Jon Connolly

About Jon Connolly

Jon Hollaway Connolly is an American educator, scientist, and academic administrator with a background in biology and over 25 years of leadership in public higher education. He currently serves as Acting Dean of Science and Technical Studies in Sussex County, New Jersey.

Connolly earned a B.A. from Colby College, where he was awarded departmental prizes in geology and biology. He later completed a Master of Forest Science at Yale University, publishing research on plant biostimulants, and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences from the University of Maine. His scientific work has focused on forest ecology, wood decomposition, and environmental systems.

His academic career began at Allegheny College and Husson University, where he taught biology, conducted ecological research, and held administrative roles. He later served as Dean at Lone Star College–Kingwood, and as Academic Vice President and Interim President at Northern Wyoming Community College District.

As Vice President at Kennebec Valley Community College, he helped lead major campus expansions and academic programmes. In 2015, Connolly became President of Sussex County Community College, where he stabilised the institution’s finances, grew enrolment, and launched several new trades and technical programmes.

Connolly continues to focus on expanding access to education and developing programmes that align with workforce needs. His work combines scientific expertise with a practical approach to college leadership. He is also active in forestry, environmental ethics, and community service.