MAYS LANDING – Atlantic Cape Community College welcomed New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Margo Chaly to its Mays Landing campus on October 20 as part of her 18-stop campus tour of colleges and universities from across the State to learn more, through engaging discussions, about the issues and concerns facing our students today.
The visit began with the secretary accompanied by Atlantic Cape President Dr. Jason Abreu, Trustee Donald Parker and Assemblyman Donald A. Guardian for a discussion with Vice President, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Natalie Devonish, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Josette Katz, Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Laurie Lemons and Director, Enterprise Applications and Info. Tech Services Caesar Niglio.
The highlight of the morning for Chaly was being afforded the opportunity to sit down with five current Atlantic Cape students for a discussion where they spoke candidly about their personal experiences, their challenges and concerns as college students and career aspirations.
Chaly was impressed by the students’ maturity, knowledge and sophistication when speaking about the issues that mattered most to them.
“What I've learned directly from these student roundtables, and what I can take back to Trenton, is to work on statewide policies that support their success, to champion them, make sure they have the resources they need to persist, and ultimately graduate from Atlantic Cape and any other college or university they're attending here in New Jersey,” said Chaly.
Chaly has heard a familiar theme from many other students during her statewide visits.
“Students consistently raise the issues of affordability, wraparound services on campus, making sure they and their classmates have access to food pantries, mental health support, transportation, and everyone at every level is looking for some clarity on AI. We're happy to continue to engage with the students to develop real guidelines and practices that we can implement statewide.”
Student Government Association President Jayed Hasan Sourov prepared by speaking with numerous students about the issues that are paramount to them.
“The first issue is food affordability. Our students need affordable food options while they are on campus and have long classes. Since our cafeteria closes at two and our Food Pantry closes at five, there should be a way for students to actually have affordable meal options when they have a long day on campus. Transportation is also important.
“The secretary did a lot of listening to us today. She provided us with some feedback on what the State is doing and what else can be done. I really liked how the secretary listened to us. I'm really hopeful that she can bring our concerns to Trenton and hopefully we will have positive outcomes from these conversations.”
Cape May County resident Braxton Jeter is a mother and an aviation major studying to become a professional pilot.
“I was able to advocate on behalf of students here at Atlantic Cape who have children, as well as those students who are in the aviation program, and also those students who want to be a leader. The 30 or more students I was able to advocate for are going through the same thing that I'm going through right now.”
Jada Dixon, a biomedical science major from Mays Landing, advocated for the College’s international students. Dixon said it was his goal to let the secretary know what international students like himself are going through and what ideas they may have.
“The secretary really listened and she did say that they will try their best to put in a word for us.”
Murphy Phillips, an English major from Estell Manor, represented the students from the humanities and English departments.
“I liked how well the secretary listened to me about the issues I had. The biggest issue we spoke about was the usage of AI (artificial intelligence) on campuses. She was very receptive to what I had to say.”
Chaly understands the importance of being an advocate for the State’s college students as they navigate their way through the trials and tribulations of life and studies.
“It's opportunities like this when students can meet with leaders like a secretary or an assemblyman and know that we are listening to them. Our offices are open and we are accessible to the students.”
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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.
