First Woman and African American President, Atlantic Cape College

Huge congratulations to Barbara Gaba who was inaugurated on Friday as the ninth president of Atlantic Cape Community College. Her appointment made her both the first female and the first African American president in the school's 50-year-history. 

“The board told me that they were looking for the most qualified person,” Gaba said. She had received a phone call from Atlantic Cape while with Union County College, and decided to apply for the position.

“I love being here, the people are wonderful. There are a lot of challenges in this area because of the changing demographics,” she said, adding that “the demographics of the three campuses are very different.”

Barbara Gaba, a New York City native with a master's degree from Rutgers University, received her doctorate from Bayero University Kano in Nigeria. She also serves on several higher education boards, including the international practitioners board of the Chair Academy, a university leadership organization, and the National Council for Black American Affairs. Gaba lives in Mays Landing with her husband, Peter. The couple have two children and two grandchildren.

You can read more by going here:  http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/community/business/article_9d9d56dc-f77a-11e6-9352-c72c3e2c5da7.html

This story alone should motivate all of you who's working hard out there for a better life to keep going, don't give up. Black success is not impossible nor hard to achieve, you just have to really want it and be focused. I am so proud of Barbara and truly touched by her story and how far and educated she is. I'm also proud of the college, given how diverse things have been lately. So if there's anyone out here in any doubt and feel like giving up, keep going! Giving up should not be an option.