Associate Vice President Tamika Bybee named national finalist for AACC award

Howard Community College associate vice president for enrollment services Tamika Bybee has been named a finalist for the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) Awards of Excellence. She joins a host of college executives in several categories who will compete for the national awards, with winners to be revealed at the AACC awards gala on April 8 in Louisville, KY.

Bybee leads an HCC team that has grown enrollment in the last two academic semesters, helping the college recover from significant attrition during years of the campus being under covid restrictions. In September, total attendance increased by more than 4.6% over the last year, two percent higher than the full-time equivalent (FTE) statewide average and the school’s highest figure since 2020.

The headcount for the spring 2024 semester has increased by 8% over the prior year.

“AVP Bybee is a critical member of a leadership group that is making HCC a school of choice in Howard County and worldwide,” said President Daria J. Willis. “She is a true advocate of students and promotes their career and personal growth. I am thrilled that her skill and love for the college are being showcased nationally, and all of Dragon Country is cheering for her to bring home this award.”

Bybee is credited for creating communications and strategic planning that have led to post-covid growth. She credits her work in eliminating barriers to student financial aid packaging, developing IT infrastructure, and self-service support as keys to the division’s success.

She has also led the college’s grassroots efforts to provide students with financial literacy. She created the “Financial Finesse’” series in April 2023 to bring celebrities and economic experts to speak to hundreds of HCC students about saving for college, investing, and education as a powerful element of entrepreneurship. A community resource fair inviting nonprofits to campus to expose community members to services and programs is another byproduct of Bybee’s philosophy on student engagement.

“We keep students at the center of everything we do here at HCC, and everyone has a stake in student success,” said Bybee. “I am fortunate to be a part of the outstanding team that leads our work and conversations on achievement. Leaving people better than how we found them is truly work that matters! HCC is such a great place to welcome students and to help them see a bright future for themselves and their families.”