Ocean County College is a winner this year of the Bellwether Award, presented to institutions with cutting-edge, trendsetting programs. OCC took first place in the category of Planning, Governance and Finance – which recognizes programs or activities that improve efficiency and effectiveness at an institution – for a submission focused on “Reggie,” the school’s artificial intelligence “chatbot.”

Public community colleges from throughout the U.S. are encouraged to apply for the Bellwether Awards, and 10 finalists…