Introducing University Center on Technology Drive

A program housed off MD Route 22 announced recently that it is changing its name in late October.

What was the Higher Education and Conference Center at Higher Education and Applied Technology (HEAT) Center will become "University Center," effective Oct. 24.

The center on Technology Drive in Aberdeen has provided workforce training and classroom space since 1995.

The name change is part of a campaign to raise awareness about the educational offerings of the center, which is managed by Harford Community College and housed within a building owned by Harford County, according to a press release.

Regional higher education institutions like University Center were officially established by law in 2000, according to the release, to make higher learning accessible to high school graduates in parts of Maryland where there were few institutions of higher education.

University Center offers 12 bachelor's degrees, two post-bachelor's certifications, 15 master's degrees and one Ed.D. program.

Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Towson University, University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland University College send faculty to teach at University Center.

Students enroll directly with the partnering institutions, and those schools collect tuition and issue degrees.

Companies can also use the center for off-site meetings, training and small conferences with resources like videoconferencing, computer labs, ceiling-mounted projectors, Smart Boards and wireless internet available.

"We are committed to our students and the business community...their future is truly our mission—their opportunities are limitless here," University Center Director Nancy Spence said in a press release. “We are excited about unveiling the center’s new identity."

University Center will hold a private rededication ceremony on Oct. 24.