JERSEY CITY, N.J. (February 9, 2026) — Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Dr. Christopher Reber took the helm in 2018, determined to provide transformative, life-changing opportunities for students and the people of Hudson County. He has brought his vision to fruition by engaging students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and the entire community.
Insight Into Academia Magazine has selected Dr. Reber to receive the “2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award” for advancing institutional excellence, strengthening community engagement and connectedness, and creating meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees, community, and the broader academic ecosystem.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Dr. Reber said. “Throughout my career, I have worked with campus communities to forge collaborations and partnerships with educational institutions, local businesses, health and human services agencies, trades and other unions, elected officials, and many additional community groups to create more opportunities for students, enhance professional development for faculty and staff, and make HCCC and previous institutions I served shining examples for transforming lives and communities. I am exceedingly grateful to my colleagues and community partners for collaborating with me and sharing their ideas, dedication, and hard work.”
One of the most notable achievements of Dr. Reber’s tenure is the creation of the Bellwether College Consortium Award-winning Hudson Scholars Program. Launched in 2021, it has become a blueprint for community college student success across the nation. The program combines proactive advisement, financial stipends, and early academic intervention. Wraparound services through the College’s Hudson Helps Resource Center alleviate food and housing insecurity; address mental health and wellness; provide emergency funding, immigration and technology assistance, food pantries, career closets, and more. Hudson Scholars served 800 students in 2021, has served 5,000 students to date, and will be scaled to all HCCC students over the next five years. The program has resulted in two-year college completion rates increasing fivefold for traditionally underrepresented students, and fall-to-fall retention rates improving by 37% for all Hudson Scholars students. Further, the program has supported a 70% reduction in historic equity and achievement gaps. Financially self-sustaining, the Hudson Scholars Program generates net revenue through its retention and enrollment impact following initial investments that bring students into the student success model.
HCCC students and the entire College community have coined the phrase, “Hudson is Home!” to describe the culture of care that Dr. Reber has led and supported. This sense of care is pervasive throughout the College.
Utilizing data and cutting-edge technologies, Dr. Reber facilitated and supported many highly successful initiatives, including:
• The Office of Institutional Engagement and Excellence that champions access, equity, inclusion, and the success of every student;
• The Hudson Helps Resource Center that provides support and wraparound services for students in a systemic culture of care;
• Paid professional development funding of up to $9,000 annually per full-time employee, contributing to employees designating HCCC as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years;
• Creation of the HCCC Gateway to Innovation Program, a Bellwether College Consortium Workforce Development Award finalist;
• The Holz Technik Registered Apprenticeship Program with Eastern Millwork, Inc. that educates and trains talented STEM students and creates a pipeline of skilled engineers. Apprentices earn Associate and Bachelor degrees and have no college debt;
• Collaborations with local, regional, and national educational institutions and organizations, businesses, and trade unions to develop innovative educational and workforce programming;
• The Academic and Workforce Pathways Program for incarcerated citizens, serving over 500 students to date; 53% completed courses with a 3.5 average GPA, and a growing number have completed their associate’s degree; and
• Partnership with New Jersey Reentry Corporation to provide opportunities for previously incarcerated citizens to earn academic and industry-recognized credentials. Of the more than 1,000 students enrolled since the program’s inception in 2021, 83% have completed classes; 70% earned a credential, continued their education, or gained employment; 14 received a proficiency certificate; and 72 enrolled in a GED program.
Dr. Reber advocates for HCCC and community colleges throughout New Jersey and the nation. His higher education leadership includes engagement on many boards, committees and national associations, including the board of the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), Community College Center for Student Engagement (CCCSE), Citizens and Scholars College Presidents for Civic Preparedness National Leadership Council, and many more.
“We believe the future of higher education depends on leaders like Dr. Reber who are willing to challenge convention and embrace bold, impactful innovation. His dedication to the HCCC community is evident through his commitment and extraordinary accomplishments” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia. “The 2026 Trailblazer honorees represent the highest levels of strategic leadership in the field, and we are proud to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of all the winners.”
