Green River College’s Dr. Deb Casey named president of Maryland’s Wor-Wic Community College
By Philip Denman, June 7, 2023
After more than 16 years serving at Green River College, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Deb Casey was recently named the third president of Wor-Wic Community College, effective Aug. 14. 2023.
Located in Salisbury, Maryland, Wor-Wic is a comprehensive community college serving approximately 7,000 students throughout Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties.
“I am humbled to be selected by Wor-Wic Community College’s Board of Trustees as the third president. The College is committed to excellence in education and training impacting the workforce and economic development on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore,” Casey said. “While visiting campus, I was inspired by the incredible credit and non-credit faculty and staff committed to student access and success and the intentional and thoughtful community partnerships in place to support the local workforce. I look forward to continuing the work already in progress as well as partnering with school districts, four-year universities and local business and industry to develop future opportunities with the College.”
Casey first joined GRC in 2006 as Dean of Student Services and Retention before becoming Vice President of Student Affairs in 2011. Previously, she worked in various administrative positions as interim vice president of human resources and instruction, dean, and in teaching roles at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Florida.
“It’s truly been an honor to work collaboratively with people at Green River College and within the communities of Auburn, Kent, and Enumclaw,” Casey said.” “Serving on the Green River Foundation and the executive board of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce deepened my understanding of how important Green River’s mission is to our local workforce and global communities.”
According to Casey, Green River’s students were at the heart of her work, with the motto “Think student-then decide while meeting them where they’re at”. This motto consistently resonated with her values and the shared commitment she has to serving every student with an equity-centered mindset.
“I will miss my daily interactions and connection with my colleagues and friends from across campus and in the community. I honor Green River’s mission, vision and values and all the opportunities I’ve experienced with our students and local partners. The innovation and commitment to academic excellence and equity at Green River is outstanding. Our GRC values focused on student success are part of who I am. I will carry those values forward in my work at Wor-Wic.”
Casey will succeed Ray Hoy, who will retire after serving as the college’s president for 23 years, as the third president to lead Wor-Wic in its 48-year history.
"Deb has served for 16 years at Green River and has contributed to many efforts focused on serving our diverse students and communities,” GRC President Suzanne M. Johnson said in an email to the campus community. “She has been instrumental in providing wrap around, responsive support services, safety, and community partnerships. This includes community partnerships to open a Completion Center and Benefits Hub addressing food and housing insecurity; leading the institution-wide pre-and post-pandemic emergency response; visioning Veterans and Indigenous Student Success Centers; teaching and research focused on students with disabilities in allied health science programs and playing a critical role in the college’s commitment to the Guided Pathways framework to help more students succeed.”
Casey will remain in her role as GRC’s Vice President of Student Affairs through early August. Further information and updates regarding the transition and search for the next GRC Vice President of Student Affairs will be shared once available.
