Hudson County Community College Earns 2026 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award and Champion Designation from Insight Into Academia

September 10, 2026

September 10, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – For the sixth consecutive year, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has received the Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award from Insight Into Academia magazine. The award recognizes U.S colleges and universities that demonstrate outstanding academic excellence, belonging, and community-building across all levels of campus life.

HCCC also received its third HEED Champion designation, attributed to institutions that serve as national models for higher education. HEED Champions consistently rank in the top tier of HEED Award recipients. By creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, comprehensive hiring practices, and professional development opportunities, HEED awardees ensure that graduates can thrive in a global workforce; and faculty from diverse backgrounds can advance their knowledge and skills.

2026 graduates of the College’s Early College program.

Hudson County Community College has been honored with the Insight Into Academia 2026 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award and Champion designation. Pictured here, 2026 graduates of the College’s Early College program.

“We thank Insight Into Academia for recognizing the hard work and results-driven initiatives we develop and employ for our students’ academic and career success. Our accomplishments are directly attributed to the entire HCCC family – our dedicated trustees, administration, faculty, and staff,” said HCCC Interim President Dr. Lisa Dougherty.

HCCC is committed to academic excellence and student success through innovative programs and initiatives such as:

  • Expansion of Hudson Scholars, the award-winning and exclusive HCCC program that offers personalized one-on-one academic counseling and support and financial stipends for meeting objectives; the Educational Opportunity Fund for financially at-risk students; and CONNECT partnerships to develop pathways to baccalaureate programs.
  • Hudson Hub One Stop Center onboarding for new and continuing students; HCCC First Year Experience course; HCCC Summer Refresher Academy; and free tutoring and supplemental instruction.
  • HCCC Mental Health Counseling and Wellness Center providing access to free, confidential counseling, 24/7 crisis hotlines, TalkCampus peer-to-peer support, social work internships, and Mental Health First Aid.
  • Return of Athletics programs and recruitment with local high schools; and High School Teen Magazine Pep Rallies to inspire potential first-generation college students.

The College utilizes transparent hiring practices and provides generous professional development opportunities that attract employees with broad skills and experiences:

  • Training for members of the hiring screening committee that ensures consistency and equity.
  • Employee candidates’ on-campus tours to learn about HCCC culture through interactions, representation, and immersive experiences.
  • Employee recognition initiatives and programs that engender a sense of belonging.
  • Free/reduced tuition, flexible work schedule, paid maternity/paternity/adoption leave, mental health resources, and leadership support.

“We use a detailed scoring process as well as a holistic approach to reviewing each application to determine who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where academic excellence and belonging are woven into the work being done every day across their campus,” said Lenore Pearlstein, Co-Publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine.