The presidents from Hudson County Community College, the Stevens Institute of Technology, and St. Peter’s University were all named to NJBiz’s latest “Education Power 50” list.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“As education evolved along with the economy, these individuals will ensure that the next generation – and the one after that – will be equipped to move the state forward. They are producing new health care professionals to meet serious medical needs,” NJBIZ Chief Editor Jeffrey Kanige wrote about the honorees.
“They are ensuring that communities of color will be better able to participate in the economic growth most business leaders expect at least over the medium term. And they are imparting skills that will enhance the trades we all depend upon to make our lives easier and more enjoyable.”
Eugene Cornacchia, Dr. Christopher Reber, and Nariman Farvardin, of St. Peter’s, HCCC, and Stevens, respectively, made the list at 19, 24, and 44. However, the top 10 honorees are listed in numerical order, while the remaining 40 are in alphabetical order.
“Being named to the 2022 NJBiz Education Power 50 represents the transformational opportunities that have been achieved for our students and our community by working with my HCCC colleagues, our community, corporate partners, and elected officials. I am proud to share this award with all of them,” Reber said in a statement.
Reber has been the HCCC president since July 2018 and recently waived $4.8 million in outstanding financial balances for more than 5,000 HCCC students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Farvardin’s leadership, Stevens applications have increased by 71 percent, with 97.3 percent of last year’s undergraduates secured jobs within six months of graduating – with a median starting salary of $75,400.
As for Cornacchia, St. Peter’s made national headlines this year as the Peacocks improbably make it to the Sweet 16 round of the March Madness NCAA tournament. Their accomplishment was recognized by Jersey City with a parade and keys to the city.
On the academic side of things, he initiated the institution’s first doctoral programs and established the Frank J. Guarini School of Business, a School of Nursing and the Caulfield School of Education.
He is also the university’s longest serving president, assuming the role in 2007.
