New Year, New Leaders
Newly appointed Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs/College Provost Deidre Price
Montgomery College appointed Dr. Deidre Price to serve as senior vice president for academic affairs/college provost and Thomas Luginbill as new executive director of the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology at Montgomery College (PIC MC). Both Price and Luginbill are new to the College.
Price relocated from Florida and brings two decades of experience to her role as SVP, including her experience as vice president for academic affairs at Northwest Florida State College. Additionally, she has taught in-person and online classes; led faculty, staff, and academic programming; worked with educational agencies, local industry, local and state legislators, and community stakeholders; and established articulation agreements and cooperative arrangements.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at Montgomery College, an institution with a demonstrated commitment to ensuring access and equity for students. MC's programs are truly life-changing and designed to support student success and an exceptional student experience,” Price said. “MC is entering an exciting season of institutional growth and advancement. I look forward to building relationships with our business, industry, and education partners as we continue to shape the future of MC and opportunities for our students.”
She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and philosophy, and a master’s in English from the University of South Alabama. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Florida State University in the literature, media, and culture program with a concentration in new media studies.
"Her contributions have led to innovations in online learning and faculty development, the expansion of dual enrollment, and significant grant awards targeting program enhancements in career and technical education. “I’m excited to work with Dr. Price as we continue to move forward with the College's transformational aspirations," said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, Montgomery College president.
Thomas (Tommy) Luginbill, the new executive director of PIC MC, aims to advance its development and effectiveness as an education, business, and entrepreneurship hub. At the College’s Germantown Campus, PIC MC industry partners co-locate and actively interact with faculty and students to achieve educational and economic success.
“[Tommy] brings an exciting entrepreneurial approach, experience working in higher education and nonprofit organizations in our region, and substantial insight in forging public-private partnerships,” said Gail Wasserman, PIC MC Foundation Board chair.
Previously, Luginbill was director of the College of Southern Maryland’s Entrepreneur & Innovation Institute. There, he orchestrated the revitalization of the town of Indian Head, transforming blighted buildings into centers of urban renewal. Throughout the project, he demonstrated leadership in real estate management, strategic planning, and community engagement.
His experience at the Techport Incubator at University of Maryland demonstrated his skill in nurturing start-ups and fostering a culture of innovation, showcasing a proficiency in asset management and partnership/workforce development.
"I am honored to follow in the footsteps of those who have paved the way before me at PIC MC. Their dedication and hard work have laid the foundation for our mission,” Luginbill said. “We are committed to building upon this legacy, creating a vibrant hub for education, business, and innovation that will continue to thrive and benefit the Montgomery County community. Together with our partners, we are ready to embrace this challenge and honor the past while shaping the future."
Luginbill has a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance from the University of Delaware and master’s in entrepreneurship and accounting from the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business.