Barbara Gaba, President, Atlantic Cape Community College

In an interview with Invest:, Barbara Gaba, president of Atlantic Cape Community College, discussed the institution’s focus on strong academic pathways, community-driven development, and adaptable learning models all aimed at empowering students and strengthening the region’s educational and economic future.

Reflecting on the past year, what have been some of the key highlights or achievements for Atlantic Cape Community College?

I can break it down into two parts. We have had some celebrations in 2025, as it has been a busy year, and we have also faced some challenges. In terms of our celebrations, the college has celebrated its 60th anniversary. We were the first community college in Atlantic and Cape May County, so we are happy and pleased that we have been able to serve our local community over this period of time. We have locations in three places: Atlantic City, Cape May, and Mays Landing. Our Atlantic City campus, which is our urban campus, celebrated 40 years at that location. We are happy that we have been able to serve our constituents in the inner city.

In addition, we celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Casino Career Institute. The Casino Career Institute was established in 1978, and we have served over 50,000 students in training for the casino industry, including game operations and security. We work closely with our partners in the casinos to train individuals for these roles.

We have also been fortunate to receive numerous grants this past year, totaling $3.5 million, which have helped us with various projects. One notable grant was from the National Science Foundation, amounting to over $500,000, to address the evolving technology landscape in the field of drones. Drones are a significant area of growth, and this grant allows us to explore advancements in that field. Additionally, we received a $2.3 million grant from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to provide training opportunities, support services, and career services for unemployed individuals and those in low-income jobs in Atlantic and Cape May counties. This funding helps them transition to better-paying jobs. 

Of course, we have also faced challenges this year, particularly in recent months, due to the changing higher education landscape. The national climate has raised concerns about potential changes in the Department of Higher Education and how those changes may affect us. We are uncertain about the impact on federal funding, as a significant portion of our grants are federally funded. This is a major concern for us, as we do not know what the future holds.

At the state level, Gov. Phil Murphy has proposed a budget for FY26 that includes a 

$20 million cut for community colleges. This reduction would drastically impact the students we serve. For Atlantic Cape Community College, this would mean a loss of nearly $1 million. In response, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) has launched a Legislative Action Campaign. We are sending letters to legislators, testifying before the senate and assembly, and higher education committees, and we will be attending budget hearings with a group of students to advocate for restoration of this funding. Without it, we will struggle to provide the necessary wraparound services that support our students.

Another challenge is the change in our target population, partly due to a national decline in the traditional 18-to-24-year-old population. This demographic shift requires us to pivot and focus more on adult learners. Additionally, we face growing competition from other colleges in our region, as we are all competing for the same shrinking pool of students. Despite these challenges, we are moving forward as aggressively as possible to address these issues.

How does the college keep up with industry needs to adjust curricula for students?

We rely heavily on our advisory committees, which are in place for all our academic programs. These committees include faculty as well as professionals from relevant industries. For example, we have advisory committees for hospitality, media studies, and health sciences, among others, totaling over 20 committees. They meet regularly to provide insights on industry trends, ensuring our curricula remain aligned with workforce demands.

Regarding partnerships and collaborations, which connections have brought the most value to your student body and programs?

Our recently established cybersecurity and esports programs would not have been possible without input from industry professionals. We also collaborate closely with partners in aviation. I serve on the National Aeronautics Research and Technology Park (NARTP) board, which works closely with the aviation industry, and I am also a board member of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA). These roles allow me to engage directly with industry leaders and understand workforce needs.

Also in South Jersey, particularly Atlantic County, we have historically relied heavily on gaming, hospitality, and tourism due to the casinos. While these sectors remain important, we recognize the need to diversify. That is why we are expanding into fields like aviation. Atlantic Cape has a unique aviation program where we train pilots, helicopter pilots, and air traffic controllers. We even have a simulated air traffic control lab on campus. Diversifying our programs ensures we are preparing students for a broader range of career opportunities in the future.

How do you continue to add value to continuing education in a community college?

April is Community College Month, and we actively promote the value of community colleges through op-eds, press releases, and success stories. For example, one of our culinary students recently won $250,000 on Hell’s Kitchen and will become head chef at Foxwoods Casino. We also emphasize affordability. Through our Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG), students with incomes below $65,000 attend tuition-free. Community colleges provide a pathway to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce directly as we serve as a career ladder. Students can complete two years here, earn a certificate or degree, and then advance further if they choose.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of education in the region, and how does this align with your priorities at Atlantic Community College?

Looking ahead, my vision for the future of education in the region centers on accessibility, innovation, and deep community engagement, all of which align closely with Atlantic Community College’s strategic priorities.

First, we will continue to strengthen partnerships with four-year institutions, including our existing transfer agreements with universities such as Rutgers University and Stockton University, to ensure students have seamless pathways to further education. These collaborations allow students to begin their academic journey affordably at our college while guaranteeing a smooth transition to bachelor’s degree programs.

Community impact remains a cornerstone of our mission. In Atlantic City, we have established a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the revitalization of the Inlet neighborhood, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and economic development. To date, we have secured over $2 million in tax credits to support this initiative, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting the communities we serve.

In Cape May County, we are fostering economic growth through our business accelerator, which provides aspiring entrepreneurs with resources such as business plan development and financial guidance. Additionally, we have partnered with Cape May County’s zoo expansion project, dedicating space on our campus for zoo education programs. This partnership not only enhances learning opportunities but also brings families and community members into our facilities, strengthening ties between the college and the region.

Recognizing the evolving needs of students, we are prioritizing flexibility in education delivery. The lessons from recent global challenges have underscored the importance of hybrid learning options, shorter semesters (such as eight-week courses), and adaptable scheduling. By meeting students where they are, whether through online, in-person, or accelerated formats, we ensure that education remains accessible to working adults, parents, and others balancing multiple responsibilities.

Finally, we are taking a proactive approach to emerging technologies, particularly AI integration into our curricula. As artificial intelligence transforms industries, we are committed to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven workforce. This forward-thinking strategy ensures that our graduates remain competitive and prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.