Dr. Phil Linfante, Chair of the Warren County Community College’s Board of Trustees, now has another “chair” to fill. He was recently named the Chair of the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges.

“I am humbled and honored to be elected by my fellow Trustees to chair one of the most important sectors in the state, the 19 community colleges,” said Dr. Linfante, a Hackettstown resident. “Together we impact over 350,00 residents a year, who are enrolled in credit, business and industry training, personal enrichment, and other educational experiences that enhance their lives on their road to success.”

Dr. Linfante is the second Chair ever elected from WCCC. Charles Kwartler, an original member of WCCC’s Trustee Board and one of the founders of the NJCCC. also served as NJCCC Chair. Kwartler passed away several years ago.

“Phil has taken on a very strong role at our college and throughout the state,” said Dr. Will Austin, President of WCCC. “As a committed leader, he has the students’ best interests in mind first and foremost. There is no doubt that he will do a great job as the state chair.” 

Indeed, the NJCCC plays a very important role for the 19 community community colleges, and its students. Dr. Linfante, who is also a Professor at Essex County Community College, notes that community colleges in New Jersey “currently enrolls 350,000 students a year, the largest sector of higher education in the state” Also, he adds, 45% of all students earning bachelor’s degrees in New Jersey completed courses at community colleges during their academic careers.

In all, New Jersey’s 19 community colleges provide over 2,000 high-quality transfer programs, occupational programs, continuing education courses, business support services, and community service programs at a reasonably low cost in response to local and statewide needs.

Through its website, the NJCCC offers students a host of resources to help them attend a New Jersey community college, including the New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Rewards Scholarship (NJ STARS) and Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarships. Additionally, businesses, workers and community members can use the website to obtain information about professional skills development and customized workforce training.

The mission of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges is to provide statewide leadership for the advancement of New Jersey’s 19 community colleges and to perform sector coordinating responsibilities as required by state law. For more information about the NJCCC, visit www.njccc.org.