Morris County Celebrates Center for Health Professions Dedication
Published on October 16, 2025
New 80,000-Square-Foot Facility Will Advance Healthcare Education in the Region
Morris County joined in celebrating the dedication of the Center for Health Professions at the County College of Morris (CCM) -- an 80,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility under construction on the Randolph campus that is slated to open in winter 2027.
Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, Commissioner John Krickus and Commissioner Deborah Smith represented the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, joined by County Administrator Deena Leary and Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray. The gathering, held outside the construction site, also brought together state legislators, college officials and healthcare partners for a beam signing and dedication of a plaque honoring four New Jersey state senators whose advocacy helped make the project possible: Sens. Anthony M. Bucco (Dist. 25), Joseph Pennacchio (Dist. 26), Paul A. Sarlo (Dist. 36), and former Senator Steve V. Oroho (Dist. 24).
“This building expands on other education initiatives supported by the county: The Career Training Center, which is now open; the Center for Entrepreneurship and Culinary Sciences, opening soon; and the Advanced Manufacturing Center, completed in 2021,” said Deputy Director Shaw. “These investments reflect our shared commitment to creating pathways for students into high-demand careers right here in Morris County.”
View More Photos from the Dedication Ceremony
Funding for the new Center for Health Professions was provided through the New Jersey Legislature, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, and the Governor’s Office, with contributions from individuals and foundations.
“I am proud to have CCM in my district. It returns so much to the county and state, and now we have this facility that is going to turn out magnificent students with a job and without great debt,” said Sen. Bucco.
“Students coming out of these programs will earn strong salaries, many starting at $90,000 to $100,000 with a two-year associate degree,” said Sen. Pennacchio, a community college graduate.
“We were able to deliver the funding, but CCM had the vision and the talent to make this a reality,” said Sen. Sarlo, chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
“I am grateful that I can drive onto the campus and say I had a small part in what’s happening here at CCM,” said former Sen. Oroho.
The Center for Health Professions will feature cutting-edge classrooms and laboratories designed to replicate leading medical environments. The facility will serve approximately 1,500 students annually and introduce new programs in Dental Hygiene, Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Medical Assisting, while expanding existing programs in Nursing, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, Emergency Services, and Paramedic Science. The center aims to meet workforce demands and ensure students are prepared for immediate employment or continued education.
“This Center will prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals who will care for residents of Morris County and the surrounding region. CCM is excited to partner with medical and dental providers to address the national shortage of healthcare workers and to ensure extraordinary opportunities for students, thereby meeting the needs of the healthcare community,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM.
“It is a privilege to be the recipient of the amazing graduates from CCM,” said Trish O'Keefe, senior vice president and chief nurse executive, Atlantic Health System, and president of Morristown Medical Center. “Morris County is growing leaps and bounds, and its residents deserve the best care. The amazing students who walk these halls will be engaged, learning and ready to deliver the best healthcare possible upon graduation.”
During the event, a CCM nursing student and scholarship recipient shared his personal story.
“Growing up, I always took care of my great grandmother and grandmother when they went to the hospital. Seeing the compassion of nurses inspired me to do the same,” said student Jack Hermann. “This program has given me the tools to pursue my dream of helping people -- and it’s affordable for anyone with a passion for care.”
The event was emceed by Kelly Meola, CCM’s executive director of Institutional Advancement, and also featured remarks by 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 ’83, chair of the CCM Foundation Board.
For more information or to learn about opportunities to support the Center for Health Professions, contact Kelly Meola at kmeola@ccm.edu or call 973-328-5058.
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Photo 1: (l-r) Commissioners Stephen Shaw, John Krickus and Deborah Smith sign the beam.
Photo 2: (l-r) Former Sen. Steve V. Oroho, Sen. Joseph Pennacchio, Sen. Anthony Bucco and Sen. Paul Sarlo sign the beam.
Photo 3: CCM President Dr. Anthony Iacono speaking. In the front row (l-r) Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, State Sen. Anthony Bucco and State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio. Middle row (l-r) Commissioners Deborah Smith, John Krikcus and CCM Board Trustee James Loveys. Third row (far left) Randolph Councilman Lou Nisivoccia.