A Message from the President

We are in extraordinary times. While the global coronavirus pandemic has tested and pushed Howard Community College (HCC) into uncharted territory, faculty, staff, and students are forging new pathways to success with determination and resilience.

I am so honored to serve alongside faculty and staff who have undertaken herculean efforts to ensure our students will succeed. I am impressed by students and their commitment to learn in the face of many challenges. I am touched by the level of caring demonstrated by the college community as we have made donations of personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and food. And I am immensely proud of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff who are serving in essential jobs on the front lines.

When HCC shifted to remote learning and services in March, everyone displayed courage, commitment, and ingenuity in tackling such a new way of operating. This issue’s cover story highlights the collaborative and innovative spirit that has carried the college through a period of dramatic change.

One of our biggest challenges has been ensuring students have the necessary support to succeed in their classes, whether it is technology, financial aid, tutoring, counseling, or food assistance. Financial aid services and the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (HCCEF) quickly stepped up to provide emergency funds. This issue also showcases the generosity of our donors that helped made this response possible. 

The pandemic has changed life as we know it in Howard County, and yet one constant remains: Howard Community College will continue to support the health, safety, and well-being of our faculty, staff, students, and community. I am confident that we will emerge from this challenge stronger together. 

Best Regards,

Kathleen Hetherington, Ed.D.

President