October 11, 2006

(Columbia, MD) Dr. Mary Ellen Duncan, president of Howard Community College (HCC), was honored on October 13 as the top college executive in the northeast U.S. by the national Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

Dr. Duncan received the ACCT’s Northeast Region Chief Executive Officer Award at the association’s 2006 Community College Leadership Congress in Orlando, Florida. The northeast region covers 11 states from Maryland to Maine.

“Dr. Duncan’s leadership sets the standard for community college presidents everywhere, so she is highly deserving of this award,” said HCC trustee Roberta Dillow, who nominated Dr. Duncan on behalf of the trustee board. “Her passion is enabling students to pursue their educational and professional goals regardless of the challenges that might stand in their way.”

With an education career spanning more than 35 years, Dr. Duncan has been HCC’s president since 1998. Her notable accomplishments include expanding the college campus and services to meet student and community needs, and educating individuals locally and nationally about the mission of community colleges and their importance to students and communities.

“Dr. Duncan excels at creating tangible improvements that impact community college faculty, staff, and students on the local, regional, national, and international scenes,” Ms. Dillow said. “She has inspired her board members with her vision for HCC and for all community colleges.”

Dr. Duncan’s leadership at HCC has resulted in the construction of five new buildings; the development of three off-campus locations including a regional higher education center; and the development of a performance measurement system that enables faculty and staff to assess progress towards goals and develop substantive changes to improve performance.  The college has received numerous awards and distinctions, including two bronze state quality awards (2003 & 2004) from the Maryland Center for Quality and Productivity.  

HCC’s student population has grown more than 40 percent during her time as president. The college now enrolls more than 7,100 credit students and 14,000 noncredit students.

A leader in the Howard County community, Dr. Duncan serves and has served on several non-profit boards.  She has taken a leadership role at the state level, serving on the Maryland Association of Community College’s executive board. Her objectives include the application of servant leadership principles to further the welfare of students and the enhancement of community colleges’ roles in economic development through business and workforce training.

At the national level, Dr. Duncan’s leadership includes co-chairing the ACCT Ad-hoc Taskforce on Homeland Security and serving on the congressionally-appointed National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in the Advancement of Science, Engineering and Technology.