Governor Wes Moore Announces Montgomery College’s Dr. Sanjay Rai as Acting Secretary for the Maryland Higher Education Commission

“Based on his many years of leadership here at Montgomery College, we are confident that Dr. Rai will continue his tradition of educational innovation as Maryland’s secretary of higher education,” Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Michael Brintnall said. “He is keenly focused on preparing students for success academically and in the workforce, which thereby contributes to growth for our region’s employers and enriches our communities. We wish Dr. Rai the very best in this exciting role on Gov. Moore’s Cabinet.”

With his community college background, Dr. Rai provides a unique and valuable perspective on the need for post-secondary education to align with academic and workforce needs. Dr. Rai also helped in the creation of programs that meet the needs of emerging industries like cloud computing, cybersecurity, cell and gene therapy, and data science.

“Dr. Rai’s qualifications and accomplishments make him uniquely situated to support Gov. Moore’s vision for advancing higher education in Maryland,” said Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams. “His accomplishments while at Montgomery College (MC) have benefitted thousands of students, bolstered the College’s academic programs, and forged valuable collaborations with community, industry, and government. His dedication to equity, innovation, and academic excellence has made a very real difference for all of us at Montgomery College. We look forward to partnering with Dr. Rai and Gov. Moore’s office to continue working for student success in Montgomery County and across Maryland.”

In a statement released earlier today, Gov. Moore cited Dr. Rai’s 30+ years of career experience dedicated to higher education and his commitment to innovation, access, and leadership.
“I am honored to join the Moore-Miller administration. This is an historic opportunity to build upon a strong higher education system of community colleges, the University of Maryland System, and private colleges,” Dr. Rai said. “We must create an inclusive higher education ecosystem that provides meaningful and affordable access to higher education and workforce training to all residents in the state. We will ensure that home grown talent combined with research advancements, will make Maryland a prime destination for employers around the nation and the world for relocating, starting and expanding their businesses.”

He completed a Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, an M.S. in mathematics from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, and an M.S. in mathematics and a B.S. in statistics, physics, and mathematics from the University of Allahabad in India. Dr. Rai continues to actively contribute to the field of mathematics by authoring numerous scholarly articles and other academic publications.

Since his appointment to the senior vice president position in 2014, Dr. Rai has transformed the Academic Affairs Division, leading efforts to pursue grants, forge partnerships with business, and cultivate curricula. He provided leadership in developing a collegewide academic structure, which encouraged collaboration, innovation, and intensified focus on student success. He also led the development of the Institute for Part-time Faculty Engagement and Support, thereby expanding part-time faculty engagement in student success efforts. The strategies and initiatives he inspired and developed continue to evolve in support of student success. As senior vice president for academic affairs, he also oversaw the Workforce Development and Continuing Education unit, a self-sustaining contributor to employers, the community, students, and the College.

Prior to serving as the College’s chief academic officer, Dr. Rai led the Germantown Campus as vice president and provost. In that role, he supported the creation of the Hercules Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology at Montgomery College (PIC MC) Foundation, which supports the Innovation Complex, providing an integrated academic, business, and research environment. In addition, the Paul Peck Academic and Innovation Building was made part of the campus during his Germantown tenure to address the burgeoning life science industry. With 25 start-up companies working on projects and providing learning opportunities for faculty and students, it led to an Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership Award from the American Association of Community Colleges. Dr. Rai also supported the development of the Frank Islam Athenaeum Symposia, the Hillman Entrepreneur Program, and the development of the Biosciences Education Building.

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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