infrastructure and to integrate AI into business operations. “The goal is to be as streamlined for students as possible, make sure they have as much technology access as we can provide, and then guard everyone’s security and privacy,” Clay asserts. POSITIONING FOR THE FUTURE Through organizations like the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), HCCC collaborates with industry giants and peer institutions to align programs with workforce needs. “The community college sector is essential to this work, because we are fundamentally providing access to parts of the population that traditionally have not been served by higher-ed or had the opportunity to earn a credential and move up in their careers,” Dr. Reber notes. “We serve traditionally underrepresented students, and citizens from marginalized communities. We meet them where they are and help them succeed.” Noting that short-term credentials are tailored to emerging workforce needs and developed in partnership with local employers and advisory boards, Reber stresses that these should not become academic dead ends. “It’s always going to be important to have credentials and a degree to move up socioeconomically and advance in your career,” he reflects. 51 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 HUDSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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