President Mark McCormick Named to 2026 NJBIZ Education Power List 

Lauded for his leadership and steady guidance during turbulent times for higher education in New Jersey, Middlesex College President Mark McCormick has been named to the 2026 NJBIZ Education Power List. 

According to the publication, NJBIZ power lists identify individuals who, “through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work, and do business.” 

McCormick, who has served as the president of Middlesex College since 2019 and is the secretary of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, called the recognition an honor. 

“Middlesex College is experiencing a period of tremendous growth,” McCormick said. “Our faculty and staff are developing and launching new credit-bearing and workforce-focused programs that set our students on the path to a fulfilling career. We partner with industries across Middlesex County and with businesses and organizations of all sizes to meet their workforce needs. Most importantly, we continue to lean into and live up to our mission of providing access to a quality and affordable education.” 

The NJBIZ list includes honorees’ thoughts about themselves and their philosophy. 

McCormick said his proudest professional achievement is seeing students at Middlesex College find and stay on paths to a better life. He cited 2023 Middlesex College valedictorian Zakiyia Forbes, who was accepted in transfer at Columbia University with a full scholarship and graduated in May—with McCormick there to see her walk across the stage. 

Responding to handling the next big disruption in education, McCormick said that Middlesex College faculty continue to address the use of AI by students. 

“Faculty members are wrestling with how to balance concerns about students using AI to produce work without really learning with how to help students learn how to harness the power of AI in their chosen field and to use it ethically and responsibly,” McCormick told NJBIZ. 

Middlesex College is undergoing a period of incredible physical and academic transformation, seeking to adapt to the changing needs of the student population with new facilities while removing roadblocks to success. 

“No recognition like this comes without the tireless efforts of our entire college community: faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees,” said McCormick. “I am honored by and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues in serving our community.”