[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31350]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. A. ZACHARY YAMBA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2009

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues here in 
the United States House of Representatives to join me as I rise to 
honor and congratulate Dr. A. Zachary Yamba on his retirement from 
Essex County College. He is the longest serving college president in 
the State of New Jersey, and the longest sitting President of a 
predominantly black serving institution of higher education in the 
nation.
  After serving 29 years as President, Dr. Yamba will retire December 
4, 2009. Under Dr. Yamba's leadership, Essex County College has 
experienced unprecedented stability and growth. Enrollment at the 
College has increased from 7,500 students in 1980 to a record 25,000 
students in 2009.
  Within a year of his appointment, Essex County College was awarded 
full accreditation for a 10 year period, a status that was reaffirmed 
in 1991 and 2001. Over the next 29 years Dr. Yamba demonstrated a 
commitment to providing quality education to under-represented 
populations, and ultimately redefined the role of urban higher 
education in the State of New Jersey and the nation.
  Dr. Yamba has positioned Essex County College to be one of the major 
factors in the movement to grant students of color greater access to 
higher education. Through his efforts, Essex County College stands in 
the top 1% of the nation for awarding African American Associate 
degrees. In addition, Essex County College is the number one Community 
College in New Jersey for awarding African American Associate degrees 
and is the number one institution in New Jersey for educating African 
American students.
  Dr. Yamba's inter-generational influence has made an inedible mark on 
the educational tapestry of the City of Newark, and the State New 
Jersey. Dr. Yamba became a beacon of hope, accountability and 
excellence for the mission of urban community colleges. Without his 
contribution, it is clear that Essex County College and urban community 
colleges everywhere, would not be as dynamic or academically sound as 
they are today. He is Regent Emeritus on the Board of Regents of Seton 
Hall University, was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame (Soccer) 
and has also been awarded an honorary doctorate degree. Additionally, 
he holds honorary degrees from Rutgers University and the University 
for Development Students in Ghana.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Dr. Yamba has made a 
significant impact on the educational system in New Jersey, and the 
nation. He will leave a lasting impression on those who were fortunate 
enough to benefit from his guidance. I am honored to have worked with 
him for a number of years, and I wish him a wonderful retirement.

                          ____________________