Exciting, rewarding, and challenging are all adjectives that Professor of Accounting Mary Ann Swindlehurst might use to describe her 16-year teaching career at Carroll Community College. Yet, when she considers her retirement at the end of this summer, Swindlehurst said the feeling is bittersweet.

“I will miss everyone at the college, and all the friendships I have made,” said Swindlehurst. “I will miss the routine of the semesters passing to mark the time. I will especially miss the friendly, family environment at Carroll.”

Mary Ann Swindlehurst

Swindlehurst was in charge of the accounting program at the college. Throughout the years, she taught just about every course offered. She also supervised adjunct faculty. One of her proudest moments came when she arranged with local high schools to allow students to take accounting classes before graduating, which later count as three college credits at Carroll. Swindlehurst worked with Carroll County Public Schools to adopt the college’s accounting textbook and helped set up a curriculum for high school students choosing this path.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Swindlehurst served as president of the Academic Council, served on the College Senate, was a member of the Planning Advisory Council, and was social committee chair for college-wide lunch gatherings. Together with staff member Nancy Schoppert, Swindlehurst compiled a cookbook of recipes from various contributors within the college community, with sale proceeds benefiting the Carroll Community College Foundation. She also served as co-chair of an internal campaign seeking staff pledges for the college’s Major Gifts Campaign, along with Senior Director of the Library Alan Bogage.

When Swindlehurst recalls the many students she has taught at Carroll, she said she realizes how many opportunities they have after graduating from the college. “Companies are actively recruiting workers with accounting skills since there are many openings in the workforce,” said Swindlehurst. “Carroll prepares students well. They tell us after graduating that they are happy with their education.”

What does Swindlehurst have planned for her retirement? “I am moving to Florida to a recently constructed home,” she said. “I’ll have lots of time to set it up and start my garden. I also plan to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, a favorite cause of mine. I am sure I will spend time painting in watercolor, drawing in pen and ink, and reading lots of books.”

Swindlehurst knows she will love retirement, yet can’t help but think she will miss her years at Carroll. Everyone at Carroll knows they will miss her.

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