MAYS LANDING - Atlantic Cape Community College has announced the promotion of Professor Jill Acevedo to the position of executive director of the Nursing Program, and Sherwood Taylor to the position of dean of Workforce Development and College and Career Pathways.
“As a graduate of Atlantic Cape’s Nursing Program, Prof. Acevedo has real-time experience and knowledge of what it requires of a student to be successful. Her current experience as a full-time nursing faculty member has provided her with an unobstructed view of the needs of the program and the students of today,” Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Myrna Morales Keklak said in a release. “Professor Acevedo’s student centered focus, which includes her commitment to the alternative high school whose students she has embraced, her involvement in multiple college related recruitment events, and her willingness to go over and above to assist students in achieving success in their nursing studies.”
In her new role, Acevedo will serve as the administrator by providing leadership, overseeing planning, evaluating and directing both the Nursing and Practical Nursing programs.
“This promotion is deeply personal to me. As a proud graduate of Atlantic Cape’s Nursing Program, stepping into this leadership role feels like coming full circle, allowing me the opportunity to give back to the program that launched my career and to invest in the next generation of nurses,” Acevedo said. “In this role, my vision is to continue building a program that develops nurses who lead with purpose, think with precision and serve with passion. I want to cultivate an environment where students are deeply supported, faculty are empowered, and excellence in nursing education is both expected and inspired.”
Prior to joining Atlantic Cape as an assistant professor of Nursing in 2023, Acevedo taught students in the college’s PN Program. She began her nursing career, following college, in the trauma step-down and progressive care units where she served as team leader and preceptor. Acevedo then transitioned to labor and delivery with a focus on high risk obstetrics, as well as precepting new nurses.
Acevedo earned her master’s degree in Nursing Education and bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Wilmington University. She also earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Atlantic Cape.
Sherwood Taylor "Sherwood Taylor has been instrumental in addressing the evolving workforce development needs in Atlantic and Cape May counties. He is recognized in the New Jersey community college sector as a content expert in Prior Learning Assessment and serves as an integral member of the New Jersey Continuing Education Officer's Group,” Senior Vice-president of Academic Affairs Josette Katz said.
In his new role, Taylor will provide leadership for Atlantic Cape’s Early College and Dual Enrollment, Perkins Funding and Strategic Resource Management. Taylor will also be responsible for developing and managing 10-15 annual grants and contracts each year.
“I am honored to step into the role of dean and continue to lead a dedicated team that believes in the college’s vision and mission. We are guided and inspired by how our work changes and enhances the lives of our students,” Taylor said.
In his most recent position as senior director of Workforce Development, Taylor oversaw the Casino Career Institute, Health Professions Institute, Paramedic Science and EMT Training, Workforce Solutions Culinary Arts and Cooking Training, Retail Customer Service and Hospitality Programs, Professional and Community Education, Wind Training Center, Career Services and Experience-based Learning, as well as the Center for Transition Success.
Taylor has been integral member of the college’s staff for nearly 31 years. During that time, he has held the titles of career training instructor; senior manager of Continuing Education Marketing, director of Continuing Education Marketing & Institute for Service Excellence, Workforce Development, and senior director of Workforce Development. Taylor’s experience at the college has included classroom instruction, marketing, recruitment, sales, program management and grant development.
“Being at Atlantic Cape for 30 years has provided me with a 360-degree view of how we impact the lives of our students. To ensure that our programs are of the highest quality, we also secure funding to support our participants in achieving their career and training goals,” Taylor said.
Taylor is currently pursuing his doctor of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership and Development at Capella University. He also earned his MBA Degree, graduate ertificate in Business Administration and Management, and bachelor of science degree in Management and Leadership from Capella University.
