New Camden County College president marks a first for Blackwood school
Camden County College has a new leader, the sixth in its history, but she's also a first.
Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, who will officially take the helm of the Blackwood-based college July 1, is the first person of color to lead the school in its 54-year history. She takes over for Donald Borden, who led Camden County College for seven years and did not seek reappointment.
Pugh-Bassett has been the college's vice president of institutional effectiveness, advancement and strategic initiatives since 2019. She previously served with the New Jersey Department of Education and as Camden County's executive superintendent of schools.
She was an instructor and program coordinator for Math/Science Upward Bound programs at Community College of Philadelphia and at Temple University.
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“This is an important day in the history of Camden County College, and I congratulate Dr. Pugh-Bassett on her appointment,” Camden County commissioner Ed McDonnell, liaison to Camden County College, said in a statement announcing the appointment. “Her strong background, wealth of knowledge, and powerful skill sets make her uniquely qualified to serve as the College’s next president.”
“Her appointment is not only historic for the college, her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in education will greatly benefit Camden County College for years to come,” said John Hanson, chair of the college’s Board of Trustees. “Throughout her career she has worked hard to ensure that all voices are heard in every role she takes."
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Pugh-Bassett's goals include merging education and advocacy, and placing service to the community at the center of the college's mission.
“There is a part to play for all of us in impacting and changing the lives of those we serve. We can only dream that we are able to have an opportunity to use our gift to impact our work,” Pugh-Bassett said.
Phaedra Trethan has been a reporter and editor in South Jersey since 2007 and has covered Camden and surrounding areas since 2015, concentrating on issues relating to quality of life and social justice for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. She's called South Jersey home since 1971. Contact her with feedback, news tips or questions at ptrethan@gannettnj.com, on Twitter @wordsbyphaedra, or by phone at 856.486-2417.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Camden County College names first person of color to lead the school
