After helping Warren Community College (WCC) work through its toughest year ever due to COVID, it was an easy decision for the WCC Trustees to re-elect Dr. Felix “Phil” Linfante as Chair for the 2020/21 year. 

“I am humbled by the Board’s support,” said Dr. Linfante. “But there are a lot of players on this team that have contributed to our efforts to confront the challenges of the pandemic. And not just Board members. Staff, faculty and our President, Dr. Will Austin, have all played a role in creating a safe and workable environment for all.”

As a result of these efforts, and the promising news about vaccines, Dr. Linfante added, “We are optimistic that we can get the campus fully back to normal by the fall. We are planning for that.” 

Dr. Linfante, who last year was also the Chair of the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges and was recognized by one publication as a member of the Education Power List, is well known in the WCC community for his hands-on approach to participation. He frequently takes part in college events, including the distribution of COVID goodie bag giveaways to students impacted. Bags were given out early in the pandemic and also for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

“The College and the community go hand-in-hand,” said Dr. Linfante, who was recognized with the Northeast Region ACCT Leadership Award this year.  

Joining Dr. Linfante on the Executive Board are Yvonne Reitemeyer, Vice Chair, Nancy Brown, Secretary, and Peter Schmidt, who was re-elected Treasurer. Reitemeyer was the first WCC graduate to become a member of the board, something she is very proud of. Brown has been on the board for several years, and previously was the Chair of the WCC Foundation. She is also a member of the Warren County Hall of Fame. Schmidt, a former Chair of the board, has been recognized nationally as well.

“Dr. Linfante’s leadership was front and center as we strategized our COVID plan,” said Dr. Austin. “He has always been extremely supportive of our students, faculty and staff but this year he took on a more personal role because he cares so much.”

Dr. Linfante indicated that there are several goals for the upcoming year including the expansion of the nationally recognized Drone program, the creation of a walking/running trail on the college grounds that can also be used by community members, and most importantly mitigating the impact of COVID now and moving forward.