Originally posted here.
The Maryland Independent College & University Association (MICUA) congratulates Hood College on its 125 years of service and leadership as an outstanding institution of higher learning in the liberal arts tradition.
Maryland Independent College and University Association
October 3, 2017
The Maryland Independent College & University Association (MICUA) congratulates Hood College on its 125 years of service and leadership as an outstanding institution of higher learning in the liberal arts tradition. As the first women’s college in Maryland, Hood College paved the way for pioneering women to take their rightful place as business leaders, community activists, politicians, thinkers, and doers. Throughout its history, the College has sustained its commitment to the advancement of women while expanding its mission to graduate education and transforming into a coeducational institution. Today, Hood College boasts more than 2,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in 33 major fields of study integrating the liberal arts, the professions, and technology. In recent years, the College has been recognized for its excellence in academics in publications including U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. Hood has been named a Best Value School, a Best College for Veterans, a Best Regional College (north) and more.
Throughout its history, the main campus of Hood College has been located in the City of Frederick, the seat of government for Frederick County. Its presence has contributed to the economic, social, and civic vibrancy of the Frederick County region and the State of Maryland. Each year, Hood College students intern at local and regional businesses, K-12 schools, nonprofits and government agencies. Faculty and students conduct research in partnership with Frederick County military installations, and graduates of the College work as skilled professionals, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Faculty, students, and staff donate thousands of hours of community and volunteer services to nonprofit agencies and organizations in the region. The College also holds regular art exhibits, concerts, lectures, sporting events, and other campus activities, most of which are free to the public.
In the present and throughout time, the presidents of Hood College have provided strong education and economic development leadership for the Frederick region and beyond. Former presidents of the College were instrumental in the development and founding of MICUA as well as the Independent College Fund of Maryland (I-Fund), a foundation managed by MICUA to raise scholarship funds for students attending Maryland’s independent colleges and universities. Since MICUA’s founding in 1971, every Hood College president has served on its Board of Trustees, and several have served on the Board of Directors of the I-Fund. President Andrea Chapdelaine currently serves as vice chair of the MICUA Board and has been instrumental in carrying MICUA’s message to local, state, and national officials. Since becoming Hood College’s 11th President, Dr. Chapdelaine has testified before standing committees of the Maryland General Assembly, discussed higher education policy with Maryland’s governor and his cabinet, and engaged with Maryland’s U.S. Congressional members. As she talks with elected and administrative officials, President Chapdelaine conveys a passion for students and a commitment to the Frederick County region. The College and the region are well served by her advocacy.
As Hood College commemorates its 125th anniversary, the leaders of Maryland’s independent colleges and universities celebrate its past contributions, its present excellence, and its future aspirations.
Thank you, Hood College!
