Dr. DeRionne Pollard’s departure from Montgomery College is a significant loss for Montgomery County. She has been a tremendous leader and transformed the college into a premier institution in our county, state and nation. Her leadership of the college and visionary partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) was instrumental in ensuring that thousands of students continued to receive a world-class education after graduating from MCPS. Initiatives, such as the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program,  provided a much-needed pathway to higher education for county students who might not have had such an opportunity.

“Through our collaborative efforts, Dr. Pollard’s leadership has also been instrumental in the expansion of dual-enrollment programs and Early College, which have more than doubled in enrollment since 2018, and will provide more than 100 graduates in the Class of 2021 with an associate degree upon high school graduation, a number expected to grow exponentially in coming years” said Superintendent Jack R. Smith. 

“Dr. Pollard has been an innovative and inspirational leader in our community,” said Montgomery County Board of Education President Brenda Wolff. “Her commitment to partnering with the school system has resulted in expanding opportunities for our students. We know she will continue her great commitment to students in Nevada.”

Montgomery County and MCPS will miss her leadership, commitment to equity and her contributions to our vibrant community. We wish Dr. Pollard the very best as she begins a new adventure as the president of Nevada State College.

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