Harford Community College

Harford Community College
Name	Harford Community College
Established	1957
Type	Public community college
President	Dr. Theresa B. Felder
City	Bel Air
State	Maryland
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 352 acres
Mascot	Fighting Owls
Website	www.harford.edu

Harford Community College is a public community college located in Bel Air, Maryland, serving Harford County and the surrounding region. Founded in 1957, the institution provides a comprehensive range of associate degree programs, certificates, and continuing education opportunities. The college operates on a 352-acre suburban campus and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

History

The institution was established in 1957 by the Harford County Board of Education following a community-led initiative to expand access to higher education in the region. Initial classes were held in the evenings at Bel Air High School before the college moved to its first dedicated building, the Instructional Building, on its present campus in 1964. A significant milestone was reached in 1971 when governance was transferred to an independent Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Maryland. Throughout the late 20th century, the college expanded its facilities with additions like the Chesapeake Center and the APG Federal Credit Union Arena, responding to growing enrollment and community needs. Its evolution has been closely tied to the development of neighboring institutions like the Aberdeen Proving Ground and partnerships with University of Maryland.

Academics

The college offers over 80 degree and certificate programs through divisions including STEM, Health Professions, Business Administration, and Liberal Arts. Popular transfer pathways allow students to seamlessly continue studies at four-year institutions such as Towson University and the University of Baltimore. The college is also known for its workforce development programs, including partnerships with The Boeing Company and Constellation Energy, and its prominent Nursing program which utilizes simulation labs. Additional academic resources include the H. Norman Baer Library, the Student Success Center, and the Harford County Public Library partnership for the HCC Foundation.

Campus

The main 352-acre campus is situated in Bel Air, Maryland, featuring a blend of modern and traditional architecture set among wooded areas. Key facilities include the APG Federal Credit Union Arena, a multi-purpose venue hosting athletics and community events, the Chesapeake Center for conferences and performances, and the Student Center which houses dining services and student organization offices. The campus also features the H. Norman Baer Library, the STEM Center, extensive athletic fields, and the Harford Community College Observatory. Its location provides proximity to major regional resources like the Aberdeen Proving Ground and the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.

Student life

Student engagement is facilitated by over 40 clubs and organizations, including chapters of Phi Theta Kappa and the Student Government Association. The Office of Student Life coordinates events, leadership programs, and community service initiatives, often held in the Student Center or Chesapeake Center. Cultural programming is supported by the HCC Foundation and includes performances at the Chesapeake Theater. Students also participate in events connected to the Harford County Public Library system and volunteer with organizations like the American Red Cross.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Fighting Owls, compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The department fields teams in sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. Primary competitions and events are held at the APG Federal Credit Union Arena and on-campus fields. The Fighting Owls have a rivalry with nearby CCBC Essex and have produced numerous athletes who have transferred to programs at UMBC and Mount St. Mary's University.

Notable people

Notable alumni include Michael H. Weir, former member of the Maryland House of Delegates, and Jesse Bane, former Sheriff of Harford County. The college's faculty has included respected figures like author and historian C. Milton Wright. Benefactors and community leaders such as H. Norman Baer, namesake of the campus library, have been instrumental in the institution's development. The HCC Foundation has also been supported by prominent local figures from organizations like the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Constellation Energy.

Category:Universities and colleges in Maryland Category:Community colleges in Maryland Category:Educational institutions established in 1957 Category:Bel Air, Maryland