Mary Bolt, Ed.D.

Dr. Mary Way Bolt is the president of Cecil College. Prior to leading the college, Dr. Bolt served as the Vice President of Academic Programs for over a decade. As the Chief Academic Officer, she expanded Cecil College’s degree programs and course offerings in credit and continuing education. She inspired “credential stacking” allowing students to tailor their degrees to personal and workforce needs while working towards their Associate Degree. She developed robust transfer agreements ensuring that earned credits would be accepted at over 100 colleges and universities. Additionally, Dr. Bolt forged numerous partnerships with four year colleges and universities guaranteeing Cecil’s students affordable access to Bachelor’s and advanced degrees. Under her direction, the Milburn Stone Theatre increased its patronage and was recognized as a regional leader in the performing arts. 

Dr. Bolt developed countless partnerships with businesses and universities to support the region’s economic development needs and advance student success. Dr. Bolt continues to advocate for certification and licensure programs that strengthen the local economy and provide students an advantage to securing high demand, well-paying jobs with benefits and growth potential. 

Recently recognized as the Northeastern Technology Council’s Visionary of the Year, the region celebrated Dr. Bolt’s lifelong career in education and healthcare and the plethora of outcomes created by her unique appreciation of science, technology, and workforce readiness.

Dr. Bolt champions the community college mission as a member of numerous local and state boards. She has developed policies, best-practices and advised on healthcare in education both nationally and internationally.