On June 1, 2007, Kathleen B. Hetherington, Ed.D. became president of Howard Community College.  Her appointment by the board of trustees to this role followed two years of serving as the college’s executive vice president and six years of serving as its vice president of student services.  In addition, Dr. Hetherington led the college’s $12 million campaign for three years, raising $14 million. 

Dr. Hetherington has over 30 years of progressively responsible community college experience.  She has served as a faculty member and worked extensively in the student services field.  She is a community leader not just in Howard County but throughout the state.  She currently serves on the boards of the James Rouse Entrepreneurial Foundation, the Columbia Festival of the Arts, and the Howard County Chamber of Commerce.  She previously served on the Partnership Board of United Way of Central Maryland.

Some of Dr. Hetherington’s key objectives for her presidency include: promoting student learning and success; providing accessible and affordable education to HCC’s students; encouraging innovation in all areas of the college; and developing the college as the center of learning and culture in Howard County.

Prior to coming to Howard Community College, Dr. Hetherington held various positions at the Community College of Philadelphia including dean of student systems for ten years.  She was an adjunct faculty member at Delaware County Community College.  Her education includes an Associate of Arts and Sciences from the Community College of Philadelphia, a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Pennsylvania State University, a Master’s degree in counseling and human relations from Villanova University, and a Doctor of Education, higher education leadership from Widener University.