New president selected at Burlington County College

Released by Burlington County College

Burlington County College Board of Trustees announced that David C. Hespe, a former Commissioner of Education with an extensive background in teaching and learning, educational leadership and government, has been chosen as the new college president.

Hespe, 52, of Belle Mead, is expected to formally assume his new position with the college at the beginning of September, following a three-to-four week transition period, according to Board Chairman Joseph R. Malone, III. The new president will earn $175,000 a year.

“Mr. Hespe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table,” said Malone. “This is an individual who, over a period of more than 25 years, has gone from the courtroom to the classroom to the highest educational positions in State government in New Jersey.”

“He will bring important new leadership to the college and, in the process, work closely with all the stakeholders in the BCC community to ensure that we continue to provide a top-notch education at the lowest price possible,” Malone added.

Malone said the presidential search process attracted more than 50 applicants. Many of the applications were screened by an advisory committee that included students, faculty, business leaders, elected officials, and representatives from the military, college foundation, and other community organizations.

The advisory committee provided advice and consultation to the board of trustees’ selection committee, which conducted interviews and then recommended finalists who were interviewed by the entire Board of Trustees.

Burlington County Freeholders joined with the Board of Trustees in announcing Hespe’s selection. Freeholder Leah Arter, who serves as the County government liaison to the college and participated in the selection process, also gave Hespe a vote of confidence.

“David Hespe clearly understands the importance of working with and partnering with the freeholder board,” said Arter. “Freeholders will continue to look to the college as an important player in the current economic environment. BCC’s ability to teach and prepare individuals of all ages to enter or reenter the workforce is critically important.”

Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio said that Hespe “brings to the job a background of experience, and involvement with key players in higher education at all levels, which can only benefit the college moving forward.

“Given the many important positions he has held, he is also more than capable of taking charge, and handling change,” Garganio added. “The college is headed into a new era on many levels. But this is especially the case for those students and families who are coping with personal financial issues, and have discovered that Burlington County College is an affordable, meaningful option.”

Hespe currently serves as Chief of Staff for Commissioner of Education in New Jersey, and held the Commissioner’s post from March 1999 to March 2001.

He followed that up by serving as Chair and Associate Professor of the Educational Leadership Department at Rowan University from April 2001 to July 2009. There, he administered and taught Masters and Doctoral level programs for school leaders.

“Higher education is certainly familiar ground,” said Hespe, “but Burlington County College, with its many campuses and programs, presents unique new challenges. I thank the Board of Trustees, and the freeholders, for this honor, and I will do everything possible to foster a productive working relationship.”

Hespe added, “I am excited to be working with a board that understands that the core mission of the institution is to serve our students and in so doing to support the families, communities and economy of Burlington County.”

Hespe is not a newcomer to Burlington County. He served as Interim Superintendent of Schools and Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Willingboro School District, a stint that ran from July 2009 to February 2011.

He also served as Assistant Counsel to the Governor, responsible for all education and higher education matters that came before the Governor (1994–1997).

Hespe has both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor degree from Rutgers University, and his background includes the general practice of law and serving as First Assistant Attorney General.

He will serve as the fourth president of the college, which is now in its 43rd year of operation.