Edited by Shannon Rogers
Carroll Community College has announced the retirement of Steve Wantz, Executive Director of the Carroll Community College Foundation, after nearly 24 years of service. The College has awarded him Emeritus status, one of its highest honors, in recognition of what officials described as extraordinary commitment to students, the institution, and the wider community.
Under his leadership, assets have grown to more than $36 million, supporting scholarships, academic programs, and capital projects. During Wantz’s tenure, the Foundation completed four major fundraising campaigns, all of which exceeded their goals.
The most recent effort, Turning Hopes and Dreams into Reality fundraiser, brought in a record $14.46 million for scholarships, campus upgrades, and workforce initiatives. He also launched several long-standing programs, including the President’s Society, the Joseph F. Shields Legacy Circle, and the Starry Night Gala, which has generated more than $2 million for scholarships over two decades.
A Carroll alumnus and first-generation college graduate, Wantz joined the College in 2002 after a 26-year career in financial services. At the time, the Foundation managed less than $750,000.
College President Dr. Rosalie Mince said Wantz’s leadership reshaped what the institution could offer its students, noting that he fostered both financial growth and a strong sense of community support. Dr. Kristie Crumley, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, added that his commitment to student success and philanthropic innovation had a lasting impact on the College’s mission.
Wantz was known for mentoring first-generation college students, a group with whom he shared a personal connection. Colleagues said he viewed that work as central to his career. As he enters retirement, Wantz plans to spend more time with his family and remain active in his church and community. Wantz reflects on his time at Carroll, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the College that gave me my start,” Wantz said. “Carroll represents opportunity and hope, and I’ve been blessed to help others discover theirs.”
