On this episode of Campus Drive, we sit down with Bill Gillett, Department Head of the Performing Arts Program at Howard Community College, for an inside look at the creativity, discipline, and passion fueling the college’s theatre, music, and dance productions. From student-led performances to faculty showcases and guest artist events, Bill shares how the program nurtures emerging talent, builds community through the arts, and prepares students for both professional stages and lifelong artistic expression. Whether you’re a performer, an arts lover, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this conversation offers an inspiring glimpse into the power of the performing arts on campus. 🎭✨ 

On this episode of Campus Drive with Matt Jackson on Dragon Podcasts at Howard Community College, Columbia Maryland-born and DC-based multidisciplinary artist Trap Bob (Tenbeete Solomon) reflects on the roots that shaped her creative journey.

She discusses how her family’s influence and even unexpected classes guided her toward new ways of seeing and making, why she uses art as a way of asking questions, and what sustains her creative drive. Her work spanning murals, digital illustration, and animation has been recognized by institutions and brands including NASA, Warner Bros, Refinery29, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Major League Soccer, and she continues to shine as one of the DMV’s most distinctive voices in visual art.

Listen on to this episode and more like this now YouTube or Apple Podcasts 

In this episode of Campus Drive, host Matt Jackson, takes you inside the 2025 HoCo Student Film Festival, where student filmmakers from Howard County Public Schools are using the power of storytelling to make a difference.

We spotlight the documentary The Flood of Resilience, created by HCPS students Gabby Nguyen, Ana Lagos, and Leinani David, which explores Ellicott City’s flood recovery and features interviews with the offices of County Executive Calvin Ball and Maryland State Delegate Courtney Watson. Learn how the local film festival — in partnership with CSPAN, Howard Community College's Dragon Media Network, and local educators — is amplifying youth voices and civic engagement through film.

📺 More student films available on: Dragon Media | HoCo Student Film Festival YouTube

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Campus Drive is the official podcast of Howard Community College, hosted by Matt Jackson, manager of Dragon Podcasts at Dragon Media. Tune in to discover new initiatives, dynamic programs, and special guests whenever they're on campus. It's your one-way street to all things HCC!

Every school has a campus drive, and now you do too! Join us for new monthly episodes where we give you the best scoops and insider looks into Dragon County and what's keeping everything moving. Plus, we highlight some of your favorite songs for the ride to school.

Make sure you tune in to our award-winning show, Campus Drive, now available on all podcast streaming platforms and Podbean. Buckle up, because we're just getting started!

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for updates and more exciting content.

Join us as we celebrate National Community College Month at Howard Community College. On a beautiful 80-degree April day in Columbia, MD, our host Matt Jackson sits down with HCC's SGA President and student ambassador, Mudiwa Mawema, to discuss his journey as an international student from South Africa and how choosing HCC became his #BestDecisionEver.

Between classes, SGA meetings, and passing out free Chick-fil-A sandwiches to students who could beat him in rock-paper-scissors, Mudiwa shares his appreciation for Howard Community College and the opportunities it has provided. Tune in to hear Mudiwa's inspiring story, his future plans, and the transformative power of community colleges. Don't miss this episode featuring student voice stories and insights into college podcasts. #CCMonth

Follow @dragonpodcasts for more episodes, fun content, and updates to our Substack and YouTube channel. 

March Madness has taken over in Dragon Country and things look like they are only heating up this week, as we highlight our exciting men's basketball team, the back-to-back Region 20 Champions finishing the season with a stellar record of (25-5) as they prepare to head to Illinois for the NJCAA National Tournament.

Our host Matt Jackson, interviews tournament MVP Jaden Johnson, all-tournament sharpshooter Christian Dean, and all-conference selection team leader Emmanuel Henriques. Together we talk hoops and explore how their game and mindset have grown this season with the help of their coaches and, most importantly, each other.

Listen in as we discuss team chemistry, the power of second chances, staying focused on what truly matters, and growing together as student-athletes. Under the guidance of Coach Mike Smelkinson, our Dragons are preparing for victory and making Dragon Country proud. Their journey is one you won't want to miss as the team makes it clear that the job isn't finished! 

Follow @dragonpodcasts for more updates!

In celebration of Black History Month, we delve into the rich history and ongoing impact of Black excellence in higher education, with a special focus on community colleges. Join us as we sit down with Madison Otto, President of the Black Student Union, and Marcus Nicks, Assistant Director of the Silas Craft Collegians Program, to explore the pivotal role of Black educational leadership and trailblazers.

We highlight the contributions of local Howard County historical figures like Silas Craft and Benjamin Banneker, whose legacies continue to inspire and shape the educational landscape and pay homage to the father of Black History Month, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Discover how the programs at Howard Community College build on this legacy, fostering dynamic and inclusive educational experiences. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the future of Black excellence in academia.

Dive into the huddle of the new Women's Flag Football team at HCC lead by Coach Verkia Smith and newfound star player Kenny Akins as they share insights on the newest team in Dragon Country, all made possible by a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA in partnership NFL Flag. With over 1.5 million participants nationwide, flag football is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.!

Next, we have an exclusive chat with student/staff writer Ashanti Nollie, a rising voice behind the HCC Times. Ashanti, a Radiologic Technology student, brings fresh perspectives and exciting new stories to our campus-wide newspaper publication as she shines her light into politics, opinion, and culture taking us on a tour of what's in store this Spring from the HCC Times.

Don't miss out on the latest campus buzz! Subscribe, rate, and review Campus Drive on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow us on Instagram @dragonpodcasts for all the behind-the-scenes fun.

In this inspiring episode of Campus Drive, our host & manager of Dragon Podcasts Matt Jackson sits down with Fahimeh Vahdat, a renowned multidisciplinary artist and Art Professor at Howard Community College. Recently honored with the Outstanding Artist Award, Fahimeh shares her journey as an Iranian-American artist, discussing motivation, the importance of continuous learning, and how to find inspiration in uncharted territories. She also delves into her impactful work advocating for women's and children's rights and empowering her students to embrace eco-friendly initiatives. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will motivate and inspire you to explore your own creative path.  

This episode is great for those excited about exploring artist expression making a difference through creativity and education.

Welcome Campus Drive! Hop in with our host Matt Jackson, manager of Dragon Podcasts, as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23rd). This episode features special guests Naysa Peake, an HBCU graduate and current student in Howard Community College's Hospitality Management program, and her employer and mentorship partner in the HCC apprenticeship program, Chuck Chandler, General Manager of the Residence Inn in Howard County.

Explore the transformative power of apprenticeships, from hands-on experience to invaluable mentorship. Discover the day-to-day life of an apprentice and why Howard CC's programs are essential for student success. Plus, learn about the various events happening around HCC during National Apprenticeship Week.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in college and university podcasts, career development, and educational opportunities.

Feel free to visit Howard Community College's website for more information and be sure to follow us on social media @dragonpodcasts