Atlantic Cape President Receives ‘Excellent’ Review

COURT HOUSE – Following an annual compensation review and performance evaluation, Atlantic Cape Community College’s Presidential Evaluation Committee has judged the performance of President Peter L. Mora to be “excellent.”
Upon the recommendation of the committee, the Board of Trustees today approved a 2 percent salary increase for the president, retroactive to July 1, 2013. The change brings the president’s salary for FY’14 (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014) to $183,162 from $179,571. The agreement also included an unmatched pension contribution of $18,316 to the president’s supplemental pension contribution package.
This is the first salary increase for Dr. Mora in three years, following his requests in FY’11, FY’12 and FY’13 to receive no additional compensation.
The board’s Presidential Evaluation Committee said in its report that “Dr. Mora’s overall performance is characterized by high levels of effectiveness,” adding that he “met all five presidential goals for FY’13 which were developed in conjunction with the Presidential Evaluation Committee.”
In Other Personnel Action:
The board approved:
–The appointment of Matthew Neugent of Mays Landing, clerk, perishable storeroom, effective Aug. 28.
–The promotion of Kathryn Flynn, R.N, of Absecon, from college nurse to assistant director, health, safety and compliance, effective Aug. 28.
–The resignations of Eddy Maria Eubanks of Mays Landing, program coordinator, learning outcomes, retroactive to Aug. 23, and Mary Wunnenberg of Manahawkin, assistant professor of nursing, retroactive to July 31.
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–The retirement of Phyllis Bagnell of Smithville, office assistant, facilities, planning and research, effective Dec. 31. Bagnell has served several roles at the college since 1998 and was commended by her current supervisor, Dr. Richard Perniciaro, as having “exceeded expectations in terms of cooperation, attitude and dependability.”
Purchases, Contracts Approved:
–Nursing Assessment Program, Assessment Technologies, Leawood, Kan., $61,225.
–A renewal of a one-year contract with Follett Higher Education Group for bookstore operations.
In Other Business:
–The Board approved a revision of the college purchasing policy to coincide and agree with the County College Purchasing Law’s newly established bidding threshold of $34,100, effective Sept. 1.
–Approved the July 31, 2013, financial statement.
–Approved the preliminary June 30, 2013, financial statement, which will become final after the audit.
In the President’s Report:
Dr. Mora introduced Dr. Rich Perniciaro, dean, facilities, planning, research and Worthington Atlantic City Campus operations, to discuss ongoing construction projects at all three campuses. “These projects raise the status of the school. We are at a higher than average learning environment when compared to other community colleges because of these improvements and additions to the college,” Dr. Mora said.
The installation of solar panels at the Mays Landing and Cape May County campuses is nearing completion. The 2.3 megawatt solar photovoltaic project is designed and funded by Marina Energy LLC, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries, and will generate up to 48 percent of Atlantic Cape’s total annual electric consumption. By entering into the agreement, the college will save up to $1.6 million over the 15-year life of the contract.
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Contractors will begin raising steel for the new Science, Technology, Engineering & Math building this week, on the Mays Landing Campus. When complete in fall 2014, the 32,475-square-foot, two-story facility will feature science labs and computer labs and a vegetative roof with a platform and houses for telescopes for science classes.
The Caesars Entertainment Wing for Hospitality and Gaming Studies at the Worthington Atlantic City Campus will open in summer 2014. This 20,000-square-foot addition will train workers for the hospitality and culinary arts industries within the region. The steel for the two-story addition was erected in July. The $10 million project was funded by Atlantic County and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.
Dr. Perniciaro addressed a commitment of $11.5 million in bond money and Chapter 12 funds, which, with matches from the county, will fund a two-story student center on the Mays Landing Campus that will house a student success center.
The bond money will also allow the college to update its network infrastructure, add wireless service and replace aging servers, Doug Hedges, dean of information technology services, said.
In Other Business:
Sandra Greco, president of the Atlantic Cape Community College Education Association umbrella group, reported the organization gave out jump drive lanyards at New Student Day and is organizing an essay contest and 9/11 tribute with the Student Government Association.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at 7 p.m., Sept. 24, at the Cape May County Campus, Room 113. All are welcome to attend.