Press Release

HCC President Daria J. Willis has been appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Research and Community College Trends and Issues. “I am honored to serve on this commission and to represent our dynamic community of scholars and employees. Community colleges are the backbone of higher education, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow leaders to drive innovation, equity, and student success in our sector," said HCC President Daria J. Willis.

The record-breaking fundraising total is the highest in the college’s history, marking a new era of supporting student access, workforce development and industrial growth in Howard County. "This extraordinary achievement reflects the unwavering support of the college’s foundation board members, donors, alumni, corporate partners, and community advocates, all united in their commitment to student success, academic innovation, and community impact," said HCC President Daria J. Willis. Learn More!

Howard Community College announces Michael Popp (left) as the interim associate vice president of facilities management and operations, and Michael Smelkinson (right) as the interim associate vice president of athletics. Popp and Smelkinson assumed their new roles on July 1, 2025.

Howard Community College's New Accounting Apprenticeship Program Creates Opportunities for Students and Businesses

HCC President Daria J. Willis today announced more than $83,000 of cleared institutional balances for graduating and continuing students at the institution. The ‘Finish Line’ fundraising initiative launched by the Howard Community College Educational Foundation invited donors and supporters to help eliminate outstanding tuition and fee costs for 34 members of this years’ graduating class and approximately 50 currently enrolled students to encourage their continuation at HCC.

HCC President Daria J. Willis today announced the retirement of Dr. Ty Stone, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration. “We appreciate Dr. Stone’s hard work in building efficiency and compliance across multiple divisions. The board has been pleased with the accuracy of our budgeting processes and the modernization of our IT and human resources office. We all wish her the best in the next chapter of her personal and professional life,” said HCC President Daria J. Willis. Read More!

The Howard Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees has cancelled the Audit and Finance Committee meeting originally scheduled for May 14, 2025. The board will meet for its regularly scheduled work session and regular meeting at 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2025, in the Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall, room 400.

"Few leaders can share the values of work ethic, positivity, tenacity, and faith with our graduates and their families in a voice like that of Major General Birckhead," said HCC President Daria J. Willis. "We are honored to welcome her to Dragon Country to share our finest hour and to celebrate the achievements of our esteemed scholars and professionals together as they move to the next step in their academic journeys or enter the workforce." Learn more!

The Howard Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees announces a change of date for its April regular meeting and work session. The board will now meet on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 5 p.m. in The Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall, room 400. The board will be conducting a certain portion of its meeting in closed session under the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Title 3 of the General Provisions Article 3-303 (b).

Howard Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished leaders to its Board of Trustees: Alicia V. Altamirano, Esq.; Michele Douglas, Esq.; H. Russell Frisby Jr.; and Stacey Ullrich. "Our senior leadership team is committed to carrying out the trustees' vision of HCC as an economic driver for Howard County and a premier resource for our neighbors and residents' personal and professional development," stated Dr. Daria J. Willis, HCC President.