In Memory of Dr. Steve Rose, President, Passaic County Community College
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Steve Rose, President of Passaic County Community College (PCCC). Dr. Rose was a valued colleague and trusted friend to so many across New Jersey’s community college community. He was a constant and reassuring presence, someone who always showed up for others, who was deeply committed to his community and led with genuine warmth and positivity. His impact will be felt for years to come, and he will be remembered not only for his leadership, but for the care, authenticity, and optimism he brought to every interaction.
President Rose’s dedication to his college, to his community, and to New Jersey was unparalleled. He joined Passaic County Community College in 1987 and went on to serve the college as President for 30 years. When he passed, he was the longest serving college President in New Jersey. Dr. Rose devoted nearly four decades to expanding educational and economic opportunity for tens of thousands of students and fostering a truly inclusive community at PCCC.
His leadership transformed PCCC and his impact was felt at the state and national levels. President Rose was a pillar of higher education in New Jersey, a tireless advocate for state policies and investments that benefited students, and a respected voice among the state’s college and university presidents. He served as Chair of the New Jersey Presidents’ Council and on countless higher education committees and task forces.
Throughout the past 30 years, he has been a steadfast leader of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. He served on two separate occasions as a member of the Council’s Executive Committee and twice as Chair of the New Jersey Community College Presidents. His wisdom and guidance shaped nearly every state policy, program, and investment in community colleges over the past 30 years, including the Chapter 12 Program, NJ STARS, CCOG, Part-time TAG, among many others.
Dr. Rose was a tireless leader in his community, serving in a variety of roles including as a long-standing member of the Passaic County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and as Chair and Treasurer of the United Way of Passaic County. He served as Chair of the Education Foundation of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce for many years.
Throughout his career, he always found time to be a mentor and trusted advisor to community college Presidents and leaders, college and university leaders, state and local political leaders, business leaders, and community leaders. President Rose co-created the Community College Leadership Initiative Doctorate in Education Program at Rowan University, where he chaired and served on multiple dissertation committees and taught courses to future college leaders.
We will all remember President Rose for his integrity, his humility, his generosity of spirit, and his relentlessly positive attitude. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and the entire Passaic County Community College community.
In this time of loss, let us reflect on the remarkable impact Dr. Steve Rose had on all of us and the tens of thousands of students whose lives were transformed by his leadership, and honor his legacy by continuing the work to expand opportunity for future generations.
