Ocean County College OceanViews Magazine 2026 Summer-Fall - Flipbook - Page 2
BUILDING OPPORTUNITY
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT
Dear Alumni, Students, Friends:
In a recent article about changes in higher education, the author touted the importance of community
colleges, now more than ever, and referred to their role as “mobility machines.” Of all the types of higher
education institutions in our country—small private colleges, large state universities, online universities, and
elite private colleges—it is the community college that most profoundly changes lives and changes communities through education attainment. With the certificate and degree programs Ocean County College
and other community colleges offer, we provide pathways to different lives through education and career
advancement. Isn’t it fitting that our current issue of Ocean Views is about Success Stories that Started Here?
In its over 60-year history, Ocean County College has always lived its mission to serve students and communities
through educational opportunity. As the higher education landscape has changed in response to student needs
and directions, OCC has responded by adding more certificate programs, more workforce programs, more
healthcare programs, and a clearer pathway to transfer and success. I am excited for you to learn about the
amazing collaborative work of faculty, staff, and administrators in developing our new Pathways Program.
Certainly, one of the favorite parts of each edition of Ocean Views is the profiles of our talented students and
successful alumni. We have so many amazing stories to share about the endeavors and dedication of our
current students and about alumni whose lives changed by coming to OCC, where they began their path
to exciting new adventures. You will be as proud as I am to think we had some small part in helping these
inspirational people discover their confidence, their talents, and their trajectory. We are also excited to share
a new feature that highlights the accomplishments of our current faculty and staff.
Please let us know what you think, and don’t hesitate to offer suggestions for future
issues. This magazine is for and about you. Share with us and we will share with all!
Enjoy the reading, and don’t be a stranger. We’d love to welcome you “home” for a visit.
All the best,
Pamela Monaco, Ph.D.
President, Ocean County College
2 Summer-Fall 2026
