Howard Community College: A Comprehensive Overview
Howard Community College (HCC), situated in Columbia, Maryland, stands as a prominent public community college. Established in 1966, HCC provides a diverse range of educational opportunities, including credit-bearing courses across more than 100 programs, non-credit classes, and workforce development programs. The college's main campus is strategically located 35 minutes south of Baltimore and 50 minutes north of Washington, D.C.
Historical Context and Founding
The establishment of Howard Community College was authorized by the Howard County Commissioners Charles E. Miller, J. Hubert Black, and David W. Force. The college's grounds hold historical significance, as the site was once a prehistoric Native American settlement and later the location of the Dieker farm. Alfred Christian Bassler contributed to the college's establishment by selling his share of his father's Cedar Lane farm to Community Research and Development. Construction commenced in June 1969, and the first classes were held in October 1970 in the Learning Resources Center, now known as the James Clark Jr. building. Alfred J. Smith Jr. served as HCC's first president, beginning in June 1969.
Campus and Facilities
The HCC main campus in Columbia, MD, comprises 14 buildings, including a Welcome Center. Parking is available in designated "Students" lots and parking garages. Handicapped parking is conveniently located throughout the campus.
Key buildings and facilities include:
- Mary Ellen Duncan Hall for English, Languages & Business: Completed in 2003, featuring a landscaped area called The Quad.
- The Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall: Completed in spring 2007 and added to The Quad.
- Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center: Opened in fall 2006, housing performance venues, art galleries, dance studios, and instructional facilities for Arts and Humanities Programs.
- Science Engineering and Technology (SET) building: A four-story, 145,300 sq ft building, groundbreaking held in November 2014.
Academic Divisions and Programs
Howard Community College offers a wide array of academic programs through its eight academic divisions. These programs cater to diverse interests and career aspirations, providing students with pathways to further education and professional success.
Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard
Leadership and Governance
Mary Ellen Duncan served as president of the college starting in 1998. More recently, the leadership of Dr. Daria Willis has faced scrutiny. In November 2025, the Howard Community College Faculty Forum Constituency Committee expressed a vote of no confidence in President Willis, citing concerns about leadership instability, a hostile work environment, disrespect towards faculty, mismanagement, and financial misconduct. However, Willis maintains support from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball III and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
Off-Campus Locations and Continuing Education
In addition to the main campus, Howard Community College offers classes at off-campus locations such as high schools and senior centers. The Continuing Education division provides various courses and programs. The Maryland Innovation Center also hosts HCC programs and offers free parking. The Continuing Education offices and classrooms can be found using the Howard Community College map.
Directions to HCC
From Route I-70:
- Take Route 29 south to Route 175 west (Little Patuxent Parkway).
- Go west on Little Patuxent Parkway past the Columbia Mall and Howard Community College.
- Turn left onto Cedar Lane (Howard County General Hospital is on the corner).
- Turn left at the first light onto Hickory Ridge Road.
Additional Initiatives and Partnerships
Howard Community College actively engages in various initiatives and partnerships to enhance its educational offerings and community impact. These include workforce development programs, collaborations with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, and participation in events like the Essence College Tour.
Read also: Discover the scholarship at Howard University's History Department
Read also: Explore Howard County Community College
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