Transfer Success Stories | Allegany College of Maryland

Melissa Shank

Melissa (Shank) Sindy
'17 Elementary Education

Q & A

Where did you transfer after leaving ACM?
I transferred to Frostburg State University.
What degree(s) did you earn there?
Elementary/Middle Education specializing in social studies (major and Bachelor’s degree)
Why did you start at ACM?
I knew I wanted to be a student at ACM thanks to its small community feel, it was close to home, and allowed me to begin branching out into my small town while also completing my education. The class ratios are small and the tuition is very well priced.
What do you remember about your time at ACM?
During my last semester at ACM my dad passed away. It was the hardest experience as a 19 year old trying to figure out the world. I needed to finish my courses while also preparing all of my dad’s arrangements. Without the supportive staff at ACM, I truly don’t know how I would have gotten through. Special shoutouts go to Tara Devore and Debby Hardinger for all the support, love, and help applying for scholarships. Another thank you goes to Brandon Hoover as he was an endless amount of support as I figured out taking care of my dad’s final days. Finally, to my Admissions ladies I worked with during my time as a work-study student I have nothing but gratefulness and love toward, the absolute best group of people to work with!
Why would you recommend ACM to future students?
Not only is ACM affordable but it is accessible. The staff are welcoming and supportive to assist in whatever capacity you need. The class sizes are small and individualized. It’s like a safe haven for students beginning their college journey or starting at a later point in life. I have never once regretted my choice to attend.
What advice would you give future transfer students?
Complete each class possible at ACM before transferring to another institution. Also, do your best to intern or shadow with the job field you are working in before you decide wholeheartedly to graduate and transfer to another school.
What are you currently up to?
I am currently a teacher for Allegany County Public Schools. When I graduated from Frostburg State University in spring of 2019, I immediately accepted a position as an 8th grade social studies teacher at Washington Middle School. I am currently in my third year of teaching.
Whats one word best describes ACM?
Welcoming

Kevin Poland

Kevin Poland
'10 Culinary Arts

Q & A

Where did you transfer after leaving ACM?
I transferred to Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
What degree(s) did you earn there?
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
Why did you start at ACM?
I started with the culinary program at Allegany College owing to the incredible structure and professionalism of the staff. ACM provided me with the most affordable options to start my educational journey. The curriculum of the program was exceptional and my advisor David Sanford, was the foundation that helped me to get going. ACM is also located right down the road from me, and the Gateway Center where I attended, was also very close to. Not only did starting at ACM provide me with the tools to succeed at my transfer college, it was the most affordable, local option. The absolute best part, most of my degree from ACM transferred to IUP, knocking off two years of my bachelors and most of my general education credits! That made attending IUP much more affordable.
What do you remember about your time at ACM?
I attended ACM from Fall 2008 to Fall 2010. I will never forget the incredible experiences I had during my program. The hugest shout-out to the amazing Debra Frank, Debra Swope, Dave Sanford and Bill Hand. My instructors created a program of learning that was involved, hands-on, and made me want to learn more. They encouraged growth and potential. They made us all feel like a family, and I'm still very close to my professors to this day. I still to this day talk about the experiences of the culinary program and how working with the other students to run the Culinaire Café, along with our instructors, made the whole experience worth it. I remember my last summer in 2010, when the bakeshop was in my possession. It was during my internship that I was able to flourish and realize my passion for pastry arts. It was interacting with our restaurant guests and staff, being able to create amazing products from start to finish.
Why would you recommend ACM to future students?
ACM provided me with real tools, real knowledge, and working experience. The culinary program exceeded all expectations and was an excellent first start to my educational journey.
What advice would you give future transfer students?
If you plan on attending another university, start early! I started my last year at ACM looking for transfer schools. It was in the fall of 2010 that my search was completed and i was actively talking with admissions and my advisor at IUP. The communication between the schools was crucial to my successful transfer.
What are you currently up to?
I am currently an Assistant Sous Chef with Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Whats one word best describes ACM?
Growth

Sam Vega

Samantha Vega
'19 Human Services

Q & A

Where did you transfer after leaving ACM?
I transferred to Frostburg State University.
What degree(s) did you earn there?
Social Work
Why did you start at ACM?
I had the opportunity to speak with individuals that went to ACM and the feedback I received was all positive. I heard about their ongoing support for students and the opportunity to start off slow was great for me.
Why would you recommend ACM to future students?
I would recommend ACM to future students because there is a lot of support. The career programs are a good fit for those that don’t want to go to a 4 year college. It is cost effective and the sense of community is great.
What advice would you give future transfer students?
It’s okay to ask for help. Network as much as you can because you never know what kind of opportunities are available.
What are you currently up to?
Currently, I moved to Frederick, MD for a job and I am in grad school for Social Work.
Whats one word best describes ACM?
Community

Nicholas Cook

Nicholas Cook
'19 Business Administration & Accounting

Q & A

Where did you transfer after leaving ACM?
I transferred to Frostburg State University.
What degree(s) did you earn there?

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management

Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics (Spring 2023) expected graduation date
Why did you start at ACM?
The main reason I went to ACM was because of the cost and the value of education. I was familiar with some of the faculty members while I was in high school so going to ACM was a no brainer.
What do you remember about your time at ACM?
I was a student from 2017-2019 and one thing that I remember about ACM was the helpfulness of everyone from professors to academic advising. Everyone cared about making sure they gave you the tools to be successful. It was almost like they welcomed you into the family when you started at ACM.
Why would you recommend ACM to future students?
ACM will be the foundation of your collegiate career. It is where you will find out a lot about yourself. Don’t look past your time there, you will look back and realize all the true of value of ACM once you graduate.
What advice would you give future transfer students?
It is never too early to start looking at a four-year university. Plan out courses to take at ACM that align with the curriculum there. Start to create a connection with the university you want to go to. You never know where those connections might take you.
What are you currently up to?
I am currently the Graduate Assistant for the College of Business at Frostburg State University while I finish my MBA. I serve on many committees at the university including Curriculum Committee with the College of Business, University Advisory Committee, and the University Systems of Maryland Student Council as the Graduate Representative. I am also the Vice President of FSU’s student chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management. Lastly, I am a Relationship Advisor with First United Bank & Trust.
Whats one word best describes ACM?
Home

Abisola Iguade
'17 AS Criminology

Q & A

Where did you transfer after leaving ACM?
I transferred to Towson University.
What degree(s) did you earn there?
Bachelor of Science in Sociology & Anthropology with a Criminal Justice Concentration
Why did you start at ACM?
I was recruited to play for the women’s basketball team and I wanted to further my education in a new environment.
What do you remember about your time at ACM?
I remember being at my lowest point, I had an eviction notice, a whole lot of negativity was surrounding my life, and all I wanted to do was go to school. I told Tara Devore at Pathways for Success everything I was going through. I didn’t know then that God had sent her to change my life. The very next day she connected me with ACM staff who gave me a job, helped me get some extra money for school, and told me they believed in me. I will never forget Tara DeVore and the Pathways Program. They helped me build the solid foundation I lacked to be able to get where I am today
Why would you recommend ACM to future students?
ACM is a great place for finding your way. All the faculty and staff were amazing. There are unlimited resources to help you be successful and reach your goals.
What advice would you give future transfer students?
Stay true to yourself and make every moment count. If you're blessed with opportunity make the most of it and utilize your resources. Lastly, surround yourself with great people, no one can do it alone.
What are you currently up to?
I am currently getting certified as a Registered Behavior Technician and I’m going after my master’s in Counseling Psychology at Towson.
Whats one word best describes ACM?
Inspirational!

Brady Barnhart
'13 AS Secondary Education

Q & A

Where did you transfer after leaving ACM?
I transferred to Frostburg State University.
What degree(s) did you earn there?

Bachelor of Science in English Language & Literature and Secondary Education

Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Why did you start at ACM?
It was familiar and cheap. I had applied to other universities but I realized that I would have been saddled with student debt and most likely would have obtained the same amount of skill and knowledge that I ended up getting at ACM.
What do you remember about your time at ACM?
I attended ACM during the 2012 General Election. ACM screened the presidential debates in the Student Center and opened the floor for discussion following each one. The discussion between members of all political affiliations was so rich that it would often spill into the parking lot. I remember quite a few events like this at ACM.
Why would you recommend ACM to future students?
ACM represents an excellent starting point for any academic career. I do not feel like I “lost out” on anything because I attended a community college.
What advice would you give future transfer students?
Start to build a line of communication with your transfer institution during your last semester at ACM.
What are you currently up to?
I am the District Literacy Lead Teacher for Washington County Public Schools.
Whats one word best describes ACM?
Opportunity