Sussex College down to six finalists for president

Newton - The search for a new president of Sussex County Community College is down to six finalists, the board of trustees announced this week. The college has had three presidents in its 25-year history, the board noted. All college constituencies as well as members of the community at large provided input into the qualifications of the 30 original candidates. The finalists are listed in alphabetical order:: Felix J. Aquino, Ph.D. - Aquino holds a doctorate in anthropology from Boston University, a master of arts in anthropology from Boston University and a bachelor of arts with honors in anthropology from Queens College of the City University of New York. He has worked in academia for 23 years at six different institutions in a wide variety of administrative and adjunct positions. Currently serving as Vice Chancellor at State Center Community College District in Fresno, California, Aquino also serves as Chief Instructional Officer. Thomas A. Isekenegbe, Ph.D. - Isekenegbe holds both a doctorate and an Ed.S. in curriculum and instruction from Indiana State University, a master of science in science education from Indiana State University and a bachelor of science with honors from University of Nigeria. Isekenegbe has worked in academia for 20 years at five different institutions in a wide range of administrative and teaching positions. Included in his experience, Isekenegbe served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Sussex County Community College from 1996 to 2001. He is currently serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Services at Cumberland County College in Vineland. Constance Mierendorf, Ph.D. - Mierendorf holds a doctorate in English from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, a master of arts in English from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, and a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Mierendorf also attended the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University. She has worked in academia for 26 years at six different institutions serving in a wide range of administrative and faculty positions including currently as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville. Gary F. Porter, Ph.D. - Porter holds a doctorate and a master of science in chemistry from Seton Hall University and a bachelor of science in chemistry from Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City. Porter has worked in academia for 22 years at five different institutions in a wide range of administrative and teaching positions. He is currently serving as Academic Vice President at Bergen Community College in Paramus. Thomas N. Wilfrid, Ph.D. - Wilfrid holds a doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, a master of arts in physics from Princeton University and a bachelor of science in physics from The Cooper Union. Wilfrid has worked in academia for 37 years in a wide variety of administrative and teaching positions. He is currently serving as Acting President for Mercer County Community College in Trenton. Anna Weitz, D.Ed. - Weitz holds a doctor of education in counselor education from The Pennsylvania State University, a master of science in guidance and personnel services from State University of New York at Albany and a bachelor of arts with honors in American history and civilization from Boston University. Weitz has 36 years of experience in academia in a wide range of administrative and adjunct teaching positions at six different institutions. She is currently serving as President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (formerly Cambria County Area Community College) in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After a check is made of all references the candidates will be asked to visit the college and members of the Board of Trustees will visit their colleges in order to make the final determination as to who will be the next president of SCCC.