SCCC selection for president speaks
By Nathan Mayberg
NEWTON — Jon Connolly, who has been chosen as the new president at Sussex County Community College by the Board of Trustees pending a contract, says his goal at the college is to listen.
Connolly is presently serving as vice president and academic dean at Kennebec Valley Community College in Maine.
According to Sussex County Community College Board of Trustees Chair Lorraine Parker, a contract is expected to be signed by the board's next scheduled meeting on Sept. 22.
Connolly could begin working at the school on Nov. 1. Currently, the college is being led by interim president Frank Nocella.
"I am thrilled at the prospect of serving Sussex County Community College and Sussex County," Connolly said.
Connolly grew up in Basking Ridge in Somerset County and went to high school at Del Barton in Morris County.
Connolly said he met with between 40 and 50 people on his visits to the college, which included meetings with administrators, faculty, a search committee and the Board of Trustees.
"It's a very cohesive community," he said.
"They are very proud of their college."
Connolly stressed the importance of working together with the college community on their vision.
After speaking with members of the college community, he was impressed by "everybody's desire to come together to have a vision about priorities and values."
The presidential hopeful said his current gig shares similarities to Sussex County Community College in that both schools are in rural communities.
Sussex County Community College (SCCC) has experienced declining enrollment over the past several years, which has contributed to staff layoffs.
Connolly said that SCCC's experiences are not unique, and that other community colleges have experienced similar drops in recent years.
Connolly has shown an interest in SCCC's agricultural program. He said it is important for the college to link agriculture and business together and develop programs that can lead students into that important industry.
Connolly holds a degree in biology from Colby College in Maine, a master's degree in Forest Science from Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a doctorate in biological sciences from the University of Maine. He was a teaching assistant and guest lecturer at Yale University.
He taught biology at the University of Maine, Allegheny College and Colby College. In addition, he formerly served as a dean at Lone Star College.
He was interim president at Sheridan College and Gillette College in the Northern Wyoming community college district.
His goals at SCCC are "to listen."
Connolly said he is "looking to get a better sense of what's happening in the community."
Parker has said that the college would like Connolly to develop an open process on working on the college's curriculum, budget and other aspects of a "participatory governance."
Reporter Nathan Mayberg can be reached at 845-469-9000 ext. 359 or by emailing comm.reporter@strausnews.com