Hudson County Community College President Chris Reber to Receive Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s Most Prestigious Award

Dr. Christopher Reber will accept the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction at the PTK Convention in Orlando.

February 8, 2024, Jersey City, NJ –  Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the premier international community college honor society, announced that Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Dr. Christopher Reber will be recognized with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction. The award will be presented at PTK Catalyst 2024, the society’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida, April 4-6, 2024.

The Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction is Phi Theta Kappa’s most prestigious award for community college presidents. Named for Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, the society’s longest serving Board of Directors Chair and a founder and longtime president of Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington, the award recognizes college presidents who have shown support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. Recipients, who are nominated by students from their respective colleges, must have served in their role for at least five years and may receive the award only once during their career.

“This college president has made it a priority to support student success, both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for Dr. Reber’s support for them.”

Christopher Reber has devoted his entire career to higher education. He became the sixth president of HCCC in July 2018. Accessibility, advocacy, and collaboration are hallmarks of his tenure. Dr. Reber’s engagement with students, monthly Town Hall meetings, and his association with unions, local, state and national governance leaders, advisory committees, community organizations, and national higher education bodies, have been vital in supporting students and promoting the College’s mission.

Prior to arriving at HCCC, Dr. Reber served as President of Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) near Pittsburgh, PA. His career also includes 12 years at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and 18 years at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

“This honor is especially meaningful for me because our students put forth the nomination,” Dr. Reber said. “Our students are at the center of everything we do at Hudson County Community College, and my most valued award is seeing them succeed. I am humbled to receive this award, and grateful to serve our students and this inspirational community.”