Spotlight On: Augustine Boakye, President, Essex County College
July 2025 — Augustine Boakye, president of Essex County College (ECC), spoke with Invest: about ECC’s strategies to attract and retain students in an environment where enrollment is generally declining. ECC, on the other hand, has seen enrollment gains. “Our guiding principle is ‘Students First,’ which reflects our commitment to supporting students’ academic growth and advocacy,” Boakye said.
What have been some key highlights or achievements for Essex County College in the past 12 months?
We have seen an increase in applications and student enrollment, as well as a 9.6% increase in the graduation rate in the last five years. We see many graduates transfer to four-year institutions and find high-wage jobs. Our pass rate for nursing students has been above 90% for more than a decade. Faculty, students and alumni have all played a crucial role in helping us achieve accreditation in higher education. Our guiding principle is “Students First,” which reflects our commitment to supporting students’ academic growth and advocacy. We are a state leader in Jack Kent Cooke scholarship recipients, which provides up to $55,000 annually for pursuing a bachelor’s degree. This year, we are proud to have three semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke scholarship.
We also have a strong partnership with Bloomberg, having installed Bloomberg terminals at both our Newark and West Essex campuses. This allows students in business, healthcare, engineering, and paralegal programs to access real-time data and insights. Additionally, we take great pride in our student-athletes. Over the past few years, 39 Essex County College student athletes have competed in the Summer Olympics, including the 2024 games in Paris. On May 9, we will launch the Essex County College Wolverines Athletics Hall of Fame to honor the growing number of ECC athletes who have competed internationally. Our dedicated faculty continues to lead both in the community and academia. We are especially proud of our partnership with NASA, which has exposed our students to space exploration and the scientific fields that make space travel and research possible.
Our goal is to create in-demand academic and workforce programs and create pathways to student success.
What strategies are being employed to attract and retain students in this growing region?
The rising cost of higher education is impacting investment in education and student retention. However, Essex County College offers the best higher education option in the region, thanks to the quality of our programs and affordability. Unlike many other institutions that have seen a decline in applications, we are experiencing an increase in both applications and student enrollment within the community college sector. Our programs stand out for their uniqueness. With small class sizes, we meet students where they are and offer flexible learning options. Students can attend in-person classes during the day, in the evenings or on weekends, and we also provide online programs. In addition, we have expanded student support services, including mental health counseling and nutrition assistance.
To further enhance the learning experience, we address essential needs such as housing, transportation and technology. We provide access to laptops, internet and Wi-Fi to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed. We are committed to understanding the needs of our students, supporting them in their educational journey, and ensuring that our programs maintain the highest standards while promoting a positive and enjoyable educational experience.
What are the current challenges in higher education, and how is ECC navigating those and finding opportunities to overcome them?
Our recent student engagement survey revealed that 59% of our students are facing food insecurity, a rate that exceeds both state and national averages for community colleges. These challenges are compounded by rising costs for services aimed at addressing these issues. In response, we have increased the number of mental health counselors and academic advisors to help students stay engaged. We have also expanded our efforts to partner with local organizations to boost the food supply in our student food pantry. Additionally, we’ve launched a computer loaner program to provide students with the technology they need to succeed.
At Essex County College, we challenge our students to take on leadership roles, and we proudly have the highest number of student clubs. We foster leadership by encouraging students to start groups and create agendas. To ensure real-world experience, we have teamed up with local industries offering students hands-on opportunities in their chosen fields, while also collaborating with four-year institutions to provide a seamless transfer path for students continuing their education.
How has ECC integrated newer technologies like AI into its curriculum and programs?
Looking ahead, we recognize the growing importance of AI and are working with our faculty to embrace AI and develop protocols that enhance its use in our curricula. The person leading this initiative will champion AI at the college. Additionally, when we reopen our newly renovated library, we will train our faculty on AI, helping them understand its potential and demonstrating how it can be used to solve complex problems.
From a local and state government perspective, what are your thoughts on the financial support given to public colleges and universities?
New Jersey’s economic future will continue to rely on a skilled workforce to drive innovation and enhance the community. Collaborations with policymakers will demand innovative solutions that emphasize the importance of investing in human capital to keep our industries competitive and improve residents’ quality of life. As a key component of higher education, community colleges must receive adequate support, especially as current funding challenges pose significant obstacles to our mission. For the fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026, the governor’s proposed budget indicates a potential cut of up to $20 million for community colleges. If these cuts proceed, it would mirror the funding levels achieved in 2005. Currently, New Jersey ranks 47th in the nation for providing operating aid to community colleges.
There are also many uncertainties regarding the future of federal funding and financial aid programs for students, which could have a significant impact, especially since 68% of our students rely on financial aid. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful that our elected officials and community leaders will continue to support our mission and vision.
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