Our History & Structure

The Mediation & Conflict Resolution Center (MCRC) became a department of Howard Community College (HCC) on July 1, 2001, after approximately 10 years as a grassroots organization in Howard County.  HCC's decision to incorporate MCRC was a visionary move for a community college.  Hosting a community mediation center advances HCC's goal of "strengthening community partnerships."  MCRC stregthens HCC's community partnerships by providing, upon request, excellent mediation and facilitation services, and conflict resolution education, to various county agencies.  MCRC also provides Restorative Dialgoue services to Howard County citizens through its referrals from the Howard County Police Department, the Howard County States Attorney's Office, and the Department of Juvenile Services. 

MCRC is a unit of HCC's Office of Academic Affairs.  The MCRC Director is supervised by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Ron Roberson.  The MCRC Director is part of the Social Sciences/Education Division in her role as manager of HCC's AA Degree for Conflict Resolution.  MCRC's Director is also advised by an Advisory Board representing the community, HCC, and other appropriate organizations & agencies. 

MCRC is currently staffed by one part-time Director, Kathy Rockefeller, and one half-time Program Coordinator, Dennis Gilbert.  Sixty-six trained volunteers provide mediation and restorative dialogue services for the Center.