Dr. Gaba Invested as Atlantic Cape’s 9th President

MAYS LANDING – Dr. Barbara Gaba was inaugurated as Atlantic Cape Community College’s ninth president Oct. 27. She is the first woman and first African-American to hold the office. In her role, she will preside over three campuses, including Court House, Mays Landing, and Atlantic City.
Maria Mento, vice chairperson of the college Board of Trustees, presented Gaba with the presidential medallion which represents the start of her term.
“It is with incredible gratitude and honor that I stand before you today as the ninth president of Atlantic Cape Community College, a college with a successful legacy of providing educational opportunity throughout the region,” said Gaba.
The ceremony in Walter Edge Hall marked the conclusion of the college’s 50th-year celebration.
“It is an exciting time at Atlantic Cape,” said Mento. “The fact that we have Dr. Gaba as our new president will help us realize our vision to provide top quality education for our students and be a leading catalyst for economic development in Atlantic and Cape May counties.”
Gaba related stories of a few of the students she had met during her time at the college, explaining that the role of a community college is to provide an opportunity for all members of the community and help them realize their potential.
“We have many success stories to tell,” said Gaba. “Truly, Atlantic Cape makes an impact on the lives of our students, and we will continue to do this work with zeal and passion as we transform the community, one student at a time.”
Since January, Gaba has been involved in reinvigorating relationships with regional four-year colleges, including Rutgers University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Stockton University, a fellow anchor institution.
These agreements allow students with a two-year degree from Atlantic Cape to seamlessly transfer to the other institutions for completion of their bachelor’s degree.
She also touched on the importance of strengthening partnerships with area high schools and emphasized the pivotal role Atlantic Cape can play in workforce development, offering specialized programs in culinary arts, STEM, including aviation and drone programs, and nursing.
“My goal as president of Atlantic Cape Community College is to turn our challenges into opportunities for our students and our community,” Gaba stated.