MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Ramapo College of New Jersey Looks Ahead
“ At Ramapo College of New Jersey , a liberal arts education means that we teach our students how to think , not what to think ,” Cindy R . Jebb , Ph . D ., President , Ramapo College , tells COMMERCE .
Established in 1969 , Ramapo is a public liberal arts college with around 6,110 students . Located in Mahwah – and named by CondeNast Traveler as one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America in 2020 – undergraduate students at Ramapo College may choose to concentrate their studies in one of five schools with more than 40 academic programs , including business . Ramapo also offers several graduate programs .
In addition , Ramapo has established innovative partnerships with several community colleges in New Jersey . This includes a 3 + 1 program with Passaic County and Sussex County Community Colleges to allow students a more affordable path to a bachelor ’ s degree .
“ Our coursework cultivates students ’ critical thinking , problem solving , and communication skills by exploring multiple disciplines ,” says Jebb . “ Through interdisciplinary study and hands-on learning , our students are equipped to pursue a range of career paths , not just one specific role .”
To learn more about Ramapo College of New Jersey , COMMERCE caught up with Dr . Cindy R . Jebb , who became the College ’ s fifth president in 2021 .
COMMERCE : What makes a Ramapo College education unique ? Cindy R . Jebb , Ph . D .: By blending the essential foundations of the liberal arts with specialized coursework , Ramapo equips our students with a unique skill set that makes them adaptable , empathetic , and effective leaders in their
Photo : Ramapo College of New Jersey respective fields . We pride ourselves on mentorship , hands-on learning , small class sizes , and paid internships – all of which contribute to our awesome graduation rates .
COMMERCE : How would you describe Ramapo ’ s approach to healthcare education as a liberal arts college ? Jebb : Two words : Holistic and interdisciplinary . Two excellent examples of the many successful programs at Ramapo College are nursing and social work . While nursing traditionally emphasizes clinical skills and medical knowledge , Ramapo ’ s nursing program also incorporates critical thinking , communication , and ethical decision-making . A deeper understanding of the human condition is acquired through coursework in subjects like history and sociology . We know that nursing goes beyond just treating symptoms ; it ’ s about understanding the whole person . Our curriculum helps nurses address the physical as well as the emotional needs of patients and their families . Our graduates are uniquely equipped to approach patient care with empathy and an appreciation for diverse perspectives .
Similarly , through our BSW and MSW programs , Ramapo College prepares social work professionals to build meaningful and empowering connections with individuals , families , groups , organizations , and communities to promote social welfare . Our students unpack the complexities of the human condition and develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address issues like poverty , inequality , violence , and communication breakdowns , ultimately promoting well-being and positive change .
COMMERCE : In November , the COMMERCE website included an article about the New Jersey Council of County College ’ s new Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative , which is focused on helping students develop job skills and durable / soft skills . Is this an initiative that Ramapo also embraces ? Jebb : Yes , Ramapo is proud of this initiative that our partners in the county college system are embarking on – in many ways , it reflects the Ramapo model . From physicians to case managers , healthcare professionals and community-based practitioners benefit from Ramapo ’ s emphasis on problem solving , critical thinking , communication , and ethics . Our liberal arts curriculum sharpens students ’ ability to engage in thoughtful discussions , advocate for patients
Cindy R . Jebb , Ph . D ., President , Ramapo College , joined Ramapo after 39 years with the U . S . military . She was the first female Dean of the Academic Board at the U . S . Military Academy at West Point .
and clients , build and serve on diverse teams , and navigate complex moral dilemmas . Our courses in ethics , psychology , and communication are woven into the fabric of our healthcare and social work programs , ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world challenges where technical skills alone may not suffice .
COMMERCE : We hear a lot about the increasing demand for nurses across New Jersey . How does Ramapo see itself in addressing this need ? Jebb : In the spring of 2024 , Ramapo launched our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing ( ABSN ) program to expand access to current healthcare personnel and career changers who wish to seek the degree and RN-eligibility in a shorter amount of time . Thanks to $ 3.5 million in supportive legislative appropriations over the last two years , our program expanded its clinical lab space to feature a new simulation lab equipped with five beds , four additional fully-networked simulation stations in pre-existing static lab space , two new classrooms , two new collaboration and study spaces , a new Anatomy and Physiology lab , and the hiring of additional faculty to meet the demands of increased enrollment . Our first ABSN cohort , which began in May 2024 , will graduate in August 2025 !
Photo : Ramapo College of New Jersey
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