End of An Era At Essex County College
Yamba informed the Board of Trustees of his decision at the board’s monthly meeting on April 21. “It has been my privilege to serve this wonderful college and I am most grateful to the trustees, faculty and staff who have entrusted me with its leadership. It is now time to pass on this trust so the college can continue its legacy of service to the residents of Essex County.”
Currently the longest serving college president in New Jersey, the 70-year-old Yamba, whose career in education now spans 45 years – 41 at Essex, is widely credited with transforming the college into the vibrant and progressive institution that today enrolls more than 20,000 students.
“President Yamba has been the catalyst for more than a quarter century of extraordinary achievement that today defines Essex County College. Indeed, his singular leadership forever changed its destiny,” said the Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, chairman of the Board of Trustees. Jackson said the board will announce details of the search process for a new chief executive next month.
Yamba joined ECC when it opened in 1968, serving first as a faculty member in its Humanities Division and then as Dean of Faculty. He was named interim president in May 1980 during a tumultuous period that included yet another search for a new president – the college’s fifth in 12 years. He was formally appointed president in February 1981.
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