Former assistant principal lauds GC connection to community
McHenry, MD – Zach Krisher has the best of both worlds in his new role as associate dean of academic affairs at Garrett College.
“I still get to work with the professionals and students at the same time,” said Krisher, who previously served as an assistant principal at both Southern Middle School and Broad Ford School.
Krisher, who started his new position in July, said Garrett College was particularly attractive to him because of “how connected the College is to the community and Garrett County Public Schools.”
“The College was always a great partner,” said Krisher, noting High School Dual Enrollment and College & Me as two examples of the close relationship between Garrett College and the local school system.
Krisher — a former special education teacher in both Dorchester and Garrett counties — is also teaching at Garrett College as an adjunct instructor in the College’s First-Year Experience (FYE) course.
“I really like it when the students stick around after class to talk with me,” he said. “I just had a great conversation with one of the basketball players who lives down the road from me. I enjoy teaching FYE because I get a little classroom time again.”
Professor Christa Bowser, GC’s chief academic officer, said Krisher’s experience and commitment to student success impressed her and the members of the associate dean search committee.
“His understanding of students and the educational system make Zach a valuable addition to our College,” said Bowser. “We are very fortunate to have him join our team.”
Krisher, who holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Frostburg State University, said the best part of his new position are the responsibilities that support students in achieving their goals.
“I enjoy the not-so-glamorous stuff like developing grants and building master class schedules that help make dreams a reality for students,” said Krisher, who also holds Bachelor of Science degrees in both special education and early childhood development from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Krisher said a high school assignment initially sparked his interest in education as a career field.
“One of the research topics in a high school English course I took was reviewing an article about the need for males in education,” he recalled. “Our high school had a preschool program, and I took those classes after I wrote that paper. I found I really enjoyed that field.”
Krisher, who spent a decade with GCPS in various roles, hopes that experience proves valuable in his present position.
“We can always strengthen the relationship, and make college as accessible and seamless as possible for High School Dual Enrollment and our other programs that we offer jointly with the school system,” he said.
Krisher’s wife, Lindsay, is a computer science teacher at Southern Garrett High School. They have four children: Bailey, 13; Lacie, 11; Joana, 5; and Atlas, 3.
