CSM Alumna Dr. Caroline Holland Combs Returns as Dean of the College's School of Health Sciences

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) announces the appointment of Dr. Caroline Holland Combs, DNP, MSN, RN as the college’s new dean of the School of Health Sciences after an extended national search process. Combs is a three-time graduate of CSM and a previous member of the CSM nursing faculty. The Calvert County resident returns to the college in her new role Oct. 7.   

Combs comes to CSM from Chamberlain College of Nursing in Virginia where she served as the assistant professor of nursing, associate dean of faculty, and most recently as dean of academic affairs.  

“As an alumna of the School of Health Sciences, my journey with this institution has always held a special place in my heart,” Combs said of her return to CSM. “It shaped not only my professional career but also my deep-rooted passion for healthcare education and leadership. The opportunity to return home as the dean of the School of Health Sciences feels like a natural progression in my commitment to giving back to the community that played such a pivotal role in my personal and professional development.”   

“It was critical to me and to the search committee that we find just the right person who could build a culture of collaboration, respect, and excellence within the School of Health Sciences and with our external partners,” shared CSM Division of Learning Vice President Dr. Suzanne Wilson Summers. “Many of our staff already have had so many shared experiences working with her when she was CSM faculty and they speak highly about her commitment to going the extra mile to help students.   

“Dr. Combs is coming to the CSM School of Health Sciences with a strong foundation and I believe she will lead the school in exciting directions,” Summers added.   

Combs said she is excited to have the opportunity to rejoin an institution that she “knows firsthand fosters excellence, innovation, and compassion in healthcare.”   

“My experience here as a student laid the foundation for my career, and I am eager to build upon that legacy by contributing to the growth and success of the next generation of healthcare leaders,” she said. “I believe in the transformative power of education and am passionate about developing programs that not only meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry but also empower students to make a real impact in the communities they serve.”   

Combs received her CSM associate degrees in Accounting in 2004, in Management Development in 2005, and in Nursing in 2008. She continued her studies at Walden University where she completed her master’s degree in Nursing Leadership in 2012 and her doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2020. 

“Being able to return to my alma mater in a leadership capacity is an honor and an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of healthcare education,” Combs added. “I'm ready to bring my experiences and dedication to the School of Health Sciences and am deeply committed to fostering an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. This role feels like a homecoming, and I am excited to contribute to the continued success of the school that has given me so much,” she said.   

In announcing Combs’ appointment, Summers thanked CSM Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Vice President Ellen Flowers-Fields for leading the search committee for the new dean, along with valuable input from CSM nursing staff members Candi Hume, Morag Dahlstrom, and Jackie Koerbel.   

Summers also thanked Dr. Bernice Brezina, who served as the interim School of Health Sciences dean during the national search in addition to her current duties as the dean of CSM's School of Professional and Technical Studies.  

“Bernice provided exemplary leadership to ensure a smooth transition of programs and services,” Summers shared.  

To learn more about CSM’s School of Health Sciences, visit https://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/credit/school-of-health-sciences/index.html.