Dr. Jon Connolly is an accomplished and visionary leader in higher education, serving as the esteemed President of Sussex County Community College since 2016. His dynamic leadership style, unwavering commitment to academic excellence, and passion for student success have propelled the institution to new heights.
With a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of higher education, President Connolly has been instrumental in shaping SCCC into an inclusive learning environment. Under Dr. Connolly's guidance, SCCC has experienced significant growth and transformation. He has spearheaded strategic initiatives to enhance the College's reputation and increase its community reach.
During his entire career, he has advocated for innovation in higher education. As president of SCCC, Dr. Connolly has worked to preserve what is extraordinary in higher education and eliminate practices no longer applicable in modern learning. Through visionary leadership, he has fostered strong partnerships with other colleges, high schools, non-profit organizations, and government entities. He has worked to increase student retention, graduation, and success, while simultaneously building new programs that impact institutional enrollment and meet the demands of the current and future workforce.
Modernizing processes at SCCC has also been one of Dr. Connolly's priorities. Professional development and improved workflow processes ensure that employees utilize institutional software systems that best guide students through their experiences at the College.
Dr. Connolly is a strong advocate for business-and-industry cultivation and economic development. Businesses are fortified when they have a strong labor pool to draw. He believes that community colleges play a critical role in creating skilled workers to fulfill the ongoing need of most enterprises to attract and retain talented workers.
In addition to his tenure as the President of Sussex County Community College, Dr. Connolly has also served as the Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Kennebec Valley Community College in Maine, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Sheridan College in Wyoming, the Dean of Math Science and Healthcare at Lone Star College-Kingwood, and as biology faculty and Assistant Chief Academic Officer at Husson University.
