Hudson County Community College President Christopher Reber Receives Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s Most Prestigious Award
May 13, 2024
Hudson County Community College Mathematics Professor and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Chapter Advisor Theodore Lai (left) is pictured here with President Christopher Reber, who was presented PTK’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction.
Dr. Reber accepted the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction at the PTK Convention in Orlando; HCCC PTK Advisor Theodore Lai was also honored at the event.
May 13, 2024, Jersey City, NJ – Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the premier international community college honor society,
presented Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Dr. Christopher Reber with
the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction at their annual convention last month in
Orlando, Florida.
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 prioritized 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 all 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 to 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 honor, and grateful to serve our students and this inspirational community.”
HCCC Mathematics Professor and Advisor for the College’s Beta Alpha Phi Chapter of PTK, Theodore Lai, was also recognized at the convention with the 2024 Continued Excellence Advisor Award. This honor is bestowed upon past recipients of PTK’s Distinguished Advisor Award.
“We are so proud of Professor Lai and the outstanding work he does to support our students and our community,” Dr. Reber stated. “Ted works tirelessly to provide information and support that lead to transformational scholarship and transfer opportunities for hundreds of our students. He also maintains strong contacts with several organizations in our community and coordinates with our PTK student leaders to arrange outreach and events that make a difference, including environmental cleanups and tutoring. The entire HCCC family joins me in congratulating Professor Lai.”