Howard Community College appointed Mike Smelkinson as its permanent Associate Vice President of Athletics on July 8, 2026, as he transitions out of his role as head coach of the Howard Community College men’s basketball team. Smelkinson had been serving as interim associate vice president before the college confirmed him permanently in the position.
Smelkinson leaves the coaching position with a 153-77 record across two stints at Howard Community College. His overall collegiate coaching record was 275-129 between Howard Community College and Harford Community College.
Mike Smelkinson’s Howard Community College Coaching Record
Smelkinson first joined Howard Community College as head men’s basketball coach in 2011. He led the program to the 2013 NJCAA Region 20 Championship and its first national tournament appearance.
After five seasons at Harford Community College, Smelkinson returned to Howard Community College in 2019. The Howard Community College men’s basketball team went 25-6 that season, won the NJCAA Region 20 Championship, defeated two nationally ranked top-10 opponents and earned the No. 8 seed in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. The program also finished with the most wins in its history before the tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Smelkinson guided Howard Community College to four NJCAA Region 20 championships, multiple Maryland JUCO titles, four NJCAA National Tournament appearances and an Elite Eight finish in 2025. Since his return in 2019, the men’s basketball team posted a 63-5 home record under Smelkinson, including 36 consecutive home wins from 2019-2022.
Howard Community College played the entire 2022-23 season on the road while its new arena was being constructed. The team won the regular-season and tournament championships that season.
Smelkinson sent more than 60 players from his teams to four-year colleges during his coaching career, including more than 40 who continued at NCAA Division I and Division II programs on scholarships.
Mike Smelkinson’s New Role at Howard Community College
As Associate Vice President of Athletics, Smelkinson will oversee the strategic direction of the athletics department and support coaches and staff. His responsibilities will include long-term planning, program development, fundraising, facilities, compliance and partnerships across the campus and community.
Since becoming Director of Athletics in 2021, Smelkinson has overseen the additions of softball, co-ed esports, competitive cheerleading, junior varsity men’s basketball and women’s flag football. He also helped lead the opening of the Kahlert Foundation Complex.
Howard Community College Vice President of Operations and Advancement Jarrett Carter said Smelkinson’s leadership had elevated the athletics department.
“Mike has been a transformational leader for Howard Community College Athletics,” Carter said. “His passion for our student-athletes, commitment to excellence, and vision for the future have elevated every aspect of our athletics program. We are excited to see him continue that impact as Associate Vice President of Athletics.”
Smelkinson said coaching at Howard Community College had been one of the greatest honors of his career and expressed gratitude to the student-athletes, assistant coaches, staff members, alumni and supporters who contributed to the program.
“Coaching at Howard Community College has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Smelkinson said. “I am incredibly grateful for every student-athlete, assistant coach, staff member, alumnus, and supporter who has been part of this journey. Together, we’ve built something truly special. I’m especially grateful to my wife, Amber, who has helped me climb the ranks. Without her I would not be in this position. I’m excited to shift my energy on serving all of our programs and continuing to move Howard Community College Athletics forward.”
“I am thankful to Dr. Willis, VP Carter, Chief Wall, and the entire senior leadership team who have all supported me at HCC,” Smelkinson said. “It feels good to work at a place with leaders who understand the value and impact of intercollegiate athletics, fitness, recreation, and student development. I am looking forward to continuing to build something special here at the greatest community college in the country.”
Howard Community College will announce the future of the men’s basketball coaching positions in the coming days.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Smelkinson leaves the Howard Community College men’s basketball team with four NJCAA Region 20 championships, four national tournament appearances and the program’s first national tournament berth. His move also places a coach with extensive Howard Community College experience in a permanent athletics leadership role.
The next announcement will address the future of the men’s basketball coaching positions as Howard Community College begins its transition following Smelkinson’s departure from the sideline.
Source: Original report
