The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has recognized three leaders from New Jersey's higher education sector with Northeast Regional Awards for their contributions to their respective institutions. The awards were presented at the ACCT’s 2024 National Congress in Seattle, an event that serves as a significant professional development platform for over 1,500 community college trustees and presidents.
Mary Zimmermann, a trustee at Union College of Union County, NJ (UCNJ), received the Northeast Regional Trustee Leadership Award. She was also named a finalist for the 2024 M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award. Zimmermann has been part of UCNJ's Board of Trustees and Board of Governors since 2006 and is noted for her advocacy efforts on behalf of students across New Jersey. Her leadership roles have included serving as chair of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges from 2021 to 2023.
Maria Ferrara, executive assistant to the Board of Trustees and president at Bergen Community College, was honored with the Northeast Regional Professional Board Staff Member Award. Ferrara joined Bergen Community College in 2013 and has been pivotal in connecting trustees, the president, and counsel. Her contributions extend to organizing college events such as commencement ceremonies and initiatives like the “souper bowl” canned goods drive.
Michele L. Rotunda, Ph.D., a professor at UCNJ specializing in Economics, Government, & History, received the Northeast Regional Faculty Member Award. Rotunda was also named a finalist for the 2024 William H. Meardy Faculty Member Award. Known for her innovative teaching methods that engage students through experiential learning opportunities, she advises UCNJ’s History Club and contributed significantly to developing its history program.
These awards highlight each individual's dedication to enhancing educational experiences within their colleges and underscore their influence within the broader community college landscape.
