PCCC Welcomes New Admissions Director
Passaic County Community College (PCCC) is pleased to announce Roberto Figueroa II has been named our new Director of Admissions. Mr. Figueroa brings to his new role nearly 20 years of experience in college admissions administration, as well as a vibrant background in acting, directing, and filmmaking.
“I was drawn to this position at PCCC, because I want to work with first-year students and engage them as soon as they come to college, whether they’re 19 or adult students, ” says Mr. Figueroa. “I’m also impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and diversity of PCCC.
Mr. Figueroa served most recently as the director of transfer for adult and graduate admissions at St. Joseph’s University, a private, four-year college in Brooklyn, New York, where, among other achievements, his efforts streamlined processes for applicants and increased overall enrollment in graduate programs by more than 25 per cent.
Previously, Mr. Figueroa held positions as executive director of admissions at Excelsior College, an online institution in New York, as assistant director of admissions, at the State University of New York (SUNY) Orange, Middletown, and – in his first job in higher education – as associate director for MBA admissions at Nyack College.
Rob Figueroa in director’s mode: Photo courtesy of The Four Figs Production, LLC
A native of Florida who grew up in Highland Falls, New York (near West Point), Mr. Figueroa entered college as a pre-med student at SUNY Cortland with the plan to become a pediatric cardiologist. “I was fascinated by the functions of the heart, and I love children.”
But bitten by the acting bug after seeing a performance of “Damn Yankees,” he attended every theater show at college and decided that was his true calling.
Mr. Figueroa transferred to the theater program at SUNY, New Paltz and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater. He also holds a Master’s in Arts and a Master’s in Fine Arts – Creative Writing/Screenwriting from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA from Nyack College.
A member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Mr Figueroa performs under the name Rob Figueroa and has appeared in stage productions, films, television programs, and commercials. He is also a prolific film director and screenwriter.
Like many actors, Mr. Figueroa took on a side job and worked as a house painter to supplement his income. “I had a family to support by then,” he said. But when the housing market slumped in 2006, a friend suggested he apply for an opening in admissions counseling at Nyack College. “I used my acting skills to get into education,” he joked.
It proved to be a wise casting decision. In just his first year as associate director of admissions at Nyack, the college generated over $1million in revenue and increased recruitment by 200 per cent.
Now a resident of Passaic County, Mr. Figueroa has embraced his new role with a passion and looks forward to promoting the benefits of community college. “I want high school students to know community college is a viable choice for them.”
In fact, the father of three says both of his daughters are attending PCCC this fall. “I told them they will be taught by phenomenal professors and have fantastic opportunities.”
As the curtain rises on a new academic year, the administrator/actor says the entire PCCC cast is well rehearsed and ready to deliver. “Everyone here shares the same vision,” he says, “To benefit the students and help them succeed.”
Written by Linda Telesco
Cover Photo by Romina Franco
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