Dr. Felix “Phil” Linfante knows a lot about the community college experience. For over 30 years, he has held many positions at Essex County Community College in administration and faculty. For the past two years he has served on the Warren County Community College Board of Trustees, last year as Vice Chair. At the Board’s November meeting Linfante was elected the Trustees’ new Chair.

“I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Dr. Linfante. “We’ve got a great trustee team, great president, and great faculty here. They all care about the students and the community and there is a vested interest in doing what’s good for everybody.”

Dr. Linfante will be joined on the Executive Board by Dr. Frank Gilly, Vice Chair, Betti Singh, Secretary, and former Chair, Peter Schmidt, as the Treasurer.

Dr. Linfante, a Hackettstown resident, holds a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University in Higher Education Administration and Supervision, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Kean University and a Bachelor’s Degree in History. He is quite familiar with community colleges and their benefits to the community. In addition to his efforts at WCCC, Dr. Linfante has been a staple at Essex County Community College. He has spent many years in administration as a Dean of Educational Services and as an Executive Dean of Student Success and is currently a Professor of Social Sciences.

On the national level over the past few years Dr. Linfante has been a presenter at numerous workshops at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). He has also been involved on the state level with the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges (NJCCC). With the council he was a member of the committee to develop the current strategic plan for the council, is a Trustee Ambassador, and is a member of the Trustee Academy Advisory Committee.

“I believe in the community and college system and understand the importance and impact that WCCC has in the community as it provides opportunities to all residents,” said Dr. Linfante.

“Dr. Linfante brings a unique perspective as the Board’s leader,” noted Dr. Will Austin, President of WCCC. “He’s been involved with the college experience on multiple levels and so he brings a whole new view to the bigger picture.”

Dr. Linfante is married to Maria DiGiovanni, Mayor of Hackettstown.

Photo: Dr. Phil Linfante (right), the new WCCC Trustee Board Chair, presents outgoing Chair, Peter Schmidt with a gift of recognition and appreciation. 

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Warren County Community College offers a wide range of certificate, continuing education, and degree programs designed to help students enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Providing students in Warren County and the surrounding areas with a convenient and cost-effective way to further their education and career goals, WCCC is truly committed to “Learning Without Limits.” For more information on Warren County Community College, visit www.warren.edu or call 908-835-9222.