Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba Recognized as a Woman of Distinction by Winslow Township Middle School

MAYS LANDING — As part of the month-long celebration this March recognizing women’s contributions to history, culture and society, Atlantic Cape Community College President Dr. Barbara Gaba was recognized on March 27 as the Winslow Township Middle School’s Women’s History Month “Woman of Distinction” during a ceremony at its Atco, NJ campus.

“I am truly honored to be named the Woman of Distinction by Dr. Cooper’s class at Winslow Township Middle School,” said Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba. “I loved sharing my education and career path story towards becoming president of Atlantic Cape with this truly amazing group of students.”

Dr. Gaba became the ninth president of Atlantic Cape in January 2017 and the first female and African American president in the college’s 50-year history. Gaba has extensive experience in higher education and she is deeply committed to the mission of the community college to provide affordable educational pathways to ensure student success.

Prior to joining Atlantic Cape, Dr. Gaba served as Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Union County College (NJ). She also served as Dean of Academic and Student Support Services at Camden County College (NJ) and Associate Director of the Office of Board Affairs and Government Relations at the New Jersey Department of Higher Education.

Each year the National Women's History Alliance designates a theme for Women's History Month. The 2024 theme celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” and recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions.

Dr. Gaba answered questions posed to her by some of the students in attendance before being presented with a plaque and a digital portrait, which was created by Winslow Township Middle School seventh grade student Shyla Fleetwood.

“Dr. Barbara Gaba is an excellent example of a Woman of Distinction. Our self-contained learning language disabilities classes have a combined 32 students who benefited greatly from having her grace our school with her presence,” said Atlantic Cape alumna Dr. Pamela Cooper, Learning Disabilities teacher-consultant, Winslow Township Middle School. “We appreciate Dr. Gaba coming here with her soaring personality to fill our students' minds with challenges and knowledge.”

Women’s History Month has been officially celebrating the contributions women have made throughout the United States and recognizing the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history each March since being passed by the United States Congress in 1987.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.