Dr. Peter Louis Mora Sr., 81, retired President of Atlantic Cape Community College (Atlantic Cape) passed away on June 30, 2024, after a lengthy illness from multiple surgery complications. Dr. Mora worked at the college for 41 years and rose to the highest office in his field serving as the 8th President of Atlantic Cape. As president, he focused on encouraging student learning by progressively promoting access, excellence, and stewardship for all programs in Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May County.
Dr. Mora’s forward-thinking was evident when he created Blueprint 2020: Building a Better Future for Atlantic Cape. The $65 million capital expansion and renovation plan impacted all three campuses. It linked Atlantic Cape’s Strategic Plan to the Master Facilities Plan and included construction of a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) facility as well as a state-of-the-art $10.5 million Student Center. In addition to the construction of two new facilities, Dr. Mora established a partnership with Rutgers University that led to building a 28,000 square foot Degree Completion building. In addition, he provided oversight for the successful grand opening of a new, fully accredited, comprehensive branch campus in Cape May County.
As President of Atlantic Cape, Dr. Mora was a strong advocate for supporting students. Under Dr. Mora’s leadership a $1.6 million federal grant- Gear Up Grant was awarded to Atlantic Cape that helped to link a college-wide Student Success Initiative with a nationally recognized student retention program- Achieving the Dream. Faculty and staff worked together to put students at the center. Through training and coordination, faculty and staff provided students with intentional guided pathways that focused on ensuring that all students find and stay on a clear path to college completion and a career of value. Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said, “Dr. Mora truly cares about his students and their future.” Together with the newly constructed Student Center, STEM facility, and college-wide efforts through Achieving the Dream, one could easily recognize Dr. Mora’s commitment to student retention and success.
Dr. Mora continued to exemplify executive leadership through at least ten innovative projects that he initiated. He established the first, among the state’s nineteen community colleges, visiting professor program – Beacons by the Sea. This program exposed students to content specialists who provided added value to their education. A second innovative project was the Green Campus Initiative. The Green Campus Initiative focused on increasing the college’s capacity for energy sustainability and environmental stewardship and resulted in a partnership with South Jersey Industries. The partnership enabled South Jersey Industries to install solar power energy at the Mays Landing and Cape May campuses. Larry Nespoli, former president of the N.J. Council of County Colleges said, “Mora is career-centered and entrepreneurial.” Former Freeholder Gerald Thorton said, “Mora has always looked toward the future.” The Green Campus Initiative is an example of Dr. Mora’s ability to look ahead and capture the benefits of using solar energy.
During his presidency, community and state leaders recognized Dr. Mora for his dedication to education and leadership. He received thirteen awards, including Person of the Year by Atlantic County UNICO Scholarship Foundation (2017), and commendations from former Congressman Frank LoBiondo and former Senator Frank Lautenberg. He also served on both local and state boards and chaired the Campus Safety and Security Committee of the NJ Presidents’ Council that represents New Jersey’s public & private colleges, community colleges, and universities.
In his leisure time, Dr. Mora enjoyed playing and watching all kinds of sports. As a child, Dr. Mora’s athletic ability was evident when his team won the International Biddy Basketball Championship in 1956. His athletic skills continued as he played football for Holy Spirit High School. His coach recognized both his leadership ability and fast running skills on the field. Coach Marczyk said, “Mora is the fastest man on the squad and one of the most elusive runners.” His coach selected him as the tri-captain leader of the football team during his junior year. He also received many accolades in the AC Press while playing football. As an adult, Dr. Mora was inducted in the Holy Spirit Hall of Fame (2009). Dr. Mora carried his passion for sports as President of Atlantic Cape. He upgraded college athletic and fitness facilities. He also expanded the Performing Arts academic programs in music, dance, and theatre.
Upon graduating from high school, Dr. Mora received a football scholarship and attended the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport Connecticut. At the end of his freshman year, Dr. Mora received one of the highest honors available to students at the University of Bridgeport. He was selected as a Dana Scholar and received a full three-year scholarship. Dr. Mora continued his education and received a Master of Arts from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) and a Doctor of Education Degree from Virginia Polytechnic University.
Locals remembered Dr. Mora for his athletic skills and academic achievement. They were proud that someone, born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised from age four in Atlantic City, became the President of Atlantic Cape. Dr. Mora’s immediate family members live in Cape May and Atlantic Counties.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Dr. Theresa DeFranco, sons John (Monica), & Peter, daughter Judy (Laura), brother Ben (Kathie) Mother-in-law Emily DeFranco, Sister-in-law Dr. Tammy DeFranco (Jaime), five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Louis and Beatrice, sister Marie, and brother Joe (Barbara).
Dr. Mora was loved and admired by his family, colleagues, faculty, students, staff, and friends. A Celebration of Dr. Mora’s Life will be held on August 8, 2024, from 4-6 in the Student Center, on the Mays Landing Campus, at Atlantic Cape. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart.” Dr. Mora left those footprints in our hearts.
In memory of Dr. Mora, a scholarship fund will be established. If you would like to donate to Dr. Peter Mora’s Scholarship Fund, go to: www.atlanticcape.edu/foundation or email mcaliste@atlanticcape.edu or call Jean McAlister at (609) 343-4901. Funds raised will be used to support student scholarships.
Godrey Funeral Home provided funeral arrangements. Condolences to the family can be sent at godfreyfuneralhome.com.
A special thank you to the doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at Penn Presbyterian and Cooper Hospitals as well as Shore Medical Center, Holy Redeemer, and Journey Hospice.
