Dr. Dryer named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women
Published on March 24, 2026
NORTH EAST, Md: The Daily Record recognized Cecil College Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Christy Dryer as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2026. The award recognizes leaders who demonstrate extraordinary mentorship and a commitment to community service. These women elevate, educate, mentor, support, and empower other women as they work to make Maryland better.
As a thought leader in higher education, Dr. Dryer has led successful reaccreditation processes for Cecil College through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, as well as multiple discipline-specific accreditations, ensuring quality across programs such as nursing, physical therapist assistant, cybersecurity, paramedic, and medical assisting. Her leadership continues to strengthen institutional accountability and high academic standards across the College’s professional and technical programs.
In addition, Dr. Dryer directed the development of numerous new academic programs, expanded workforce, and innovative offerings, including certificates in artificial intelligence and intelligent learning design. Other initiatives include the launch of an accelerated nursing program and a new electrical apprenticeship program.
The College’s student transfer and workforce pathways were strengthened under her guidance through collaborations with multiple four-year institutions to establish articulation agreements that support seamless transitions into bachelor’s degree programs. Dr. Dryer played a key role in regional partnerships, including the creation of the Maryland Education Alliance, the “Powering the Workforce” program with Delmarva Power, and industry collaborations with Northrop Grumman and the Independent Electrical Contractors, as well as the development of the Institute for Law and Public Safety with law enforcement partners across the region.
Within the community, Dr. Dryer has held numerous regional and national leadership roles, serving as Chair of the Maryland Council of Community College Chief Academic Officers and serving in multiple board positions at ChristianaCare and Union Hospital of Cecil County. Dr. Dryer currently serves on the Home Health Board of Directors for Christiana Care.
Dr. Dryer served on the board of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) for more than 10 years, and as President of OADN for two of those years. She has also served on the OADN Foundation for multiple years, including serving as President. In 2022, Dr. Dryer received the Visionary Leader Award from the Northern Maryland Technology Council.