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LOCK HAVEN -- Lock Haven University Dr. Robert Pignatello is a finalist for the job of president of Bergen Community College in Paramus, N.J.
The college, New Jersey's largest community college, announced it will conduct virtual tours to introduce the four candidates in the coming week, when the applicants can outline their goals and vision.
Dr. Pignatello is scheduled to tour next Friday, Nov. 6, starting with Bergen's Board of Trustees. The day closes with an open forum with students and community members.
Since its establishment in 1963 and opening in 1968, the college has had just seven presidents. The college's website says the institution "ranks No. 1 in New Jersey for associate degree graduates; alumni have attended the country's most prestigious universities, including all eight Ivy League institutions. More than 740,000 students have taken classes at Bergen, with countless others visiting for community and cultural events."
Bergen's Board of Trustees chair, Gerard L. Carroll, led the search process, working in concert with the committee, college counsel and higher education search consultants from the Pauly Group.
"The caliber of candidates who applied, interviewed and ultimately became finalists remains reflective of Bergen Community College's renown in the higher education community," he said. "The collaborative search process has resulted in a group of four highly qualified finalists who are prepared to lead Bergen into its next period of prosperity. It has been an honor, as chair of the board of trustees and the presidential search committee, to lead the College during this transition period."
Dr. Pignatello's candidacy at Bergen comes amid the start of a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education-led study on integrating Lock Haven University with Bloomsburg and Mansfield Universities. All indications are that Bloomsburg, the larger of the three, will take over management of Lock Haven and Mansfield, both of which will likely see faculty, staff and program reductions while focusing more on curriculum that supports workforce development.
The two smaller, state-run institutions would retain existing degree programs that have stronger enrollments.
Collectively, the 14 PASSHE schools have seen substantial enrollment decline over the past decade, though LHU's enrollment increased this fall.
Bergen's announcement of the finalists states that, as LHU president, Dr. Pignatello "has focused on strategic enrollment and retention there, creating the office of student success to coordinate services related to improving outcomes and fostering a holistic student experience; developing a strategic plan to improve student mental health and wellbeing; establishing the university's first office of diversity, equity and inclusion; and focusing the institution on closing the achievement gap.
"Dr. Pignatello also played a key role in the redesign of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in collaboration with the board of governors, chancellor and other system university presidents to strengthen sustainability through university integration, greater sharing of both administrative and academic programs and providing greater value, access and opportunity for students. Previously, Dr. Pignatello worked as vice president-chief operating officer at CUNY's John Jay College of Criminal Justice and also served as a local council member, deputy mayor, mayor and legislative assistant in New Jersey.
Dr. Pignatello holds a bachelor's degree in political science and public administration from Montclair State University, an M.P.A. from Rutgers University Graduate School and an Ed.D. in educational leadership -- higher education from Saint Peter's University.
Asked to comment, Dr. Pignatello told The Express he could not comment at this time.