April 11, 2011 — Anne Arundel Community College President Martha A. Smith, Ph.D., received the Chesapeake Regional Tech Council’s Legend’s Circle Individual award at the organization’s annual awards ceremony. Smith is the sixth person to be presented the award, which is given to a person who is committed to and an advocate for furthering the economic vitality of the technology industry and whose creative thinking and strategic partnerships have helped the technology industry make significant progress in education, career opportunities and innovation.

Dr. Smith’s leadership in the college’s reputation as a top trainer in cybersecurity and her role in creating the CyberCenter to oversee and expand programs to meet workforce needs were cited as key reasons for her receiving the award.Dr. Smith has been recognized for her leadership, vision and commitment to students and to the community. Most recently, she was named a charter member of The Education Council of the Manufacturing Institute, the education and research arm of the National Association of Manufacturers. She is a member of the board of directors of the American Council on Education. Dr. Smith became the fifth woman CEO on the board of directors of the 800-member international League for Innovation in the Community College in 2004. By being a member of the Maryland Education Council, she serves as Maryland representative on the Education Commission of the States. Re-appointed to that post in 2007 by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, in January 2006, she was invited to serve on that commission’s Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development Institute Advisory Committee. She also serves on the Maryland Governor’s Work Force Investment Board.

Smith serves as a charter member of the Educational Testing Service’s National Community College Advisory Council, was named to an additional year on the board of the Institute of Community College Development where she serves on the Executive Committee, is on the Governor’s Work Force Investment Board and serves on the executive committee of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. Dr. Smith came to AACC from Dundalk Community College in Baltimore County, Md., where she served as president for seven years, following six years as dean of students.