2026 graduate Nicki James wins Top 100 Women Scholarship
Social Work major Nicki James '26 was presented with the 2026 Top 100 Women Scholarship by The Daily Record, while Tracy Imm '87 was inducted into the Circle of Excellence. This is the second consecutive year that a McDaniel senior earned the prestigious award, further highlighting McDaniel's commitment to developing leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Nicki James '26
For the second consecutive year, a graduating senior from McDaniel College has been honored with the Top 100 Women Scholarship presented by The Daily Record, which recognizes “high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service, and mentoring.”
Nicki James, who graduated summa cum laude and as a College Scholar from McDaniel on May 23 with a major in Social Work and minor in Political Science, was presented with the $3,000 award during the business and legal news publication’s annual Top 100 Women celebration held May 4.
James was selected as the student attending a Maryland college or university who best reflects the leadership and service qualities exemplified by Maryland’s Top 100 Women honorees.
A resident of Westminster, Maryland, James came to McDaniel as a recipient of the Dorsey Scholarship, the college’s highest academic honor. Throughout her time on campus, she distinguished herself as an active student leader, serving in the Student Government Association, President’s Advisory Council for Students, and as president of the Honors Program. She also was an ambassador for the Center for Experience and Opportunity, peer mentor, member of the Honor and Conduct Board, co-founder of the Barbell Club, and participated in the Maryland Student Legislature, Reader’s Roundtable, and several honor societies.
During her senior year, James had the opportunity to serve as an Undergraduate Social Work Fellow in the office of Senator Mary Washington in the Maryland General Assembly, helping residents navigate state systems and connect with housing, food, and other public assistance resources.
That experience has ultimately led her to enroll this fall at the University of Pennsylvania to obtain a Master of Social Work through the School of Social Policy and Practice, where she will complete a field practicum with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, while pursuing a Certificate in Law through Carey Law School.
Tracy Imm '87
The Top 100 Women recognition also extends to Tracy Imm '87, a Communication alum, who was inducted in 2026 into the Circle of Excellence after being named to The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women list three times.
Imm, who has taught as an adjunct lecturer in the college’s Communication and Cinema and Economics and Business Administration departments, is an experienced communications and marketing professional based in the Baltimore area, with senior leadership experience working for global brands in aerospace and defense, energy, healthcare, insurance, and financial services. She is currently a management consultant and leadership coach. Imm also serves as an advisory council member for the McDaniel Women's Leadership Network.
