Columbia, MD - Howard Community College Athletics is excited to announce that Mike Smelkinson has been promoted to interim associate vice president of athletics beginning this July. Smelkinson will serve this position while retaining his current post as head coach of men's basketball.
 
"Mike has been a tremendous ambassador for our campus and this community," said vice president of external affairs, communications, and advancement Jarrett Carter.  "He has assembled a magnificent team of talented and compassionate coaches and staff, champions access and opportunity in men's and women's athletic participation and sees sports as a great catalyst for community engagement and civic development."
 
Smelkinson first served as head coach of the Dragons from 2011 to 2014, winning the 2013 Region 20 championship. After a five-year stint as head coach of rival Harford, he returned to HCC in 2019. Since his return, Smelkinson has led the Dragons to three Region 20 championships, three national tournament appearances, and an Elite 8 appearance last season. His cumulative record of 153-77 at HCC makes him one of the most successful coaches in school history.
 
Smelkinson was elevated to Director of Athletics in 2021 after two years serving as assistant athletic director. During his tenure, he has overseen the addition of softball, co-ed esports, competitive co-ed cheerleading, JV men's basketball and women's flag football, as well as the opening of the brand-new Kahlert Foundation Complex.
 
"Our Board of Trustees and our senior leaders are continually impressed by Mike's achievements and those of his team," said vice president Carter, "and we look forward to supporting them in expanding a championship-level approach to our students' competitiveness as athletes, scholars, and future workers and leaders in Howard County."
 
Smelkinson has assumed this new role as of July 1.