Ocean County College (OCC) is a public community college in Ocean County, New Jersey. Its main campus is in Toms River. Other locations include the Southern Education Center in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township and multiple off-campus sites throughout Ocean County.

History

In 1962, the state of New Jersey enacted the County College Act, empowering its counties to establish colleges and providing partial financial support for these colleges. Ocean County College was established by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners in January 1964 following a 1963 public referendum, and classes were first offered in the fall of 1964.

The school's president is Pamela Monaco, who took office in July 2023, succeeding Jon H. Larson.

Academics

OCC offers associate degrees in Science, Arts, and Applied Science. In 2019, these degrees were represented within a graduating class of 1,500 students with percentages of 54%, 36% and 10%, respectively. It also offers certificate studies in more than 40 different areas as well as a continuing education program. A total of 8,171 students were enrolled in the Fall semester of 2019.

Notable people

Faculty, staff and trustees

• Leonard Lomell (1920–2011), United States Army ranger awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during World War II; former trustee
• Richard O'Meara, brigadier general, United States Army; instructor

Alumni

• Mike Bucci (born 1972), professional wrestler
• Danny Clinch (born 1964), photographer and film director
• Virginia E. Haines (born 1946), politician; serves on the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders; served in the New Jersey General Assembly, 1992–1994; executive director of the New Jersey Lottery, 1994-2002
• Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), musician (non-graduate)

See also

• New Jersey County Colleges