MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College President Dr. Barbara Gaba was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) during the organization’s annual installation dinner at Linwood Country Club on January 21.
Gaba, who announced her retirement, effective June 30, after nine years of leading College was grateful for being recognized for her tireless work and dedication.
"Thank you so much for honoring me this evening with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is a very special award as I am proud to serve our community and proud of the work we do together with ACEA," said Gaba.
As the first female and first African American president in the College’s history, Gaba’s leadership has transformed Atlantic Cape in lasting ways. Under her direction, the College secured millions of dollars in grant funding to support student success initiatives and infrastructure improvements, expanded academic programs, and deepened community partnerships across Atlantic and Cape May counties.
ACEA Board Chairman Michael Viscount, prior to presenting Gaba with her award, spoke of her as a remarkable leader, a trailblazer who strengthened communities and enabled countless individuals to succeed.
“This is a moment to honor an extraordinary individual whose impact will be felt for generations to come. During her tenure, Dr. Gaba redefined the role of community colleges as engines of progress and opportunity. She expanded high school partnerships, strengthening dual enrollment and Early College programs, giving young people a boost towards achieving their education and future career goals. She championed the modernization of campus facilities, most notably the Innovation Center at the Mays Landing campus, ensuring students have access to world-class resources and spaces to thrive.
“Dr. Gaba, your work changed Atlantic Cape Community College, shaped countless lives, strengthened a community, and set a standard for leadership, compassion, and excellence. This award is a testament to your legacy of leadership, your profound impact, and the countless lives you’ve touched along the way.”
Visit atlanticcape.edu/president for more information on Dr. Gaba’s extraordinary leadership, accomplishments over the past nine years and a biography.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, 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 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County 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 several four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without having to leave home.
