven't had a chance to sit back and reflect on that and see what I enjoy."

She will be missed.

Her final days have been filled with farewells. There was the staff pizza party last month. Then, before an afternoon conference call, she had a visit with Montgomery College's student ambassadors. Those who knew Nunley greeted her warmly. Others who were meeting the outgoing president for the first time used the opportunity to thank her for all she has done for the college. Together, they joked about which of the two dozen or so students in the room might become the future president of Montgomery College.

The students offered plenty of praise.

"Dr. Nunley has been a wonderful president here," said Aaron Kaufman, 19, a first-year student who is studying political science.

Added Vanessa Coleman, 19, a biological science major who serves on Montgomery College's board of trustees: "Dr. Nunley is amazing. She's really the perfect balance for a president. We're really lucky to have her. I'm sad to see her go."

Nunley leaves with a fond goodbye.

"As I leave, I hope that nationally, in our state and here in Montgomery County that we are going to be paying attention to the economic and demographic changes that are occurring that really could change the nature of the future if we don't step up and meet the challenges," she said.

"Hopefully I'll be able to continue to make some impact on all of that by continuing to speak about some of the things we learned as we worked with the national Commission on [the Future of] Higher Education."