The Monday Minute with Dr. Williams | Montgomery College, Maryland

January 28, 2026

Welcome to the spring 2026 semester! As we open this new chapter together—on the heels of historic snow and ice that has delayed our start—we are eagerly awaiting the moment we can welcome students to class. Faculty and staff across the College are standing by to launch the spring semester’s learning journeys with energy and purpose. Please continue to monitor MC Alert notifications and the College’s website for further updates that may impact Thursday’s operational status.

I want to extend deep appreciation to the teams who worked tirelessly through challenging weather to prepare our locations for the return of students, faculty, and staff. Colleagues in our Office of Facilities and our Office of Public Safety, Health, and Emergency Management have cleared sidewalks and parking lots, kept buildings warm, and ensured that our learning environments remain safe and ready. Their dedication reflects the resilience and commitment that define Montgomery College.

As we begin the semester, I am pleased to share a few examples of how our students, faculty, staff, and partners continue advancing achievement, innovation, and community impact. These moments underscore our shared commitment to student success and the collaborative work that brings our mission to life across the College.

Student Wins Capital Emmy Award
We are thrilled to celebrate Genevive Banaticla, video production student aide intern, who won a Capital Emmy Award in the Solo Storyteller category from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Genevive’s winning video, “Skateboard Art–Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2024 new window,” profiles Di’orr Greenwood, a skateboarder and fine artist who is a member of the Diné Nation and expresses cultural identity through traditional woodwork and skateboard art. Each summer, student interns collaborate with the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage to document the festival on the National Mall. This recognition showcases the exceptional talent of our students and the professional opportunities available at Montgomery College. Congratulations, Genevive!

“Ask Monty” Is Ai-Enhanced and Multilingual
Montgomery College’s chatbot, “Ask Monty,” has been enhanced to deliver more accurate and timely information for students and families. Rather than relying on a static database, the tool now draws directly from MC webpages, ensuring responses reflect the most current information as content is updated. The chatbot defaults to English but automatically translates responses when users submit questions in other languages. This capability is currently available on webpages under the Apply and Register and Paying for College sections of the MC website new window. These enhancements align with the College’s Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies Policy and reflect our commitment to human-centered, equitable, and trustworthy tools that enhance access and support multilingual learners.

The MC Brand Comes To Life At JA Finance Park
Montgomery College has extended its refreshed brand into the classroom at Junior Achievement Finance Park, where nearly 12,000 seventh-grade students from Montgomery County Public Schools visit annually to explore real-world financial decision-making. Located within Thomas Edison High School of Technology, our newly rebranded space features environmental graphics and videos introducing students to Montgomery College sparking conversations about college, careers, and long-term goals. Through guided discussions with trained volunteers, students learn how education, budgeting, and career choices shape their financial futures. Each visit reinforces an important message: planning for the future starts now. Faculty, staff, and students interested in volunteering can explore opportunities through the JA Finance Park calendar new window.

With Raptor Regards,
Dr. Jermaine F. Williams signature

Dr. Jermaine F. Williams
President
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Instagram | @drwilliamsmc

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