March 14th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

On Friday, March 14, University System of Maryland Chancellor Dr. Jay Perman visited Frostburg State University to help the campus community officially welcome Darlene Brannigan Smith, PhD, FSU’s new interim president. Smith assumed her role March 10.

“Dr. Smith’s experience and professional expertise in business, finance and marketing gives Frostburg an advantage,” said Chancellor Perman, who worked with Smith at the University System office where she served as interim associate vice chancellor for academic programs and as special assistant to the senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “I know the breadth and depth of her experience and the challenges that she’s steered people through. She’s going to be able to work with you to build on Frostburg’s many assets and keep the momentum going as you continue to close the budget gap.”

Smith addressed a full room of faculty, staff and students who turned out to offer her a warm Bobcat welcome. “I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve you,” she said. “I want you to know that one of the most important reasons I decided to accept the interim presidency at FSU is my strong belief in public education and the value and work of regional comprehensive universities like Frostburg.”  

During her address to campus, Smith acknowledged that the FSU community had been through a lot over the past year, especially the loss of former president Ronald Nowaczyk. “He was a great leader who cared deeply about the University and the region.”

She commended the campus community for its resilience and commitment to the University. “Turbulence and uncertainty in higher education is not limited to FSU. All higher education is in the middle of – or even at the beginning of – transformative change. Adapting to change today is a fundamental requisite to being relevant tomorrow.”

FSU’s new leader concluded her remarks to campus with a heartfelt statement. “After only a brief time immersed in the FSU community, Frostburg has already captured my heart and my pride. I’ve truly become a Bobcat and will fight for this University’s success alongside all of you.”

The national search for FSU’s permanent leader will likely begin this summer with the expectation that they will be in place by summer 2026.