all three college campuses

2026 Presidential Search

A nationwide search for a visionary President who will shape our future

Guiding Atlantic Cape’s Next Era of Leadership

Atlantic Cape Community College is conducting an executive search for our next College President. Pertinent information can be found on this page.

G Building in Mays Landing
Mays Landing campus
atlantic city campus
Cape May County campus
cape may campus
Worthington Atlantic City campus

Institutional Profile

Atlantic Cape Community College is an open-access community college serving Atlantic andstudent walking inside Cape May counties. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the College has supported Southern New Jersey for more than 60 years and now enrolls over 7,000 students each year across campuses in Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May County. Atlantic Cape is proudly designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Atlantic Cape’s vision reflects the College’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and student success. Our work is grounded in the values of integrity, caring, accountability, respect, and excellence. It is guided by a strategic plan focused on engagement, holistic support, academic quality, achievement, and institutional effectiveness.

Chef-Felice-Santodonato-demo-9.jpgThe College offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, along with 34 certificate and professional series programs that prepare students for transfer or entry into high-demand fields. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, widely recognized as the top culinary school in New Jersey.

Atlantic Cape has been a regional leader in nursing education for more than fifty years.main-nursing-image-web.jpg The College offers associate degree pathways in Nursing, Health Science, Radiologic Technology, Medical Laboratory Technician, and Respiratory Care, as well as an 18-month Practical Nursing Certificate. The PN Program provides a direct pathway into the LPN-to-RN bridge, and more than 3,000 nurses have graduated through these programs. The division is known for strong clinical preparation, high licensure pass rates, and top-tier performance statewide, including consistently strong NCLEX results and one of the highest-ranking Radiologic Technology programs in New Jersey.

drone on ground

Atlantic Cape is also expanding into cutting-edge fields through more than $1 million in National Science Foundation awards, including New Jersey’s first Drone Data Technician degree and new pathways in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The College partners with more than 25 four-year institutions to provide seamless transfer opportunities for students seeking bachelor’s degrees. three-students-at-game.jpg

Students engage in more than 30 clubs and organizations, including a student-run radio station and newspaper, as well as 10 NJCAA athletic teams that strengthen engagement and school pride across all campuses.

student receiving degreeThe College supports a wide range of learners, including first-generation students, adult learners, veterans, and students with disabilities. Through the Center for Accessibility, students with IEPs and 504 plans receive individualized accommodations, assistive technology, and case management. Academic support, financial aid, wraparound services, and the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant help reduce barriers to access and affordability. 

Atlantic Cape plays a significant role in regional workforce development. The College deliversstudent practicing card dealing short-term training and upskilling programs aligned with sector needs in aviation, hospitality, health care, technology, and emerging industries. Table games training, offered through Continuing Education, provides entry and refresher preparation for the region’s casino workforce. Customized employer partnerships and thousands of annual workforce learners demonstrate the College’s central role in supporting regional economic vitality. Dual enrollment and early college partnerships expand access for high school students and strengthen long-term enrollment pipelines.

Atlantic Cape also leads community-based initiatives that advance economic and social well-being. The College oversees the Atlantic City Inlet Neighborhood Revitalization effort, a resident-centered program focused on housing, safety, and economic opportunity in one of the city’s historic neighborhoods. In Cape May County, the College houses the bizHub, a small business resource center offering advising, workshops, and connections for entrepreneurs and established businesses across the county.The College’s three campuses reflect the region's diversity. The Mays Landing Campus sits on 541 wooded acres in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The Atlantic City Campus offers direct access to the heart of a major tourism, hospitality, and gaming hub. The Cape May Court House Campus serves one of New Jersey’s most historic and visited coastal regions.

students at graduationAs Atlantic Cape enters its next chapter, the College remains focused on strengthening partnerships, expanding enrollment pathways, deepening community engagement, and investing in academic and workforce programs that meet the evolving needs of Southern New Jersey. The next president will join a dedicated faculty and staff, a committed Board of Trustees, and a region ready for an engaged, forward-thinking leader to guide Atlantic Cape into the future.

Presidential Search Timeline

Dates & Events

Date/Time Action/Event

November 20, 2025

Kickoff Zoom meeting with Trustee Money, Trustee Parker and ACCT.

December 10, 2025

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Search Committee introductions, review process, timeline and Q and A.

January 22, 2026

10:00 a.m. - Cape May

12:30 p.m. - Atlantic City

2:30 p.m. - Mays Landing

ACCT Search Consultants facilitate a series of in-person open Public Forums (Administrators, Staff, Faculty, Students, Community members invited to attend) to solicit feedback to inform the development of the draft Presidential Profile. Presidential Search Announcement with electronic survey distributed (right before or after Winter Break) to solicit feedback to assist with the development of the Presidential Profile.

January 23, 2026

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Presidential Search Committee Meeting #1: Training and Orientation; Committee receives Draft Presidential Profile and reviews and edits the draft Presidential Profile. (Approximately a 4 - 5 hour meeting).

January 23, 2026

5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The Board of Trustees to discuss, edit and finalize the Presidential Profile. (1-hour called meeting to occur after Search Committee Meeting #1).

January 26, 2026

Presidential Profile is posted on atlanticcape.edu and ACCT websites. ACCT and Search Consultants conduct targeted local, state-wide, and national one-to-one recruitment of highly competitive and diverse candidates. Advertisements placed.

February 25, 2026

Target Date for Receipt of Applications. Position open until filled.

February 26, 2026

Board of Trustees/Presidential Search Committee to appoint the Faculty and Staff Advisory Committee.

Feb. 27 – March 9, 2026

Presidential Search Committee members review and rate the confidential applications using ACCT’s secure web portal.

March 11, 2026

Presidential Search Committee Meeting #2: Presidential Search Committee meets to discuss and select approximately 7 – 9 confidential semifinalists. (5 – 6 hour meeting).

March 30 - 31, 2026

Search Committee Meeting #3: Presidential Search Committee meets for confidential semifinalist interviews. (Two-day interview process, candidates interview via Zoom). Search Committee deliberates and selects 3 - 4 finalists and forwards recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

Week of April 13, 2026

Finalists visit the College for tours, participate in public forums, meet with Direct Reports, etc. Finalists interview with the Board of Trustees. During deliberations, ACCT provides oral in-depth reference reports on final candidates.

Mid-April 2026

Option: Board members visit #1 candidate’s institution. Board negotiates contract.

Late April/Early May 2026

Board meeting and formal vote: New President of Atlantic Cape Community College (Special Board Meeting once contract is ready for a vote).

July 1, 2026

Start date for next President of Atlantic Cape Community College or as agreed upon by the President-Elect and the Board of Trustees.

Progress Reports

Bringing diverse perspectives together to shape Atlantic Cape’s future

Presidential Search Committee

 

Board Chairperson - ex officio

  • Trustee Daniel L. Money, Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees 

Presidential Search Committee Chairperson

  • Trustee Donald J. Parker, Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees

Members

  • Professor Michael Bolicki, Professor of Social Science, Atlantic Cape Community College
  • Trustee Ellen Byrne, Esq., Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees 
  • Trustee Flora Castillo, Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees 
  • Trustee Christina Clemans, Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees 
  • Trustee Rev. Dr. Thomas Dawson, Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees 
  • Dr. Laurie Lemons, Associate Professor of Chemistry & Collegiate Assembly Executive Committee Chair, Atlantic Cape Community College
  • Mr. Clive Morgan, President, Atlantic Cape Community College Student Government Association (SGA) 
  • Mr. Caesar Niglio, Director of Enterprise Applications & President of ACCCEA, Atlantic Cape Community College
  • Mr. James Reina, Superintendent, Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District 
  • Trustee James Rutala, President, Atlantic Cape Foundation
  • Trustee Barbara Stafford Jones, Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees 
  • Mr. Sherwood Taylor, Dean of Workforce Development, College & Career Pathways, Atlantic Cape Community College 
  • Trustee Maria Ivette Torres, Atlantic Cape Community College Board of Trustees 

Presidential Search Committee Administrative Support

  • Ms. Jean McAlister, Chief of Staff/Board Secretary, Atlantic Cape Community College