Sussex County Community College

Jumana Hablawi
Professor of Anatomy and Physiology
Professor of Biology

Looking back, what originally got you into the health sciences? What sparked your interest?

Well, I’ve always had a love for biology. I originally wanted to be a doctor, a medical doctor, but when I was doing my graduate work, I had the opportunity to be a graduate assistant, which basically means that you help out a professor by supervising a lab. I enjoyed relaying the information that I knew to the students and seeing them progress in their work; I had discovered my passion for teaching, I knew that was what I really loved to do. That’s what started it all.

On ratemyprofessor.com, everyone seems to say you’re ‘the best professor’ they ever had. What do you think you do that’s different than the other professors?

Well, I don’t know if it’s necessarily different. The professors at SCCC share the philosophy that the students come first, and I think the students pick up on that when they see a professor who is accessible and willing to help. Anatomy is tough subject, a very tough subject; even if you love biology or you have taken biology classes in the past, it takes a certain level of dedication, but it also takes a professor who is always there for the student. They realize the subject matter is difficult, but they also realize that I am there for them, and I think that’s what they’re drawn to.

Do you have any advice for someone trying to pass Anatomy?

Study, study, study! Really, all joking aside, studying is very important. We’re talking about two hours a night: opening the books, no TV, no music. Sitting there and focusing on the subject matter really does make a difference. There are also a number of resources that are available for the students to utilize; I have a website where I post notes and I record podcasts of my lectures, because sometimes it’s good to hear the lectures over and over again. You have to be dedicated enough to say, “I will put aside hanging out with my friends tonight.” It’s all about truly committing yourself to your goal to do well in the course.

Can you tell us more about the podcast you do? That’s a new concept to SCCC.

It’s wonderful. All my students who listen to it say, “Oh my gosh, this helps so much,” they actually see an improvement in their grade. Students will sit in class and listen to me, but sometimes their minds will wander or they may simply miss something, so I record my lectures and podcast them. We post it on the SCCC website and the students have the option to download it, so they can hear the entire lecture over and over again. Repetition really does help with anatomy, biology in general. The more you hear something, the more likely you’ll remember it.

We actually had students from South America download the podcast and send a note saying “It really helped me understand muscle physiology.” Which personally, couldn’t be a better compliment.

Anthony Turo
Current SCCC Student

Hometown: Sussex

Future Education Plans: Rutgers or NJIT

Anthony Turo, a current sophomore and IT Student Tech at Sussex County Community College, was recently granted a US patent for a device used to prevent bedsores on hospital patients. Anthony and three other graduates from High Point Regional High School began pursuing this patent after the design placed first in the 2009 Technology Student Association National Conference, besting forty-seven other states, Germany, and Peru. The invention is suitable for beds or chairs and senses areas of greater pressure on the body. It will then vibrate in the detected areas to diminish the pressure and the likely hood of developing sores.

Anthony’s Thoughts on SCCC:
“The IT Internship program is very helpful. It helped me raise my GPA a lot… I’m glad I came here; it was a gentle transition into the college world.”

Joanna Reed
Assistant Professor of Humanities

“Sussex County Community College is a family college. I have taught generations of families over the past 23 years. I have had the privilege to teach and develop a personal history, not only with current students, but with their families, friends, and relatives who have attended SCCC. Over the years, I have taught mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, and uncles from the same families. It occurred to me, the SCCC student body is made up of generations of families who have supported us through the years. At one point, I had a mother, sister, and brother all in the same class! It’s wonderful to be a part of a community where generations of families have contributed to the success of this college. SCCC is truly a community college.”

Stacy
Current SCCC Student

Hometown: Hackettstown

Major: Liberal Arts- Broadcasting Option

Stacy Says:

On attending Sussex County Community College:

“SCCC is an amazing place to get an education- for students right out of high school or returning after many years. There is a sense of “family” here between the students and students to faculty. It’s local, it’s affordable, and you’ll receive a top notch education as well as memories and friendship to last a lifetime.”

On Being the President of the Communications Club:

“Being president of the Communications Club is a big honor for me and a great challenge. I juggle club meetings and projects as well as filming our EDTV20 show “On the Rise.” I’m enjoying working with the TV101 students, watching them learn their craft. I’m also very proud to be able to learn, lead, and help others succeed as well as follow my dreams in broadcasting.”

On balancing life and school:

“Stay organized, it’s very important. Life is crazy and can change in an instant. By keeping my campus life in check, my personal and family life run smoother. It’s not an easy task, but seems to work for me. Not to mention I have a very supportive family. Also, stay social. The more you do here, at SCCC, the more connected you feel to the school, faculty, and students. This helps boost enthusiasm and gives ambition to study hard and succeed. I believe being involved in your campus education and social activities gives a sense of pride in SCCC and yourself.”

Sue
1998 SCCC Graduate

High School: Sussex Tech

Transfer School: William Paterson

Currently: Teaches in Sparta

“SCCC was a wonderful beginning to my college career. It allowed me the flexibility to be a student and a parent at the same time. I loved the small classes and caring faculty. After graduating from SCCC I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship to William Paterson College where I earned my BA in English and my teaching certificate. I later went on to earn my Masters in Education. SCCC helped me discover a passion for teaching.”

Nicole
Current SCCC Student

High School: Lenape Valley

“SCCC was the best choice for me. I came here as an NJ STARS student because I received a full scholarship. I have had a great experience and have no regrets. I love the small class sizes and getting to know the amazing faculty and staff. I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree in biology or pursue a career in health sciences.”

Pat
2009 SCCC Graduate

High School: Sparta

Currently Attending: Ramapo College

“During my senior year of high school I was lost with my college search and didn’t have any idea on what I was going to do. I was approached by the baseball coach at Sussex and invited to play for the college. Sussex was a great stepping stone for me both in the classroom, and on the baseball field. All of the teachers were very helpful and were willing to spend the extra time to help me succeed. I am now attending Ramapo College studying chemistry and playing baseball. I never would have been able to do this coming straight from high school. It was a great choice for me.”

Pat S
Current SCCC Student

High School: Vernon

Transfer School: Ramapo College

“I chose SCCC because it’s close to home and after high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study. Instead of going away and wasting my money, I was able to stay close, keep my job and save a lot. After I graduate from SCCC with my Associate’s Degree I plan to attend Ramapo College to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.”

Bill McGovern
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Assistant Professor Bill McGovern serves as our Criminal Justice Program Coordinator. He brought over 31 years of law enforcement service experience to SCCC when he joined the faculty in 2005.

“Teaching at SCCC is such a rewarding experience. The energy, passion and respect of our students is second to none. Some amazing things are happening in our classrooms. Working with these wonderful students brings so much satisfaction to my life. Their success in the classroom, in the community and in the workplace is a credit to this caring institution. What a wonderful place to start your dream!”

John D
Current SCCC Student

High School: Lenape Valley

“I decided to begin my college career at SCCC because I like being close to home and the friendliness of the faculty and staff. I’m able to keep in touch with my high school friends that attend here as well as meet new friends. I am studying Fire Science at SCCC and plan to continue my college journey at a four year institute to obtain my Bachelor’s degree. Sussex is a great place to start!”