Remembering Dr. Faye Pappalardo, Carroll’s 2nd President

Dr. Faye Pappalardo, Carroll Community College’s second president, passed away on August 22, 2024, at her home in Westminster, MD.

“Our entire community is saddened by the passing of the greatest advocate for the College,” said former Carroll President Dr. James D. Ball. “Every student, past, present, and future, has Faye Pappalardo to thank for contributing to their success.”

Pappalardo started her career at Carroll in 1988 as the Dean of Students, when the College was operating out of two trailers as a campus of Catonsville Community College. Under her leadership as the Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Carroll became an independent college in 1993. Pappalardo took on the role as President of the College in 1999 and was instrumental in the development of the physical campus in Westminster.

Thanks to Pappalardo’s efforts to obtain funding for the expansion of the College, the campus on Washington Road grew significantly. In 2002, The Robert Annis and Phyllis Barrett Scott Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, the Business Training Center, and the Life Fitness buildings were all built. The Nursing and Allied Health building was completed in 2004. The K building, now named The Naganna Center for Innovation, opened in January 2010 and featured additional classrooms to accommodate the growth of the student body and new programs.

“The College would not be as successful as it is today without Faye’s dedication, leadership, and vision,” said David S. Bollinger, Carroll Community College Trustee. “She was the face of the College for the community, faculty, staff, and students for many years.”

One of Pappalardo’s signature accomplishments during her tenure was establishing the College’s nursing program. “Thanks to Faye’s leadership, Carroll’s program is recognized as one of the region’s leading programs for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other allied health professionals,” said Dr. Nancy Perry, retired Division Chair and Professor of Allied Health programs at the College.

In recognition of her service, the College dedicated the Dr. Faye Pappalardo Nursing and Health Care Education Center in September 2014. The Pappalardo Honors Program, a selective-admission honors cohort for entering first-year students at Carroll, was also named after her in honor of her contributions to the thousands of students who have shaped their futures at the College.

Born in Philadelphia, Pappalardo obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Mount Saint Mary’s College. She earned a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Johns Hopkins University. She earned both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education from Columbia University.

Pappalardo was also a leader in the business and philanthropic communities in Carroll County. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and the Literacy Council of Carroll County, and had served on the Carroll County Economic Development Commission. She also served as the chair of the Carroll County Scouting Advisory Committee and on the board of Carroll Hospice.

“Under Dr. Papalardo’s stewardship, this college blossomed into a beacon of opportunity and excellence,” said Dr. Rose Mince, President at Carroll. “Her unwavering dedication to education, commitment to student success, and tireless efforts to expand our programs and services have left an indelible mark on all of us.”