About SCC - History
Salem Community College traces its origins to the opening of Salem County Technical Institute in 1958. The institute quickly established a reputation for excellence in postsecondary career education, particularly in the technical and health fields.
Recognizing the college-level caliber of the institute’s programs, the Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders requested approval to grant degree-awarding authority to the institute. The New Jersey Board of Higher Education evaluated the institute’s programs and granted the requested approval. On September 3, 1972, Salem Community College was established by the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Another milestone occurred in 1979 when the College was awarded regional accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This accreditation was reaffirmed in 1984, 1990, 1995 and 2005.
Dr. Peter B. Contini was appointed Salem Community College’s sixth president on June 1, 1997. Now the longest-serving president in College history, Dr. Contini recently marked his tenth anniversary.
Under Dr. Contini's leadership, the College has adopted new vision and mission statements, resulting in a comprehensive strategic plan. The plan has guided the establishment of new degree programs including glass art, computer graphic art and nursing; the implementation of over $1 million in instructional technology; and the completion of over $6 million in facility renovations and new construction. The result of these efforts has been continued enrollment growth.