County presents resolution recognizing Middlesex County College and CIO campus plan

Commissioner Chanel McCullum presented a county resolution recognizing April as National Community College Month and honoring Middlesex County College for its role in workforce development and transfer pathways.

McCullum, the board's economic development chair, said the college serves residents through its main campus in Edison and a New Brunswick center and highlighted dual‑admissions programs that ease transfer to four‑year institutions. She described the college's Community Innovation and Opportunity (CIO) strategic plan and outlined planned campus amenities, including an innovation magnet school, a student center, athletic facilities and workforce training space. "We have an amazing collaborative relationship with the college," McCullum said as she presented the resolution to college leadership.

President Mark McCormack thanked the commissioners and described recent gains in enrollment and programming that he credited in part to the county's support and the CIO plan. McCormack said the college has moved to first among county colleges in overall enrollment and that transfer partners report college graduates perform well at receiving universities.

The presentation emphasized affordable pathways—including dual enrollment that allowed some high school students to earn associate degrees before their high school diplomas—and the college's role in preparing students for both university and trade careers. The board's proclamation recognizes the college's partnership with the county and encourages continued support for workforce and educational programs.

The county also used the ceremonial portion of the meeting to present additional proclamations and to acknowledge campus and community collaborations that county officials said will expand educational opportunities for residents.

The meeting proceeded to routine business after the presentation; no formal board vote on funding for the CIO plan was taken during the remarks.