Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College student Alias Ragsdale is pursuing a degree in business administration with plans to become a lawyer. “As someone always interested in history, writing, government, and policy, I’ve decided that I can carry out these missions and values best as a lawyer,” said Ragsdale, of Clifton.

Ragsdale is no stranger to Bergen as he grew up around the College. His mother, Felicita, has worked as a department coordinator in the Office of Health Services at Bergen for 36 years. “I’ve been around the school all my life,” he said. “The College is one of the best community colleges in the state.”

“Staying focused and committed to my education has made me successful at Bergen,” said Ragsdale.

Beyond the classroom, Ragsdale is deeply dedicated to public service. At just 19 years old, Ragsdale took his passion for service to the next level by running for a seat on his town’s local board of education. In a town with more than 90,000 residents, Ragsdale was elected to the Clifton Board of Education in November 2025, and will be sworn into office in January 2026. He is the youngest elected official in Clifton’s history.

“I’m honored to be the youngest elected official in Clifton’s history,” said Ragsdale. “My goal is to lead with vision and integrity, guiding Clifton toward a future that supports every resident and strengthens our community- beginning with our schools which are most important.”

With a drive to serve, Ragsdale has made a strong commitment to serve his community at a young age.

“As a Commissioner on the Clifton Board of Education, I aim to bring a fresh perspective shaped by my recent experience as a student within our schools,” said Ragsdale. “I look forward to collaborating with board members to strengthen our trade/certificate programs and overall, deliver meaningful results for both students and taxpayers.”

Ragsdale’s community involvement goes beyond this one election cycle. In August 2025, Ragsdale helped distribute clean water to residents affected by the Paterson water main break. “Participating in the effort to help those affected by the water main break in Paterson felt more like a duty, to be honest,” he said.

Ragsdale assisted Passaic County Commissioner candidate Mike Ramaglia, who organized the initiative without government funding or a budget. “As a team, we used our resources and reached out to businesses and companies for donations,” said Ragsdale “It began with a U-Haul truck and one pallet and grew to multiple 53-foot-long trucks from ShopRite and Walmart.”

Through the initiative, Ragsdale not only provided support for his community but also connected with his community. “I enjoyed being able to talk to people and meet new people,” he said. “It’s always a joy of mine to be able to help others.”

Ragsdale is also involved in many other community organizations and clubs. He serves as vice president of the Passaic County Young Democrats, corresponding secretary of the Clifton Democratic Club, a member of the Passaic County Youth Services Commission, and a member of the Passaic County Democratic Committee.

He also encourages other young people to not be afraid to get involved. “Community service takes everyone,” he said. “Reach out to local leaders, and just try to find ways to help your community.”

Ragsdale expects to graduate from Bergen in 2026.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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