Q&A with Dr. Brian McCloskey, President of Chestnut Hill College

Dr. Brian McCloskey currently serves as Chestnut Hill College’s eighth president. He is a graduate of Community College of Philadelphia, earning his associate’s degree in Applied Science in Accounting in 1990. Read through the Q&A below to learn a little about his time at the College and his journey to becoming President of Chestnut Hill College.

Q: What did CCP teach you? How did it prepare you for where you are now?

A: When I entered CCP to begin my college journey I was not right out of high school, I waited about 2 years and started as a part-time, evening student. College was a challenging transition from just working to working and going to school. At CCP, I learned to budget my time, prioritize and work in teams. I remember specifically needing a study group with Statistics! I’d like to think that any success achieved in my professional and educational life has roots at CCP.

The Community College of Philadelphia provided an opportunity for a kid from the Feltonville section of Philly to truly be all he could. Education provides many opportunities for individuals, and I am living proof that one can aspire to become anything, even a college president!

Of the many things I learned at CCP, perseverance and discipline are at the top!

Q: What’s your greatest memory from CCP?

A: It would be difficult to list one single greatest memory from CCP, as I had many. I would have to say though, that the comradery with my fellow evening students was something I remember fondly, especially at the Northeast Regional Center. Also, there were many times at the end of a semester where a group of us would go out to celebrate the culmination of the semester now behind us, so, fun times.

Q: What would you tell anyone thinking about attending CCP? Why did you choose CCP?

A: If anyone were to suggest they were thinking about attending CCP, I would say go, 100% without reservation, take that leap! You will be tested and pushed to your limits, but anything worthwhile would always require effort. At CCP, you will find out your limits and then you will exceed them! CCP was a place where I discovered my abilities as a student, and I was incentivized to do more. I remember having some amazing professors, many inspired me to not just continue my pursuit of a degree but to one day enter the classroom as an adjunct. I’ve been teaching for 35 years, as an adjunct, one of the most rewarding parts of my career, and I thank CCP for that motivation.

As for why I chose CCP, it was simple: flexibility, accessibility and affordability. I remember to this day writing that check for my first class in school (I paid my own way through college), and without the affordability of CCP I don’t know that I would have completed. College is an investment, one that requires resources, and I didn’t have much, so it was important to get a quality education at a reasonable price. I found that at CCP.

Q: Describe CCP in 3 words and explain why you chose them.

A: Three words to describe CCP for me are inspiration, dedication, and perseverance.

Inspiration, as I was inspired to continue my academic journey not just in the classroom but in my career. In addition to being an adjunct, I have worked full time in higher education for almost 35 years. At CCP I fell in love with this industry!