Dr. Will Austin, president and CEO at Warren Community College, has been recognized by Lehigh Valley Business as one of the top 30 influential people in higher education in the Lehigh Valley. Lehigh Valley Business‘s annual Top 30 lists cover a gamut of categories. The full lists were revealed on April 26 on its website.

The Power 30 lists recognize people in different sectors of the economy who make the Lehigh Valley a better place to live and work, and are thus deemed “powerful” by the publication’s staff. Dr. Austin was selected by Lehigh Valley Business’s reporters and editors for its Higher Education category.

These are “individuals who hold positions that give them the ability to shape our communities and influence our quality of life,” said Garry Lenton, Managing Editor. “To identify them, the editorial staff of Lehigh Valley Business considered those who make our laws, build our homes and highways, protect our health and safety, educate our children, support the vulnerable, and provide the spark that inspires innovation and economic growth. This is not a ranking. There is no score. Our intent is to introduce our readers to the people who make the decisions.”

“I am truly honored to be recognized by Lehigh Valley Business,” said Dr. Austin. “They are an extremely well-respected publication throughout the region. I am humbled that I was selected. While it’s my name on the list, it really is an honor that needs to be shared by the faculty, staff and board of trustees at the College, all of whom have played an important role in the success we’ve been able to achieve.”

Dr. Austin, who has been the president at Warren since 2003, cited the 120 percent growth in enrollment, advancing enrollment, and improving graduation outcomes during his tenure as examples of the accomplishments of the College. Warren has been annually ranked as the community college with the highest graduation rate in New Jersey over the past several years. 

In the past year, Dr. Austin has also been featured in the news in the United States and in Europe for the college’s highly regarded unmanned aircraft (drone) program.