Background
Dr. Kenneth Ender became Harper College’s fifth president on July 1, 2009 and is positioning Harper to be a leader in the national Student Success agenda. Before coming to Harper, Dr. Ender served as President of Cumberland County College in New Jersey.
During his 11 years at CCC, Dr. Ender successfully positioned the college as a vibrant institution that enhances the community’s quality of life. As The Daily Journal, the area’s main newspaper, editorialized: “Dr. Ender is moving Cumberland County College ahead by giant steps... Improving the quality of life and opening the door of opportunity for all county residents.”
In September 2008, Dr. Ender won the Northeast Region President/CEO Award issued annually by the Association of Community College Trustees. The award is given to a community college President/CEO who has initiated and developed innovative programs, served on technical or special committees and promoted positive partnerships on campus and throughout the community.
In March 2006, Dr. Ender was selected as the National President Pacesetter of the Year by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. Dr. Ender is the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Hesed - Acts of Loving Kindness - Award from Temple Beth Hillel in Vineland, NJ. In March 2007, Dr. Ender was chosen as the recipient of the 8th annual Community College Alliance Leadership award, given by Franklin University in Ohio.
Dr. Ender led a comprehensive reform project involving Cumberland County College and public school districts.
The college and high schools put in place career/academic pathways in grades 9-16 to prepare residents for family-sustaining careers in healthcare, law and public safety, education and training, hospitality and retail, and construction and engineering.
One of Dr. Ender’s most notable achievements is CCC’s School Counts! program, which offers area high school students the chance to earn CCC scholarships by meeting certain criteria including regular school attendance and above-average grades. Hundreds of area employers offer School Counts! graduates priority status for job interviews and the CCC Foundation raised nearly $3 million for scholarships.
Dr. Ender also implemented CCC’s Leadership Cumberland County program, which prepares emerging leaders to assume responsible positions in neighborhoods and communities throughout the county. Dr. Ender implemented the Pathways Leadership program for CCC employees, who learn how effective leadership skills may enhance their careers and strengthen CCC.
Dr. Ender took a leadership role at the state level, serving on the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Executive and Facilities Committees as well as the Academic Affairs Council of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. He is immediate past chair of the New Jersey Community College Presidents.
Dr. Ender was also a member of the boards of Cumberland County Economic Development, the Cumberland County Intermunicipality Empowerment Zone, South Jersey Healthcare and the Greater Vineland, Millville and Bridgeton Chambers of Commerce.
Selected Presentations 1995 through 2008.