Trailblazing Trustee: Tracey Abby-White’s Journey of Dedication and Impact

Tracey Abby-White, a dedicated member of Brookdale Community College’s Board of Trustees, has a compelling narrative of commitment to community service, education, and progressive leadership. Her career path exemplifies unwavering dedication to public service and significant contributions to the college and the broader community.

Tracey’s professional journey began at Bayshore Middle School in Middletown, where she taught before adopting her triplet daughters. A friend’s invitation to run for the Board of Education at Henry Hudson Regional marked the start of her public service career. Initially hesitant, she embraced the challenge and served for seven years, leveraging her teaching background to influence educational policy and practice.

Following her tenure on the Board of Education, Tracey ran for the town council to act as a liaison for the school system. Recognizing that no other council members had children in the schools, she took it upon herself to report on school activities and needs bi-weekly. After a term on the council, she took a break for personal reasons.

However, a chance conversation reignited her passion for public service when someone pointed out, “But that’s who you are.” This reminder left an impression on Tracey and prompted her to return to her true calling.

Inspired, Tracey explored various philanthropic opportunities and found her calling at Brookdale Community College. With a degree in education from Ohio Wesleyan University and a career in sales, marketing, and sales enablement, she has always been a proponent of education. When she learned about an opening on the Board of Trustees, she applied, combining her academic background and business acumen to help support the college’s mission.

“Our mission is to provide educational opportunities for everyone in our community, but there’s a business side to it, too,” she noted.

She was ecstatic after receiving the news that the County Board of Commissioners had appointed her to Brookdale’s Board of Trustees in 2013. “I had just received an email from IBM telling me I had been promoted. But when I got notified about Brookdale, I was more excited. I told my husband, ‘Guess we’re going to spend Valentine’s Day at the County Commissioner’s meeting and then go to Frederici’s for pizza.'”

Since joining the Board in 2013, Tracey has witnessed and influenced significant cultural shifts. Her collaborative leadership style, focusing on inclusion and progressive change, gradually transformed the Board’s dynamics. She served as vice chair for a couple of years and became chair in 2018, making history as the first female chair and serving two terms.

“The best thing about it was that David Stout was president, and Dave and I didn’t know what we couldn’t do. Our mantra was, ‘let’s do it, let’s do it, let’s do it.'”

Her tenure included reducing the number of Board committees from twelve to four and ensuring focused, productive meetings. “I didn’t believe that just the chair and the president made something happen. Every single person on the Board has a role in the college’s progress,” she emphasized.

A faculty member publicly remarked during a board meeting, “You show up. You were here. And that makes a difference.” Tracey’s time on the Board is not just about fulfilling duties; it is about being present and making a meaningful impact.

Some achievements and initiatives she is proud of include the Community Advisory Council, which was established to bring diverse perspectives to the Board and provide insights into employer needs in Monmouth County, ensuring Brookdale’s programs align with job market demands. The Triangle Award for student trustees highlights the collaborative efforts of students, graduates, and trustees. It includes a glass trophy awarded at graduation to the outgoing graduate trustee and a journal that offers advice to the incoming graduate trustee. Leveraging her 20-year experience in cybersecurity sales training, she was pivotal in establishing the Cybersecurity Center, now a critical asset for Brookdale. The E-Sports Program was initiated under her leadership. She explained, “E-Sports originated from a conversation with Associate Vice President Bill Burns. The Board agreed it was innovative, and it has since flourished.”

Recently honored as Trustee Woman of the Year by the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), awarded “Trustee of the Year” by the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges in 2020, and just named a finalist for the ATHENA Leadership Award, Tracey reflects on her contributions with humility and pride. Recognized and added to an elite group of women community college leaders making a difference for their institutions and the communities they serve, she believes this recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the Brookdale community.

Reflecting on the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” the Brookdale community emphasizes collaboration and support. The wealth of experiences on campus is unparalleled, with dedicated involvement from faculty and trustees who genuinely care about student success. “I continue to promote the wealth of experiences you can have on our campus are world class!” Tracey said.

The standout feature at Brookdale is the people. Both students and Board members emphasize the genuine commitment of everyone involved. Students particularly appreciate the professors’ dedication and care, which sets Brookdale apart from other institutions. “We truly have something special here,” she said.

In addition to serving on Brookdale’s Board of Trustees, Tracey has recently been appointed to the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County’s Board of Directors to help the nonprofit continue its cause to strengthen the communities it serves in Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties.

Her advice to students is rooted in her satisfaction with public service: “It’s not all about making money. It is about giving of yourself to bring other people along. That’s priceless.”