Morris County is ushering in a new era for healthcare education with the dedication of the Center for Health Professions at County College of Morris (CCM) — an 80,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility taking shape on the college’s Randolph campus. Set to open its doors in the winter of 2027, this expansive center represents one of the most ambitious educational investments in Morris County’s history, designed to meet growing demand for skilled healthcare workers across New Jersey.
Local leaders, educators, and healthcare partners gathered at the construction site to commemorate the project, which symbolizes years of collaboration between the county, the state legislature, and CCM’s leadership. Among those in attendance were Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, Commissioners John Krickus and Deborah Smith, County Administrator Deena Leary, and Assistant Administrator Brian Murray, alongside state senators whose advocacy helped secure key funding for the project: Anthony M. Bucco, Joseph Pennacchio, Paul A. Sarlo, and former senator Steve V. Oroho. The ceremony featured a beam signing and plaque dedication honoring their efforts.
Deputy Director Shaw praised the initiative as part of Morris County’s larger commitment to workforce development. “This building builds on a series of educational investments that open doors for students pursuing high-demand careers right here at home,” Shaw said, referencing recent additions such as the Career Training Center, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Sciences, and the Advanced Manufacturing Center. “Together, these projects form a foundation for the next generation of opportunity in our county.”
Funding for the Center for Health Professions has been made possible through the New Jersey Legislature, the Governor’s Office, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, and generous contributions from private donors and foundations. State Sen. Anthony Bucco, who represents the district where CCM is located, emphasized the impact the college has had on the region. “CCM continues to give back to both the county and the state. This new facility will produce exceptional graduates—graduates who can begin rewarding careers without facing overwhelming debt,” he said.
Sen. Joseph Pennacchio, himself a community college graduate, noted the tangible career benefits for future students. “These programs open the door to strong starting salaries, often between $90,000 and $100,000 with just a two-year associate degree,” he said. Sen. Sarlo, chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, added that “CCM’s vision and expertise turned the state’s investment into a meaningful reality,” while former Sen. Oroho expressed pride in helping bring such a transformative project to life.
Once completed, the new Center will serve roughly 1,500 students each year, featuring advanced laboratories and simulation classrooms designed to mirror professional healthcare environments. The facility will not only expand CCM’s acclaimed Nursing, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, Emergency Services, and Paramedic Science programs, but will also introduce new tracks in Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Medical Assisting. The goal is to close the workforce gap in healthcare while equipping students for immediate employment or continued education in the field.
Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM, described the center as an essential response to national healthcare staffing shortages. “This new facility will empower the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve the people of Morris County and beyond. Through strong partnerships with medical and dental providers, CCM will continue to prepare students to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs,” he said.
Among the community partners celebrating the dedication was Trish O’Keefe, senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Atlantic Health System and president of Morristown Medical Center. “It’s an honor to welcome CCM graduates into our hospitals. Morris County continues to grow, and its residents deserve the very best in healthcare. The students learning here will deliver that excellence from day one,” she said.
The day’s program also featured a moving moment when nursing student and scholarship recipient Jack Hermann shared his journey. “Growing up, I helped care for my great-grandmother and grandmother during their hospital stays. Watching the compassion of nurses inspired me to follow in their footsteps,” Hermann said. “This program has given me the skills and confidence to do just that—and it’s accessible for anyone with a heart for helping others.”
The ceremony, emceed by Kelly Meola, CCM’s executive director of Institutional Advancement, included remarks from Paul Licitra, chair of the CCM Board of Trustees; Paul DiMaio, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut; and William McElroy, CCM Foundation Board chair and proud alumnus.
With its groundbreaking design, mission-driven curriculum, and emphasis on real-world learning, the Center for Health Professions is poised to become one of New Jersey’s premier training hubs for tomorrow’s medical and allied health professionals. As the region looks toward 2027, the center stands as a testament to what can be achieved when education, government, and healthcare come together to invest in the future of wellness and workforce development across Morris County.
To explore more stories about health and wellness across the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey’s Health & Wellness section.
