Council

The New Jersey Council of

County Colleges

The purpose of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC or Council) is to engage in activities for the advancement of NJ’s Community Colleges, perform certain sector coordinating responsibilities as required by NJ and federal statutes, and coordinate statewide efforts for the 18 Community Colleges.

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About the Council

Governed by the presidents and trustees of the state’s 18 Community Colleges and enshrined in state law, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC or Council) supports NJ’s Community Colleges and the more than 230,000 students they serve annually across 49 locations by fostering collaboration and developing solutions that expand access to college, promote equity and student success, and create a skilled workforce to drive economic growth. The Council brings together the state’s Community Colleges to build a world-class, flexible higher education and workforce development system that can respond to the needs of local communities and employers while having statewide reach and impact. The Council promotes innovation and policy changes to help NJ’s Community Colleges in their efforts to achieve academic, social, and economic mobility for all residents. The Council’s New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development builds statewide industry, education, and labor partnerships that align education and training with the needs of a changing economy.

Sheetal Ranjan

Chair, Council Executive Committee

We are proud that New Jersey’s 18 Community Colleges transform the lives of New Jerseyans, from all backgrounds and of all ages. Community Colleges provide pathways to further education and economic opportunity while building the skilled workforce that propels economic growth.

Sheetal Ranjan

Chair, Council Executive Committee

Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D.

President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges

New Jersey’s Community Colleges are committed to working with education, government, industry, labor union, and community partners to build a sustainable future for all of our state’s residents that is grounded in equity, resilience, collaboration, and opportunity.

Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D.

President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges

History

History

NJCCC was created by state statute (18A:64A-26) in 1989. The Council, a body corporate, operates under bylaws approved by its membership and has tax-exempt status under Section 501-C-3 of the IRS Code.

Council Bylaws

State Statute (18A:64A-26)

Vision

We are in a moment of complex and rapid economic, social, technological, demographic, and climate changes. To collectively address both longstanding and emerging challenges, NJ’s Community Colleges call for a new shared commitment to action and novel policies and innovations.

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Council Leadership and Members

The Council joins the leadership of trustees and presidents to strengthen and support New Jersey’s network of Community Colleges. The Council is led by a Chair, always a trustee, and governed by a Executive Committee, that includes four Trustees and three presidents.

Council Executive Committee

Sheetal Ranjan

Chair, Bergen Community College

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Jessica R. Stewart

Vice Chair, Camden County College

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Dorothy Hall

Trustee-At-Large, Salem Community College

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Mary M. Zimmermann

Trustee at Large, Union College of Union County, NJ

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Dr. Michael R. Gorman

Secretary, Salem Community College

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Dr. Frederick Keating

Treasurer, Rowan College of South Jersey

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Dr. Anthony J. Iacono

Vice Chair, County College of Morris

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View Full New Jersey Council of County Colleges Membership

Council Meetings

AllEvents

The Council holds quarterly meetings throughout the year to bring together the Council 36 Trustee and President members. Unless otherwise modified by resolution of the Council, the regular in-person public meetings shall commence at 6:00 p.m.

Council June 11, 2024 6:00 pm | Atlantic City (Location TBD)

June Quarterly Council Business Meeting

Council September 23, 2024 6:00 pm | Middlesex College, West Hall, Parkview Room, Edison, N.J.

September Quarterly Council Business Meeting

Council November 18, 2024 6:00 pm | Middlesex College, West Hall, Parkview Room, Edison, N.J.

Council Organizational Meeting

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PastCouncil Meetings

Statewide Events

All Events

Through statewide conferences and convenings, the Council works to bring college leaders and other partners together to find innovative solutions and building new partnerships that adapt to our changing world.

Council June 11, 2024 2:00 pm | Atlantic City

New Jersey Community College Opportunity Summit

Registration is now open!

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Council News

AllNews

Press Releases

March 20, 2024 | News Story

Strong Presence by New Jersey’s Community Colleges at Senate Budget Hearing in Newark Asking to Restore $20 Million in State Funding

Community College Students Say Cuts Will “Negatively Impact” the Disadvantaged

Press Releases

March 13, 2024 | News Story

Digital Marketing Services for the New Jersey Manufacturing Skills Initiative

Press Releases

March 5, 2024 | News Story

NJ’s Community Colleges Testify at Senate Higher Education Hearing

Committees

NJCCC has committees that lead, guide, and support the important work of the Council. The committees ensure greater involvement of trustees and presidents in the work of the Council, and ensure that all efforts of the Council are aligned with the collective priorities of the 18 Community Colleges.

Each of the committees meet throughout the year to establish and then implement priorities for the coming year. Each committee is chaired by a Trustee and a President. Each of the seven members of the Council’s Executive Committee, made up of four trustees and three presidents, serve as co-chairs of the Committees to facilitate reporting and alignment. Each Committee provides updates on their work at quarterly Council meetings. Council staff members support the work of each committee.

See Full List of Council Committees

The Council’s Committees

College Collaboration

A critical purpose of the Council is to engage in activities for the advancement of New Jersey’s Community Colleges, perform certain sector coordinating responsibilities as required by New Jersey and federal statutes, and coordinate statewide efforts for the 18 Community Colleges.

Funding Formula

State law gives the Council the responsibility to develop and recommend to the State Treasurer a formula for the allocation of state operating aid to the 18 community colleges. In 2021, the Council adopted a new funding formula that is aligned with the key values of access, equity, and success.

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Course Review

The Council manages an inclusive process of the 18 Community Colleges to approve credit courses that are eligible for state funding.

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General Education

In order to meet the commitment outlined in the New Jersey Presidents’ Council’s Statewide Transfer Agreement, the Council manages the inclusive process of approving courses for designation as General Education.

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Perkins Program

The Council supports the efforts of the New Jersey Department of Education with the implementation of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, a critical investment in the state’s Community Colleges.

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Chapter 12

The Council provides recommendations to the State Treasurer on the implementation of the state’s Chapter 12 program, providing critical funding for college the infrastructure needs of Community Colleges.

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Joint Purchasing Consortium

The Joint Purchasing Consortium brings together the 18 Community Colleges to pursue efficiencies in the procurement of goods and services.

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Affinity Groups

The Council’s Affinity Groups serve as a forum for cooperation and information sharing for functionally-aligned campus staff designated by the presidents. Affinity Groups meet regularly throughout fthe year to provide guidance to the Council on matters of concern and interest, and serve as a resource to the Council in the implementation of Council priorities.

See full list of Affinity Groups and Subgroups

State Policy

NJ’s Community Colleges are crucial to building a prosperous and equitable NJ. They provide low-cost access to quality higher education and workforce development. They are key partners with four-year colleges and universities, providing on-ramps for students who might not otherwise be able to attend.

They are also key partners with employers, helping up-skill a workforce that can sustain both a dynamic economy and middle-class families around the state. None of that occurs in a vacuum. The Council is the collective voice of Community Colleges in Trenton and Washington. It identifies policies that benefit students, colleges, and communities.

Advocate for NJ’s Community Colleges

OpportunityAgenda

State BudgetRequest

Staff

The Council staff is a diverse group of professionals that collaborate together to fulfill the mission of the Council. Each staff member comes from a unique background of experience that allows the Council to lead innovative initiatives that are improving the future of NJ.

Leadership

Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D.

President

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Catherine Starghill, Esq

Vice President

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Jacob C. Farbman, Ed.D., APR

Executive Director, Economic Mobility Initiatives

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Maria Heidkamp

Chief Innovation and Policy Officer

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Linda Sherr, Ph.D.

Chief Academic Officer

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Megan Swieconek

Director, Council Operations

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Full Staff Directory

Contact the Council

Full Staff Directory

Message us to get involved or learn more about everything NJ’s 18 Community Colleges and the Council have to offer.

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