Hudson County Community College (HCCC) announced on Wednesday that its president, Christopher Reber, has officially submitted his resignation effective June 30. After eight years of transformative leadership in Jersey City, Reber has accepted the presidency at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania.
The announcement marks the conclusion of a highly decorated tenure during which HCCC evolved into a national model for student success and workforce development.
Since arriving at HCCC in July 2018, Reber has steered the institution through a period of unprecedented accolades. Under his guidance, the college achieved:
- The 2024 Bellwether Legacy Award: Recognizing the “Hudson Scholars” program for its revolutionary impact on student retention and success.
- Top National Rankings: The HCCC Culinary Arts program was ranked No. 6 in the United States by Best Choice Schools.
- Workforce Innovation: The expansion of “stackable credentials” and partnerships with major four-year universities to ensure seamless student transfers.
Reber’s personal leadership also garnered significant acclaim. In 2024, he was named Community College CEO of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges, followed by the 2025 Executive of the Year award from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.
In a heartfelt message to the HCCC community, Reber expressed deep gratitude for the collaboration that defined his eight-year stay in the Garden State.
“It has been the honor of my life and career to work side by side with all of you!” Reber wrote. “Together, we have provided transformative opportunities that change lives… I wish the HCCC family much continued success! Hudson is Home!”
Jeanette Peña, chair of the HCCC Board of Trustees, thanked Reber for his dedicated service, noting the board’s gratitude for his many contributions to the college’s 24,000 credit and non-credit students.
Reber will now bring his expertise to Harrisburg University (HU), a STEM-focused institution in Pennsylvania’s capital. HU leadership cited his energy and commitment to building partnerships between academia and industry as the primary reasons for his selection.
“All of us were impressed by Dr. Reber’s breadth of experience, his obvious passion for student success, and his record of building partnerships with business and employers,” Tim Weston, co-chair of the HU Presidential Selection Committee said.
