RANDOLPH — Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of County College of Morris (CCM), has been named to NJBIZ’s Education Power List, which recognizes leaders from New Jersey’s higher education sector across community colleges, public universities, private institutions and education organizations who are helping shape the future of education in the state.
“I am honored to be recognized by NJBIZ and to be included among so many dedicated education leaders throughout New Jersey,” said Iacono. “This recognition reflects the collective work of CCM trustees, faculty, staff and students, and our community partners who are committed to ensuring CCM continues to meet the changing needs of our region. CCM is uniquely positioned to create opportunities that change lives while strengthening communities and the economy.”
As part of the recognition, NJBIZ asked education leaders about their proudest professional achievements, the changes they foresee disrupting education and the career advice that has guided them. Iacono said one of his proudest achievements has been “forging partnerships and collaboratively designing effective systems that advance the mission of community colleges, support student success and contribute to the vitality of the communities we serve.”
With more than one hundred programs of study, CCM continues to expand opportunities in high-demand fields, including engineering and technology, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, business, culinary sciences and cybersecurity. Under his leadership, the college has made significant investments in facilities and resources to support these programs, including the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, the Veterans Resource Center, and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science. The Morris County Vocational School District also partnered with CCM to open the Morris County Career Training Center, which gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while completing their high school education. The college is preparing for the future opening of its Center for Health Professions, which will expand learning opportunities in high-demand healthcare fields.
Iacono said he is especially appreciative of the college’s state legislators, county commissioners and donors, whose support and philanthropy help make investments in student success and regional opportunity possible.
CCM has one of the highest graduation and transfer rates among New Jersey’s community colleges and continues to serve as an economic engine for the region, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic impact.
Asked about the most disruptive changes facing education in the coming year, Iacono pointed to demographic, economic and technological shifts. “A declining population of eighteen-to-twenty-four-year-olds, changing demographics, current economic trends and new technologies are four major disruptors,” said Iacono. “Each has the potential to transform and strengthen higher education if understood and well handled.”
His approach to leadership continues to be guided by advice he received earlier in his career. “The best career advice I have ever received and still live by today — pay attention to the people you serve or someone else will,” said Iacono. “Understand the needs and interests of employers, employees, students and the community while embracing change and creating the future.”
This is not the first time NJBIZ has recognized Iacono for his leadership; he has previously appeared on the publication’s Education Power 50 and Manufacturing Power 50 lists. He was also recently named the top community college leader in New Jersey and received a regional Chief Executive Officer honor from the Association of Community College Trustees.
