One of the things I appreciate most about our community and region is the people who call it home.
We are fortunate to live in an area surrounded by natural beauty, from our mountains and trails to the rolling farmland that has shaped our landscape for generations. But what makes this region truly special goes beyond the scenery.
Across our communities, neighbors look out for one another. I’ve seen people rally around local causes, support families during difficult times, and volunteer their time to strengthen the organizations that serve our region. When local businesses, schools, nonprofits and community groups have an opportunity to work together, they do. There is a strong sense of pride here and a belief that our success is shared.
That spirit has been proven over many years of challenges that we have overcome together. When flooding impacted our neighbors, volunteers, first responders, churches, businesses and community organizations worked side by side to help families recover. These moments remind us that our greatest accomplishments come not from any one individual, but from a community willing to work together.
As president of Allegany College of Maryland, I have the privilege of witnessing that spirit every day. I see it in students who balance work, family responsibilities and their education while remaining committed to their goals. I see it in employers who invest their time and resources to help develop the next generation of skilled workers. And I see it in community partners who understand that creating opportunities for others strengthens our entire region.
That same commitment is reflected in our approach to community engagement. We work reciprocally with community partners to address public issues, solve problems and achieve common goals. By seeking input and collaborating with organizations throughout the region, ACM helps empower students to become engaged citizens while contributing to their community.
In 2025-26, 3,043 students completed 31,015 hours of community engagement. In the same time frame, ACM faculty and staff contributed to 413 community events. These efforts demonstrate that service to others is not only part of who we are today, but also an investment in the future of our region.
What I admire most is our ability to honor our history while embracing the future. We value the traditions and work ethic that have defined this region for generations, yet we remain open to new ideas, innovation and opportunities that help our communities grow and thrive.
The mountains may define our landscape, but the people define our future. Their generosity, resilience and commitment to one another are what make this region such a remarkable place to live, work and learn.
As I travel throughout our region, I am reminded time and again that our greatest asset isn’t a building, a business or a landmark — it’s our people. They are the reason people choose to stay, return, invest and build their futures here.
David R. Jones is president of Allegany College of Maryland.