The Meadowlands Chamber hosted an Education Summit at Ramapo College on February 5 at Ramapo College of New Jersey, hosting NJ Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis and esteemed leaders in education to discuss how businesses can partner with local colleges and universities to develop a powerful, effective workforce that meets the needs of our economy.
Ellis, the keynote speaker, discussed her experiences shaping higher education in the Obama Administration, the current prognosis for New Jersey’s higher education system, the launch of a state pilot program to finance free community college and the upcoming release of a state strategic plan for higher education in New Jersey.
Following Ellis, there was an interactive panel discussion with local college and universities presidents and leaders on how businesses can utilize existing resources to train and retain a talented employee pool.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, N.J. Secretary of Higher Education
Panel Discussion:
Moderator: Tammy Molinelli of the Bergen County Workforce Investment Board
Panel Speakers: Thomas Eastwick of Eastwick College; Peter. P. Mercer, J.D., Ph.D. of Ramapo College of New Jersey; Francine Andrea of Felician University; Michael J. Smith of Berkeley College; Michael D. Redmond, Ph.D. of Bergen Community College; Luke D. Schultheis, Ph.D. of Fairleigh Dickenson University; Virginia Bender, Ph.D. of St. Peter’s University.
