Anne Arundel Community College: A Hub of Education and Opportunity
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), located in Arnold, Maryland, stands as a cornerstone of education and community enrichment in Anne Arundel County. Founded in 1961, AACC has evolved from its humble beginnings to become the largest single-campus community college in the state, offering a wide array of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of its students and the surrounding community. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, AACC is committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education.
A History of Growth and Adaptation
AACC's journey began on January 2, 1961, as Anne Arundel Junior College, established by the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. With Dr. Andrew G. Truxal at the helm, the college opened its doors to 270 students at Severna Park High School in September 1961. The institution transitioned to its permanent 165-acre campus in Arnold in September 1967, marking a significant step in its development.
Dr. Robert P. Ludlum, the college's second president, took office in August 1968 and ushered in an era of expanded program offerings, including transfer, career, and continuing education programs. He also introduced tuition waivers and programs for senior citizens, demonstrating a commitment to serving a broad spectrum of the community. Furthermore, Dr. Ludlum championed student representation on the board of trustees and established the Servicemember's Opportunity College at Fort George G. Meade.
Following Dr. Ludlum's retirement in 1976, Dr. Justus D. Sundermann assumed the presidency, spearheading the creation of AACC's Weekend College, cable television (media production) courses, and contract education services. Under his leadership, AACC opened its first off-site location in Glen Burnie and the Child Development Center in Arnold. However, his tenure was also marked by internal strife and declining enrollment. In 1978, some of AACC's female faculty members filed lawsuits against the community college and insurer Continental Casualty Company for alleged pay discrimination. The lawsuits were consolidated and received news coverage while Dr. Sundermann was president. The board subsequently voted against renewing his contract 1979.
Dr. Thomas E. Florestano, the fourth president, guided AACC through a period of unprecedented growth from 1979 to 1994. During his tenure, the campus expanded to 230 acres (0.93 km2), and the Glen Burnie Town Center location was established.
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Dr. Martha A. Smith became AACC's fifth president on August 1, 1994, with a focus on positioning the college as an economic engine for the community through the integration of academic and vocational education. She reorganized the senior administration, combining academic affairs and workforce development. Under her leadership, tuition remained affordable, the number of degree programs doubled, and the graduating class of 2012 was nearly twice the size of that of 1996. AACC gained national recognition for its cybersecurity education, workforce training, and student excellence. Dr. Smith secured funding for campus construction and renovation projects, leading to the opening of additional off-site locations, including a Sales and Service Training Center, the Regional Higher Education Center, the Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute building, and a Center for Cyber and Professional Training.
Accreditation and Academic Programs
AACC's commitment to quality is reflected in its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The college's nursing programs have been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing since 1970. The Maryland Board of Nursing awarded accreditation to the registered nursing program in 1966 and the practical nursing programs in 2006. The radiologic technology program has been nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology since 1993. In 2008, AACC's Department of Public Safety achieved national accreditation through the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), becoming the first two-year institution in the United States to receive this recognition.
AACC offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including associate degrees and certificate programs. The college also provides enrichment courses for individuals of all ages through its Continuing Education, Gifted and Talented, homeschool, Kids in College, online, and weekend programs. AACC has an open admissions policy and accepts life experience as credits. Additionally, AACC runs a program for high school students known as the Early College Access Program (ECAP) (formerly known as Jump Start).
Campus and Facilities
The main campus in Arnold, Maryland, spans 230 acres (0.93 km2), making it the largest single-campus community college in the state. The campus features 10 academic buildings, a library, gymnasium, student services center, student union, a 389-seat performing arts center, the Earl S. Scott Nature Trail, and a 3,000-seat athletic field.
In 2019, AACC held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Anne Arundel Community College Health and Life Sciences Building. This three-story, 175,000-square foot building, which opened in fall 2021, houses 19 biology labs, 11 health science labs, a 160-seat lecture hall, greenhouse, classrooms, computer labs, study/meeting rooms, tutoring and advising, and faculty and deans’ offices.
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Athletics
AACC's athletic teams, known as the Riverhawks, compete in the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MDJUCO) of the NJCAA. The Riverhawks have a strong athletic tradition, having won four national championships. AACC Athletics has also been recognized for its sportsmanship, receiving the Dr. Jack Cistriano Sportsmanship Award six times.
Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, esports, golf, lacrosse, and soccer. Women's sports include volleyball, basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, and softball. Students and student-athletes have access to on-campus fitness facilities in the David S. Jenkins Gymnasium at AACC's Arnold campus. The gymnasium features a 650-seat capacity, six basketball hoops, two weight training facilities, and the Riverhawk Athletic Training Facility. Siegert Stadium hosts men's and women's soccer and lacrosse home games. Softball home games are played at the Softball complex, and baseball home games at “Skip” Brown Baseball Field. The three practice fields are available to the public during the day and for rent by external organizations when not in use by AACC.
AACC in the Community
Anne Arundel Community College plays a vital role in the Anne Arundel County community, providing educational opportunities, workforce training, and cultural enrichment. The college partners with local businesses and organizations to offer relevant programs and services that meet the needs of the regional economy. AACC also hosts community events and activities, fostering a sense of connection and engagement. The Entrepreneurial Studies Institute's Business Pitch Competition awarded $50,000 to student businesses in 2021. No. Amaranth Literary Magazine, a student-run journal published annually, features literary works by AACC students and alumni.
AACC has crosstown agreements with the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) (Air Force and Army) and Bowie State University (BSU) (Army) for its Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. The program is available to full-time AACC students in good academic standing. UMD and BSU's ROTC programs began in 1920 and 1974, respectively.
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