Daily Record (Morristown, New Jersey), April 26, 2007, Thursday

Copyright 2007 Daily Record (Morristown, NJ)

All Rights Reserved

Daily Record (Morristown, New Jersey)

April 26, 2007 Thursday

SECTION: Pg. COMMUNITIES

HEADLINE: CCM president named finalist for Bergen post

BYLINE: LAURA BRUNO DAILY RECORD

DATELINE: RANDOLPH

BODY:

Celebrating his 20th anniversary as the second president of County College of Morris last year, Edward Yaw said he was still having fun and wasn't looking for a change of scenery.

But when the president's job opened at Bergen Community College this year, he couldn't resist testing the waters. Now, Yaw is one of three finalists for the position, with a decision expected in early June.

"I've had a great career here, and I'm happy to continue here," Yaw said, "but it's a larger institution and offers new challenges that are appealing to me."

Bergen Community is nearly double the size of CCM, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in arts, science and applied science degree programs. In addition, some 10,000 students are enrolled in noncredit courses.

In comparison, CCM has 8,000 students in credit courses and 7,500 in noncredit programs.

Yaw's competition includes Jeremiah Ryan, former president of Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville and Quincy College in Massachusetts, and Barbara Viniar, executive director, Institute for Community College Development at Cornell University and former president of Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts.

Yaw, 64, of Convent Station, was one of 36 applicants for the position, held by Judith Winn, who will retire June 30, after 12 years at the helm. Trustees for Bergen Community hope to have a successor chosen and able to take over on July 1, said Michael Redmond, BCC's executive vice president.

Philip Santiago, chairman of CCM's board of trustees, did not return a call seeking comment.

"We are waiting to see what happens, said Margaret Nordstrom, director of the Morris County freeholder board, which funds 25 percent of the college's operating budget. "He has accomplished a great deal at CCM, and we are very proud of the school as an academic institution."

Yaw is well regarded among his colleagues in the state. He was elected last year by his peers to lead the New Jersey Presidents' Council, which represents the state's 50 public and private universities and colleges.

He's credited with not only maintaining, but growing CCM's offerings and reputation for quality education.

Yaw has successfully overseen the opening and several expansions of CCM's Morristown satellite campus, the construction of Emeriti Hall and a 20,000-square-foot library expansion to house television and audio production studios. An aquatic facility was added in 1997, and most recently the student center underwent an expansion and renovation project.

Also during his tenure, he established a private foundation to bring more than $6 million into the college.

Yaw's salary this year is $161,900, plus an $8,000 housing allowance. Bergen's Winn was taking home a salary of $186,000.

{dcIdc}Laura Bruno can be reached at (973) 428-6626 or lbruno2@gannett.com.