Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, (D-11th District) toured County College of Morris (CCM) on Tuesday, March 19, to learn about the programs and facilities the college provides to ensure students obtain a high-quality education and are prepared to excel in the jobs of tomorrow.
“It’s a pleasure to learn about all the new and innovative things that are going on at County College of Morris. I’m so proud to represent a district that includes CCM,” said Sherrill. “Our community colleges are doing it best. They are nimble and able to move through changes quickly.”
“We would not be able accomplish what we do without strong partnerships with government officials, businesses and organizations such as the Morris County Chamber of Commerce,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM.
At CCM, Sherrill was provided with tours of the college’s engineering lab, nursing facilities, media center, art gallery and music technology center. During her visit, college officials shared that more than half of the nurses and about 90 percent of the radiographers and respiratory therapists who work in Morris County are CCM graduates. Iacono also noted that the college’s nursing graduates consistently exceed national pass rates on the licensure exam. In addition, he conveyed that as part of the college’s Forward campaign funding has been raised to construct a healthcare simulation center that will further enhance the learning of healthcare professionals.
County College of Morris President Anthony J. Iacono speaks with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill in the college’s engineering lab.
In the area of manufacturing and engineering, the college has broken ground for an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center to help meet the demand for skilled professionals in those areas and expanding fields such as robotics. The college also offers a program, in conjunction with the Morris County Vocational School District, for high school students where they earn college credits in engineering, design and advanced manufacturing. As part of that program, they work as contractors for NASA building parts for equipment, such as storage lockers, for the International Space Station.
Chairwoman of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Sherrill commented that such efforts are particularly valuable as artificial intelligence continues to develop and the jobs of the future start to emerge.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill meets with student leaders at County College of Morris as part of her tour of the campus.
Also taking part in the tour were Randolph Mayor Jim Loveys and Township Manager Stephen Mountain, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President Meghan Hunscher, CCM Trustee Chair Paul Licitra and Trustees Jeffrey Advokat and Barbara Hadzima.
Wrapping up her visit, Sherrill spoke with CCM student leaders and answered their questions about state and national issues, as she shared some of her impressions of the college.
“A lot of what we need to focus on is the future of work,” she said. “It’s places like CCM that are at the forefront of the new economy.”
