Hudson County Community College President Christopher Reber’s impact on the Jersey City institution is clear and pervasive. Whether it’s the increasing success of students and formation of new academic and career pathways, the professional development opportunities that employees and staff are pursuing, or simply the inclusive and welcoming environment everywhere on campus, Reber’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Reber is being recognized on a national level by the American Association of Community Colleges, which named him CEO of the Year at the organization’s annual convention held April 5-9 in Louisville, Kentucky.
AACC is one of two major national community college associations and counts over 1,000 community colleges as members. This year’s event drew several thousand attendees from community colleges across the U.S.
“I’m humbled to win this award, which is owned by our entire HCCC community. I thank every member of our beautiful HCCC family, as it truly ‘takes a village.’ This is the outcome of everyone’s efforts and contributions to our students and community. Hudson County Community College is increasingly seen as a high-performing national leader in service to our students and community, but, most importantly — as our students say — ‘Hudson is Home!’ It is an honor to lead this remarkable institution,” Reber said.
The nationally competitive CEO of the Year Award of Excellence recognizes a leader with a strong track record in effectively participating in shared governance; supporting professional development; implementing results-driven student success initiatives; advocating for the institution and its students; participating in statewide initiatives and national dialogues; serving on local, state and/or national boards; and demonstrating courage under challenging circumstances.
Serving New Jersey’s vibrant, diverse and densely populated Hudson County, HCCC is home to a diverse student body, with 55% of students identifying as Hispanic, 88% identifying as non-white and 40% having been born outside of the U.S.
CEO of the Year was one of seven AACC National Awards of Excellence categories in which HCCC was a finalist this year, the most of any college in the nation. In addition to Reber’s award, HCCC won the National Award of Excellence for Student Success, and HCCC professor of STEM Clive Li won the Faculty Member of the Year Award.
