MAYS LANDING – Recently, several Atlantic Cape Community College employees were recognized for their acts of dedication and service to community, and for their leadership in advancing teaching and learning at the community college level.
Atlantic Cape is proud to congratulate Stephanie Davies (Bashira Khan), supervisor of custodial and building services operations, for receiving the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Mainland/Pleasantville branch’s GrassRoots/Community Service Award for her continued leadership in the community.
Davies, who has been employed at the College for 11 years, accepted the award during the 2026 Freedom Fund event at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City on October 24. She was accompanied by her father and daughter, as well as several coworkers.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition from the NAACP. My commitment to family and community drives the work I do. I believe collaboration is currency, and this award reflects the power of people coming together with intention to make a difference,” said Davies.
In a letter to Davies announcing her nomination, local NAACP branch President Olivia C. Caldwell applauded Davies for her “commitment to mentorship, service and community uplift, which continues to inspire all who have witnessed your dedication. Your acceptance affirms the values we (NAACP) strive to uphold – leadership, advocacy and a steadfast devotion to the advancement of our community.”
Faculty Receive AI-Ready Mini-Grant Awards
Seven Atlantic Cape professors received $1,000 stipends from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges this past June and September, respectively, as part of its AI-Ready Faculty Mini-Grant Initiative to assist in developing innovative pedagogical techniques towards implementing artificial intelligence into the College’s teaching and learning.
Assistant Professor English Regina Betz-Madge, Associate Professor of Sociology Caroline Coulter, Assistant Professor of Business and Esports Michele Togashi, and Professor of CISM Dr. Bojan Zilovic were awarded their stipends in June. Senior Adjunct, Information Systems and Aviation Studies Edward Burns, Professor of ISAS Svetlana Marzelli and Assistant Professor of Nursing Christina Shannon were awarded their stipends in September.
“I congratulate our faculty members who were selected for these awards who invested their time and creativity in developing proposals. These efforts reflect our commitment to advancing teaching and learning, promoting responsible AI literacy and preparing our students for an evolving workforce. I appreciate the NJCCC and the NJ AI Hub for supporting faculty innovation and creating opportunities to share best practices across New Jersey’s community colleges,” said Atlantic Cape President Dr. Jason Abreu.
Across the State of New Jersey, more than 130 applications were received for the 100 available awards. The review committee selected 40 faculty projects during the first round in June and 60 during the second round in September. Recipients of the awards will contribute detailed information about their respective projects while also sharing instructional materials that aid all faculty members throughout the State.
This initiative is part of a partnership between the NJCCC and the New Jersey AI Hub, which is supported by funding from the Hub’s corporate partnership with Microsoft.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 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 to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. 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.
