North Shore Community College picks new president

LYNN – North School Community College has chosen Patricia Gentile as its fourth president, pending approval by the state Board of Higher Education, which Interim President Janice Forsstrom expects won’t be an issue.”They did interviews as well all along the way,” she said. “So I assume it will go through without a problem.”Gentile is currently dean of advancement and enrollment management at the Cape May County Campus for Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey, and she will bring experience that could be vital if Suffolk Downs becomes home to a casino.As part of her many duties, Gentile oversaw among other things the Casino Career Institute in Atlantic City.”I don’t think that was a deciding factor but I don’t think it hurt at all,” Forrstrom said.With a casino coming to the state in one location or another Forrstrom said the state has already licensed the community colleges to implement training programs in the schools near the eventual locations. In that sense, Gentile’s familiarity with the industry will be very helpful, Forrstrom said.Gentile also oversaw all non-credit services, workforce development, personal development as well as the Health Professions Institute, the Technology Studies Institute, and the Institute for Service Excellence, along with all customized training contracts and consulting services for business and industry in both Atlantic and Cape May counties.”I am deeply honored to be chosen as the next president of North Shore Community College,” said Gentile in a prepared statement. “I have found the North Shore community to be composed of passionate educators, caring and dedicated professionals, and mission-driven leaders who create real opportunity for each and every student that experiences the college. It will be a joy to join such a dynamic and visionary team.”The recommendation from the trustees is the result of a nine-month search. If approved at the state level, Gentile will take over from Forrstrom, who served has served as interim since Wayne M. Burton’s retirement July 31, in January 2014.Forrstom said she knew going in that hers was a short-term gig and she is looking forward to a smooth transition. She said with time between now and January there will be an internal transitional plan, so when Gentile starts everything will be in place for her.”She is very smart and engaging and very articulate, and she knows community colleges very well,” she said. “It will be a transition, but it will be good.”Richard Yagjian, chairman of the trustees, called Gentile essentially the perfect candidate.”We found in Dr. Gentile someone who met all of our requirements for experience, commitment and values,” he said. “In addition, we believe she will be a charismatic, transformational leader who will help elevate NSCC to its next level. “”There is a lot of excitement about this and a lot of good positive energy,” Forrstrom said.