Mike Altobelli

The Fall Opening Convocation welcomed new faculty and students, and featured remarks from the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Chris Marasco, who acknowledged the dedication of fellow trustees, including Frank Turner. The main focus of the event was the presentation of the Trustees Award for Outstanding Service to Howard Community College to Shaun Keller and Ken Solo for their significant contributions to the college's foundation, facilities, and student support programs. The President, Dr. Kate Hetherington, addressed the audience, highlighting the official opening of the new Academic Commons in Howard Hall and future plans for a new Mathematics and Athletics Complex. She also emphasized the importance of shaping the new strategic plan through a visioning event and maintaining a culture of openness and inclusivity amid external noise. The address underscored the college's commitment to student success, active learning, and continuous innovation.

Howard Community College outlines its comprehensive efforts to address the national shortage of STEM professionals by focusing on several key initiatives. These include establishing a state-of-the-art Science, Engineering, and Technology Building with collaborative learning spaces and specialized laboratories for cybersecurity, engineering, and physics. The college prioritizes hands-on training, integrates undergraduate research opportunities, and fosters strong partnerships with four-year institutions and industry, supported by National Science Foundation scholarships, to equip students for success in the STEM workforce.

The event marked the start of a new academic semester, welcoming new employees and students. Key discussions included the introduction of the new Chair of the Board of Trustees, Kevin Doyle, and recognition of outgoing/past chair Mamie Perkins. A central theme was honoring six individuals with the Trustees Award for Outstanding Service to Howard Community College for their work as task force chairs for the 2017-2018 Commission on the Future, which developed 22 recommendations for the college's strategic direction. Topics stemming from the Commission included strengthening community partnerships, developing soft skills, sustainability, increasing internships, and becoming a leader in cybersecurity education. The President also acknowledged the continued excellence of HCC as a "Great College to Work For" for ten consecutive years, discussed current enrollment declines and questions regarding higher education value, and shared a moving story of a student who overcame adversity with the support of faculty and staff, highlighting the college's dedication to student success and its institutional values.

The Pathway Scholarship program, initiated with a $2.5 million grant from Howard County, aims to provide need-based financial assistance to local residents pursuing higher education. Key priorities include supporting diverse student populations, fostering career development in high-demand fields such as Healthcare, and enabling students to balance academic and personal commitments more effectively. The program seeks to enhance educational accessibility and prepare a skilled labor force, with a vision to expand its impact through a $3 million matching campaign.

This document provides an overview of key initiatives and programs at Howard Community College, demonstrating its commitment to student success and community engagement. Principal focus areas include promoting college completion, fostering community contribution and practical experience through the Service Learning program, enhancing global perspectives and career readiness via the Study Abroad program, and providing comprehensive English language support through the English Language Center to facilitate academic and professional advancement.