Spanning 110,000 square feet, the facility will be a state-of-the-art space featuring teaching and research labs that will support expanded chemistry, physics and interdisciplinary science programs, a large flexible event space, technology-driven classrooms, faculty workspaces, student lounges and huddle spaces.

The project is made possible in part by a $60 million capital facilities grant issued by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

Interdisciplinary research and collaboration are at the heart of the building鈥檚 sustainable design, with additional highlights including:

• The Imaginarium: A state-of-the-art, ultra-flexible scalable space focused on innovation in data analysis and immersive visualization, which is a University-wide area of emphasis.
• A first-of-its-kind Indoor/Outdoor Classroom space: The first such space on the Montclair campus, the classroom will connect to the building鈥檚 outdoor event space and plaza and feature configurable seating.
• A commitment to sustainability: The building, which is being built to LEED Silver standards, will harvest solar energy and also feature a native rain garden, native bioswale and a dry stream bed
• A fourth-floor space designed to house a partnering organization: To create additional hands-on learning experiences and collaboration opportunities with surrounding communities, the building a customizable area that can be fit for a company (or companies) seeking to locate research and innovation activities within a vibrant campus research environment.
• A rooftop terrace offering an informal space for collaboration: Complete with expansive views of the New York City skyline, the terrace will serve as an outdoor extension of the building鈥檚 collaborative environment and will support interdisciplinary exchange and community building beyond the classroom

HoK Architects and 精品成人福利在线 University Facilities.

Montclair currently graduates more minority STEM students than any other institution in New Jersey. With the new building set to triple the available on-campus science lab space, the University is poised to become an even greater driver of access and excellence in higher education.

“At Montclair, we strive to offer an academic experience that is both accessible and excellent. The Interdisciplinary Science Building is part of that commitment,鈥� says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. 鈥淔ulfilling our mission requires constant innovation and investment to ensure we provide the best experience possible for our students. By creating modern laboratories, collaborative spaces and research opportunities, we ensure our students receive an education worthy of their investment while preparing them to shape the future of New Jersey.”

Research at 精品成人福利在线 University

An R2 High-Research Activity institution, Montclair is committed not only to its status as one of the rare R2/Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the country, but to continuing its pursuit of R1 status by increasing hands-on research opportunities for students from the moment they step on campus.

With research expenditures totaling $45.43 million in 2025, the new Interdisciplinary Science Building will only add to 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 growing research impact.

鈥淭his building will be more than a structure, it is a commitment,鈥� says Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Fatma Mili. 鈥淎 commitment to a transformational way of practicing science. We will build multidisciplinary science the Montclair way – inclusive, transformational, beautiful and humane. These are not just adjectives, they are the values that define this institution. This building is a loud and clear statement about who belongs in science, and who gets to define its future.鈥�

鈥淭he new Interdisciplinary Science Building will dramatically change the experience for science students at 精品成人福利在线 University,鈥� says Lora Billings, dean of the University鈥檚 College of Science and Mathematics. 鈥淏y providing larger, more accessible state-of-the-art lab facilities, in addition to all of the available spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, we will be preparing students with the tools they need to enter the workforce as productive scientists of the future.鈥�

College is a new adventure for both students and their families, particularly first-generation students such as Allison Chacon-Perez. When she first enrolled as an Anthropology major at 精品成人福利在线 University four years ago, she brought her mom with her to orientation. While she had her mother鈥檚 full support, she found there was a communication gap: Her mother, an immigrant from El Salvador who speaks mostly Spanish, understood about a quarter to half of the information presented on that day, Chacon says.

鈥淗igher education terms aren’t as accessible or easily translated into Spanish,鈥� she says. Even when translated, they may not have the proper context and parents have varied levels of educational experiences.

Today, in her role as Graduate Coordinator for Family Orientation Programs in the Office of Student Belonging, Chacon-Perez gets to help other families fully experience orientation in Spanish with Orientaci贸n Familiar.

Clarifying the Transition: Orientaci贸n Familiar

Designed for students and families whose primary language is Spanish, Orientaci贸n Familiar is an optional, on-campus summer program. Scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the program focuses on helping Spanish-speaking families gain a clear, contextualized understanding of the college transition process.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about demystifying the college experience but also welcoming Spanish-speaking parents to Montclair,鈥� says Katia Paz Goldfarb, Associate Provost for Hispanic Initiatives and International Programs, who will be the keynote speaker during Orientaci贸n Familiar. 鈥淚t is important for them to understand that in this university you have people who speak your language. So, if you鈥檙e looking for information or resources, you will get a person who is bilingual.鈥�

Chacon-Perez, who graduated with a BA in Anthropology in January 2026 and is now a graduate student in Sustainability Science, says this is the second year for the Office of Student Belonging to host this event. This year, however, there are two firsts:

• A student-only track focused on belonging, community and safety. Students will have facilitated discussions about beginning their college journey 鈥� from expectations to excitement and everything in between, she says.
• Higher-level Spanish trained 鈥渟ocial interpreters鈥� will help parents with context to 鈥渆nsure that they’re getting the accessibility and the resources so that they can fully understand the context of what a university is,鈥� Chacon-Perez says, adding that while some parents may have been exposed to colleges in their native countries, they may be different than a state institution in the U.S.

Above all, Orientaci贸n Familiar is about making all family members feel welcome, included and supported and providing students with an immediate sense of belonging.

Key details of the program include:

• Inclusive Communication听鈥� Information is available in Spanish for parents, while bilingual resources in both English and Spanish are provided for students who may not read or speak Spanish fluently.
• Interactive Offerings听鈥� Key sessions cover essential information and resources. Students participate in separate breakout sessions focused on peer connection, community building, and practical advice for navigating their first year at Montclair.
• Campus Integration听鈥� The day concludes with a family mixer and optional rotating sessions, including Campus Tours.

Paz Goldfarb, whose office hosts the Hispanic Student College Institute, another summer program now in its 10th听year, says research shows that Hispanic children of all ages often translate, in some cases sensitive information, for parents and that they should be relieved of that burden.

Transitioning to college is a learning experience for parents and students and Orientaci贸n Familiar helps relieve the translation burden from students during orientation.

鈥淎t Montclair, we speak directly to the parents, and we do it in a language that they’re comfortable with. For students, they can go through the orientation process in English or Spanish.鈥�

From Orientation to Retention: The Power of Belonging

While orientation is the critical first step, 精品成人福利在线 University recognizes that long-term student success, engagement and retention depend on sustained, holistic support. This is where the Office of Student Belonging (OSB), whose mission is for 鈥渁ll students to feel valued and empowered to succeed鈥� plays a vital role.

By building meaningful partnerships across campus, OSB ensures that the transition process extends far beyond a single day:

• First-Generation Initiatives听鈥� Recognizing that first-generation students have unique needs, OSB鈥檚 First-Generation Initiatives provides ongoing academic support, financial literacy workshops, and mentorship programs designed to cultivate a highly supportive environment for both the students and their families. Students and parents are provided with a 鈥淔irst-Gen Survival Guide,鈥� available in both and .
• Active Family Engagement听鈥� Families are encouraged to join the Red Hawk Family Portal. This dedicated platform serves as a primary bridge to keep parents engaged, informed and connected to campus life throughout their student鈥檚 academic journey.
• Cohort-Based Programming 鈥� OSB coordinates targeted, identity-affirming spaces and cohort-based programs for transfer, international, military-affiliated and first-generation students. These experiences are designed to combat the isolation that can sometimes lead to student dropouts and positively impact retention rates.

By removing language barriers and treating the family unit as a critical partner in a student鈥檚 educational journey, OSB, through programs such as Orientaci贸n Familiar, ensures that every student not only registers for classes but feels empowered to persist all the way through to graduation and beyond.

鈥淔amilies support their students by making sure their students are okay as they’re going to college and that way they can succeed,鈥� says Chacon-Perez. 鈥淏ecause they have that support and understanding, then the students themselves will want to succeed. It鈥檚 a family affair. It takes a village 鈥� or university 鈥� to make sure students reach their potential.鈥�

Discover your potential at Montclair by applying, requesting information or depositing today.

听

Meet the alum

Name: Emily Swedelson 鈥�25
Majored in / Degree in: Business Administration and Management
Current role: Membership Service Representative at Madison Square Garden Sports

Career highlights

When the New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA Championship, millions of fans celebrated a historic moment for the franchise. For recent graduate Emily Swedelson, the championship was more than a milestone 鈥� it was the beginning of her career with Madison Square Garden Sports during one of the most exciting seasons in team history.

“It’s honestly been incredible,” Swedelson says. “Being a fan of the Knicks my whole life and then starting my career with MSG and experiencing a championship season so early has been something I’ll never forget.”

Building a Foundation at Montclair

Swedelson chose 精品成人福利在线 University because it gave her the opportunity to live on campus while staying close to home. Once she arrived, she found a campus community that helped prepare her for a career in professional sports.

One of the biggest influences on her college experience came from inside the classroom. Many of Swedelson’s professors were adjunct faculty who were actively working in their industries, bringing current business practices and real-world experiences into every lesson.

“That made the classes feel much more real because they were sharing current experiences and examples from their own careers.”

Learning from professionals who were actively working in the field gave Swedelson a deeper understanding of the business world and helped prepare her for a career centered on communication, relationship management and creating exceptional experiences for others.

From Classroom to Madison Square Garden Sports

After graduating, Swedelson expanded the role she had held with a youth sports organization throughout college. As her responsibilities grew, so did her experience in sales, operations, customer service and relationship management. Working closely with athletes, families, coaches and organizational leaders gave her a strong foundation in building trust, solving problems and creating positive experiences.

Those skills led her to Madison Square Garden Sports, where she now serves as a Membership Service Representative supporting approximately 800 New York Knicks and New York Rangers season ticket members. Throughout the year, she helps members with everything from ticket requests and membership questions to exclusive experiences, serving as a trusted resource before, during and after the season.

“Those experiences gave me a strong foundation and ultimately led me to my current role, where I continue to build relationships and deliver exceptional experiences for our season ticket members,” she says.

The Knicks’ championship run made her first season with the organization especially memorable. As excitement built throughout the playoffs, Swedelson had the opportunity to help season ticket members experience one of the most significant moments in franchise history, making an already rewarding role even more meaningful.

Advice for Others

Looking back, Swedelson hopes current Business Administration and Management students embrace opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom. She believes building relationships, asking questions and remaining open to new experiences can make all the difference when starting a career.

“Ask questions and start networking early. You never know where one conversation or one connection can lead,” she says. “You don’t have to have all the answers 鈥� you just have to be willing to learn. That mindset has helped me throughout my career and opened doors I never expected.”

For Swedelson, that willingness to learn helped turn a lifelong passion for sports into a career with one of the world’s most recognizable sports and entertainment organizations. From the classrooms at Montclair to Madison Square Garden, her journey is a reminder that meaningful relationships, real-world experience and a curiosity to keep learning can open doors in ways you never expect.

Learn More About Our Programs

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about the Business Administration program, plan a visit to campus and to become a Red Hawk!

鈥淚t鈥檚 their roadmap to graduation,鈥� says Zac Gamache, a counselor on the transfer team, noting that students rely on tools like this to understand which courses will transfer and how close they are to completing their degree.

For many transfer students, uncertainty about how credits will be accepted can be a key barrier. Questions about which courses will count 鈥� and how long it will take to complete a degree 鈥� often complicate the decision to transfer. 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 new tool is designed to reduce that stress early in the process.

For John Bautista, that uncertainty was part of the process when he transferred from Bergen Community College to Montclair.

鈥淎s a transfer student, I was very hesitant to leave Bergen Community College after just one year, but I knew Montclair would offer new opportunities, experiences and connections that could help me grow. Looking back, making that leap was absolutely worth it,鈥� says Bautista, now a rising senior and Advertising major.

How the Transfer Credit Equivalent Database Works

The Transfer Credit Equivalent Database gives prospective transfer students an early look at how classes from colleges across the country could count toward a Montclair degree.

鈥淚t’s a great tool for them to use,鈥� says Associate Registrar Julianne Vitale. While it isn鈥檛 an official evaluation, because departments are always updating courses and requirements, 鈥渋t will give students a really good idea about what they could expect with how their courses will transfer in.鈥�

The database enables students to look up coursework from other institutions and preview how those classes may translate into Montclair equivalents. While an official evaluation is completed after admission, the tool provides an early estimate so students can:

• See which courses are likely to transfer
• Plan remaining coursework at their current college
• Make more informed decisions about when and where to apply

The launch is part of 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 broader effort to streamline the transfer experience and expand access for students who began their education elsewhere. Students who have attempted 16 or more credits at a regionally accredited college or university after high school are considered transfer applicants, and Montclair has developed a range of options to support them.听

These include transfer pathways into 精品成人福利在线 University, with more than 300 majors, minors, and programs across the arts, business, education, science, and more; , which offers smaller classes and programs such as Nursing (pre-licensure) and Game Design; and for students with 45 or more credits, accredited online degree programs in areas like Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Psychology, and RN to BSN.

In addition to 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 internal resources, students have access to statewide tools designed to simplify the transfer process.

NJTransfer vs. 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 database

New Jersey students can use , the statewide planning tool for community college transfers. 鈥淲ith NJ Transfer, that’s specifically for New Jersey community colleges and transferring them to the New Jersey four鈥憏ear institutions,鈥� Vitale explains.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Transfer Credit Equivalent Database complements NJTransfer by giving students from New Jersey and beyond a Montclair鈥憇pecific view of how their courses may transfer, no matter what type of college they are planning to transfer from.

Behind the scenes, the database draws on catalogs and course descriptions from colleges across the country. Using that information, Montclair works with academic departments to determine what each course should equate to at Montclair.

Currently, nearly 18,000 equivalents are listed from schools in and out-of-state. Vitale and her colleagues review courses on an ongoing basis, sending new classes to departments for review and adding updated equivalencies as they come back, so the database continues to grow.

Vitale has worked with transfer students at Montclair for more than a decade and has long wanted a better way to evaluate courses and share that information earlier in the process. Partnering with a national transfer鈥慹valuation platform, her team has spent the past several years loading course information, working with departments to set equivalencies, and testing workflows before opening the database to students.

Transfer student John Bautista, a rising senior and Advertising major, says making the leap from community college to Montclair 鈥渨as absolutely worth it.鈥� (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Finding reassurance in the transfer process

When Bautista started exploring his options, he combined online tools with one鈥憃n鈥憃ne guidance.

鈥淲hen I was considering transferring, I used NJ Transfer to get a better understanding of how my credits would transfer to Montclair. I also spoke with advisors and transfer counselors who helped answer questions and walk me through the process. While I was fairly confident that my credits would transfer, there was still some uncertainty, which I think is normal for most transfer students,鈥� he says.

鈥淭he moment I felt reassured was when I saw that my credits transferred smoothly and that I was still on track toward graduation. That was when I knew I wasn’t losing any progress and that transferring was the right decision for me.鈥�

Throughout the process, Bautista says the advisors and staff he spoke with were the biggest help. 鈥淗aving people who were willing to answer questions and guide me through each step made everything feel much less stressful.鈥�

Advice for future transfer students

Looking back on his experience, Bautista encourages other students not to let fear of change hold them back.

鈥淔or students who are unsure about transferring, I would tell them not to let being comfortable stop them from exploring new opportunities. Leaving Bergen after just one year was a difficult decision because I had built friendships and found my routine there,鈥� he says.

鈥淥ne thing I wish I had known earlier is how straightforward the process would be. I spent more time worrying about credits and timelines than I probably needed to. Whenever I felt unsure about something, reaching out and asking questions always helped me move forward.鈥�

Transfer resources and next steps

See how 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 transfer support helped one student succeed: How 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Transfer Support Helped One Student Find Her Place and Her Purpose.

Prospective transfer students: For a full list of GPA and application requirements, visit our Transfer Students Guide.

Through 2+2 partnerships with community colleges, students complete an associate degree and then transfer to Montclair with junior standing and all general education requirements fulfilled. Benefits include coordinated advising with both institutions to finish the AA or AS in two years, and the ability to move directly into upper鈥憀evel courses.听

Events and guidance for transfer students

include virtual webinars for students and families that focus on:

• Steps to take after being accepted
• Understanding financial aid
• Navigating academics and campus life

is also available with admissions counselors.

The statewide annual event featured New Jersey Commissioner of Education Lily Laux and the State Teacher of the Year Gillian Ober, who delivered the keynote address. The recognition highlights these new teachers鈥� commitment even at a time when the profession faces many challenges.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 three student interns were selected from around 300 eligible students and more than 70 nominees, according to Professor of Teaching and Learning Minsun Shin and CEEL鈥檚 Clinical Year Placement Specialist P12 Nathan Cottrell, who oversee 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 selection process. While many student teachers were deserving, the final three were chosen based on a state scoring rubric, says Shin, adding, 鈥淥ur interns are thoughtful, dedicated, well prepared and deeply committed to the profession.鈥�

The nomination process includes evaluations by cooperating teachers who work alongside them on a daily basis and letters of recommendation from university mentors and professors. Nominees also must submit an essay describing 鈥渁 significant challenge during their full-time clinical practice and the sound steps that they take to resolve this challenge and reflect on it, and how the situation influenced their professional growth,鈥� says Cottrell 鈥�22 MA, Higher Education.

Positive Outcomes in Teacher Preparation

精品成人福利在线 University, originally established as the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair in 1908, effectively prepares teachers for the profession. According to the most recent available outcome data (2024鈥�2025) from the New Jersey Department of Education, 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 initial teacher certification graduates:

• Are highly employable 鈥� 87% of graduates successfully secured positions in New Jersey public schools by the following school year after program completion
• Earn high academic standing 鈥� GPAs average between 3.68 and 3.9 and consistently meet or outperform statewide averages on most of their Praxis II subject exams
• Are prepared to enter classrooms 鈥� 97% received 鈥淗ighly Effective鈥� or 鈥淓ffective鈥� on Teacher Practice Scores
• Positively impact learning 鈥� 99% of 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 new teachers received overall summative effectiveness scores of 鈥淓ffective鈥� or 鈥淗ighly Effective鈥�

If 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 awardees are any indication, New Jersey children are in the hands of caring professionals who want to make a difference in and outside the classroom. Learn more about these future star teachers:

A Coincidental Reconnection: Maddie Heinold

Heinold chose Montclair for its proximity to her family home and her desire to work and save money. As a Family Science and Human Development major, Heinold worked at a daycare facility and later as a substitute teacher. She entered 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 4+1 combined BA/MAT program and earned dual certifications in elementary education (K-6) and teacher of students with disabilities.

Heinold鈥檚 passion for teaching resulted from a loss. When she learned that the 19-month-old Michael John 鈥淢J鈥� McFalls, whom she used to babysit died unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart condition, she came to a profound conclusion.

鈥淚’d never lost somebody close in my life,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut in the short time I had with him, I realized kids make an impact in my life in so many ways, and he’s a huge part of my why 鈥� why I want to become a teacher. I want to provide children a good education and academics but meet their needs socially and emotionally as well.鈥�

Heinold lost touch with the McFalls when the family moved. But she and MJ鈥檚 mother, Heather McFalls, reconnected via social media as Heinold was starting her college career at Montclair, also McFall鈥檚 alma mater. Heinold shared with McFalls that she鈥檇 written her college essay about MJ鈥檚 impact on her life and her decision to pursue teaching.

McFalls 鈥�06 (BA, Family and Child Studies) recalls how Heinold brightened her son鈥檚 days: 鈥淚 remember the light she brought to his life and how happy he would be when she would walk through the door. It鈥檚 nice to look back and to think of that in his short life 鈥� how happy they made each other.鈥�

She believes MJ has brought them together again because unbeknownst to either of them, Heinold will be teaching at the same school where McFalls teaches preschoolers in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, beginning this fall. 鈥淚’m excited to work in the same building with her,鈥� says Heinold.

McFalls says: 鈥淚’m so proud of her, and I know she’s going to be such a great asset to our school district for those little kids.鈥�

A Reciprocal Lesson: Juliana Di Cosmo

As a student teacher assigned to the Kearny School District, Juliana Di Cosmo received a homework assignment from a student, allowing her to build a connection. The student, who was social but disengaged from the biology content she was teaching, tasked her with learning 鈥淲heels on the Bus鈥� in Spanish, which he鈥檇 handwritten for her. She earned an A the following day when he quizzed her.

鈥淭he impact was immediate,鈥� Di Cosmo wrote in her essay. 鈥淭hat small interaction demonstrated that I valued his culture and was willing to meet him where he was. He became more engaged during instruction and began attending after-school tutoring.鈥�

Di Cosmo says she鈥檚 honored to be recognized for doing what she loves. 鈥淚t really just solidifies that I picked the right path,鈥� says Di Cosmo, who has accepted a job teaching 6^th and 7^th grade science in Woodbridge Township.

As a science lover, Di Cosmo always knew she wanted to teach biology. While she looked at other universities, she chose Montclair because she was able to double major in Biology and Secondary Education and graduate in four years instead of five. She took advantage of summer and winter courses to lighten her load during regular semesters, and says “Montclair offers a lot of support. I was getting support from both the College of Education听and the College of Science and Mathematics.”

Creating a Safe Classroom: Lydia Brubaker

Although she was studying anthropology at Muhlenberg College, Lydia Brubaker spent her summers in New Jersey working at a preschool. Just before her senior year, she realized it was something she wanted to continue. 鈥淚 found that I really enjoyed teaching and being with the children,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t was too late to change my major, so I applied for grad school.鈥� She chose Montclair’s MA in Teaching program because it 鈥渁llowed me to come in having no background in teaching and still graduate in two years with my certificate to teach and my master’s.鈥� While studying, Brubaker worked as a graduate teaching assistant at 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Ben Samuels Children’s Center.

She soon discovered that making students feel safe in her classroom and adjusting to meet their needs was paramount to effective instruction. A student with selective mutism prompted Brubaker to choose it as a research topic and incorporate her learnings into teaching the child. 鈥淚 wanted all of my students to be able to participate and feel safe in the classroom, and I could tell that he was having a harder time with that, so I wanted to figure out what I could do to help him,鈥� she says. She deliberately incorporated nonverbal check-ins, alternative participation options and paired him with a buddy, whom she鈥檇 notice him whispering to at lunchtime.

鈥淗e really grew so much over the year. He started responding in one sentence answers,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he most rewarding thing for me was the relationships that I was able to form with him and all the other students, seeing how much they want to learn and enjoy being at school.鈥�

She adds that by learning about selective mutism and adapting her teaching: 鈥淚 was able to support my student while also strengthening my ability to differentiate instruction, create an inclusive classroom environment, and provide multiple pathways for student expression. Moving forward, I intend to continue building on these practices to ensure all my students feel safe, supported and able to participate.鈥�

Ready to make a difference in the lives of students?

Learn more about our many education programs and apply today!

If you鈥檙e a journalist, contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic.

The contract between the New Jersey Public Broadcasting and the University will be submitted to the Legislature for their review. The Legislature, which has stressed its desire and strong support for public television to continue in New Jersey, has 15 days to review the contract.

The agreement is for five years with two five-year extensions. Montclair is responsible for programming the stations and has committed to providing at least six hours of New Jersey-centric programming a week, including a weekday nightly news cast and other public affairs programming, live broadcasts of the Governor鈥檚 State of the State address, the Governor鈥檚 Budget Message, and live coverage of New Jersey elections.

The new contract follows months of uncertainty over the future of NJ PBS and effectively ensures that public television will thrive in New Jersey for the long-term. Cuts to federal funding had put the future in doubt, however Governor Mikie Sherrill鈥檚 commitment to transparency makes public broadcasting an integral part of the state鈥檚 media landscape.

“Public broadcasting is a vital public service that ensures New Jersey families have access to trusted news, educational programming, and information about their communities. At a time when local journalism faces growing challenges, today’s action keeps this essential service alive in New Jersey,鈥� said Governor Sherrill. 鈥淚’m excited that 精品成人福利在线 University has been selected to lead the next chapter of public broadcasting in New Jersey. With its expertise in journalism and public media, strong community partnerships, and commitment to innovation, Montclair is uniquely positioned to expand local storytelling and help build a strong, sustainable future for public media across our state.鈥�

鈥淧ublic broadcasting is a critical pillar of New Jersey media, ensuring all residents – particularly those in underserved areas – have access to quality educational and community-focused content,鈥� said State Treasurer Aaron Binder. 鈥淕iven the ever-evolving nature of modern media, and recent devasting funding cuts at the federal level, protecting and supporting public broadcasting has never been more important. Treasury was pleased to play a role in ushering in the next chapter of public media in New Jersey, and we look forward to seeing this vital institution grow for many years to come.鈥�

“New Jersey has one of the most extraordinary media landscapes in the country, and we will fully leverage and highlight the breadth of voices and storytellers across the state,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of Montclair’s College of Communication and Media. 鈥淭his includes universities across New Jersey, countless news organizations, cultural and arts centers, and sports leagues and organizations. We look forward to building a media ecosystem that resembles and is accountable to the people of New Jersey, one that provides unique educational and workforce development opportunities to our state鈥檚 future leaders and media creators. We are grateful for the opportunity to ensure New Jersey鈥檚 public media is truly the public鈥檚 media.鈥�

鈥淣ew Jersey鈥檚 public television stations exist to serve every resident of this state, and this selection reflects our commitment to ensuring that mission continues on a sustainable, long-term foundation,鈥� said Rick Williams, Executive Director of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority. 鈥溇烦扇烁＠谙� University brings broadcast-ready infrastructure, deep community ties, and a demonstrated commitment to New Jersey journalism. We look forward to working with the University and the Legislature as this transition moves forward.鈥�

In this role, Montclair plans to reimagine public media and expand the value public broadcasting can provide to New Jersey residents. Central to that mission is building a network that fully represents New Jersey, drawing on the state鈥檚 300-plus news organizations, its colleges and universities, and its diverse communities to create and inform programming made stronger through collaboration and shared expertise. In addition to a robust broadcast presence with daily newscast and discussion programming, NJ PBS will focus significant efforts on digital and social media content as well as in-person events and public engagement, meeting New Jersey residents where and how they consume information.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 proposal leverages existing university assets to create an operational budget that recognizes the current fiscal environment for public media. This includes $1.2 million annually of in-kind contributions from the University, including studio access, engineering expertise, IT infrastructure, human resources, finance, legal, and facilities management. It also includes teaching and internship opportunities for students, helping to train future media professionals while also infusing a dynamic perspective into station programming.

The station will be housed in 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 College of Communication and Media, one of the nation鈥檚 leading academic hubs for media education and innovation. The College has a world-class production facility, complete with professional broadcast studios and film stages, multiple control rooms, a multimedia newsroom, and engineering infrastructure built for network-level production. Faculty and staff bring extensive professional experience in the New Jersey and national media landscapes, and the College has been nationally recognized for its work while preparing the next generation of New Jersey media professionals.

The Center for Cooperative Media, housed within Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, will help build the backbone of NJ PBS鈥檚 statewide journalism model. The Center鈥檚 longstanding relationships with hundreds of New Jersey news organizations provide NJ PBS with an existing statewide journalism ecosystem capable of supporting collaborative reporting and community-informed storytelling across all regions of the state. 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 operation of NJ PBS will include robust content partnerships across the state, including collaborative agreements with a range of other New Jersey colleges and universities as well as civic, arts, and news organizations, ensuring network content reflects the diversity and talents of New Jersey鈥檚 residents and communities.

Montclair plans to produce a daily newscast and discussion program, a weekly public affairs roundtable, and sports coverage, including a formal partnership with the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The University has also committed to a code of journalism ethics, an independent ethics committee with external appointments, and a Community Advisory Board, with additional public accountability in being subject to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act as a public university.

More than 20 full-time employees will initially operate NJ PBS, including three reporters and a production team of 11. Students will also participate through internships and supervised experiential learning opportunities. Employment opportunities with NJ PBS will be posted .

For more information/media contact:

精品成人福利在线 University: Keith Green, Director of Communications and Strategic Operations, College of Communication and Media. greenk@montclair.edu, 973-655-3701.

New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority: Danielle Currie, Deputy Director of Communications Danielle.Currie@treas.nj.gov

###

About the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority: The New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority (NJPBA) is a State authority holding four FCC noncommercial educational television licenses, collectively branded as NJ PBS. The Authority鈥檚 stations, WNJS, WNJN, WNJT, and WNJB, serve all regions of New Jersey with public media programming. The NJPBA operates in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury under the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority Act of 1968, as amended by the 2010 New Jersey Public Broadcasting System Transfer Act. For more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/treasury/njpba/.

About 精品成人福利在线 University: Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, 精品成人福利在线 University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools. Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

About 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of approximately 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA鈥檚 Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through nearly $10M in grants awarded over the last decade, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

Thompson will serve as the lead academic and administrative officer for the College, which offers a diverse portfolio of rigorous programs in disciplines including Psychology, English, Political Science and Law, History, Philosophy and Global Cultural Studies.

鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Dr. Thompson to 精品成人福利在线 University,鈥� says Interim Provost Fatma Mili. 鈥淪he comes to us with an impressive track record of transformational and collaborative leadership. She approaches each context with passion and intellectual inquisitiveness. I look forward to working with her as she leads the College and solidifies its standing and impact in the University and the community.鈥�

Thompson joins Montclair after serving as the Director of the School of Teacher Education and Mack and Effie Campbell Distinguished Professor at Florida State University. In her role, she was responsible for all aspects of the school, including overseeing more than 200 faculty, staff instructors, graduate students and other employees and managing $17 million in endowed and non-endowed foundation funds.

Previously, she held three different leadership roles at West Virginia University in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences: Inaugural Director of International Relations and Strategic Planning of the college, Founding Co-Director of the English Language Learning Institute and Chair of the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics. She has recently received the Modern Language Association (MLA), Association of Language Departments (ALD) Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession.

A prolific scholar in applied linguistics with more than 55 peer-reviewed publications, books, and a number of national and international invited lectures and workshops, Thompson鈥檚 research focuses on multilingualism, language learning, linguistic racism/native-speakerism, women in higher education and higher education leadership.

鈥淚 was drawn to 精品成人福利在线 University and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences because of the clear dedication to promoting student success in practical and innovative ways,鈥� says Thompson. 鈥淚 was extraordinarily impressed by the faculty, staff, students and leadership during my visit to campus, and I cannot wait to see what we will be able to achieve together.鈥�

Thompson holds a PhD in Second Language Studies and a master鈥檚 degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Michigan State University.

For more information about the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at 精品成人福利在线 University, visit .

In the role, he will oversee all core global units and services at Montclair, develop and execute the University鈥檚 international plan and business model, expand and steward high-impact international partnerships and ensure compliance, risk management, and fiscal stewardship for international activities.

鈥淭akeo Suzuki brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to broadening access to life-changing global educational opportunities for our students,鈥� says Montclair Interim Provost Fatma Mili. 鈥淲e are excited to welcome him to the Montclair community and work with him to expand and magnify 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 international initiatives.鈥�

Suzuki previously served as the inaugural Senior International Officer and Executive Director of the Center for Global Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and was a member of the Provost鈥檚 leadership team. Since 2015, he led the university鈥檚 global engagement efforts, integrating international student and scholar services, study abroad, ESL programs, international research, and global risk management. He also served as the university鈥檚 Principal Designated School Official and Responsible Officer, overseeing federal compliance.

His research focuses on the lived experiences of individuals using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. His recent work, featured in the Institute of International Education magazine, explores how Japanese anime and manga can serve as a lens for understanding soft diplomacy and developing intercultural competency. Originally from Kobe, Japan, he came to the United States as a J-1 exchange visitor and is now a U.S. citizen. His work is grounded in a deep commitment to expanding access, fostering belonging, and preparing students to lead in a globally connected world.

鈥淛oining 精品成人福利在线 University is both a tremendous honor and an exciting new chapter for my family and me,鈥� says Suzuki. 鈥淢ontclair stands out as a university with extraordinary momentum, incredible diversity, and a clear commitment to preparing students to thrive in a globally connected world, and I am genuinely excited to become part of the Montclair community.

鈥淎s someone whose own life was transformed through international education, I cannot wait to work alongside 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 students, faculty, and staff to expand opportunities for global learning, collaboration, and deeper human connection. I look forward to building a campus culture where curiosity, empathy, and intercultural understanding become part of everyday life.鈥�

Suzuki holds a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University and a master鈥檚 degree in Global E-Learning from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her leadership and service, underscoring 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 mission to serve the public and expand access to education and opportunity.

鈥淎t this moment, with your degree, you鈥檙e more powerful than ever. You will chart the path forward,鈥� Governor Sherrill told graduates, saying she has 鈥渟o much faith鈥� in their ability to lead.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill delivers her first commencement address since taking office after receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from 精品成人福利在线 University.

The Class of 2026, she said, is 鈥渕ore empathetic, more thoughtful, more tested than any generation since at least the greatest generation 鈥� and possibly ever,鈥� citing the ways students have navigated a global pandemic, social media鈥慸riven division and emerging AI.

During the two ceremonies, students from 37 states and 12 countries earned doctoral, master鈥檚 and bachelor鈥檚 degrees across 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 300鈥憄lus academic programs. They are committed to building a brighter future through work in social action, public health, business, public service, education, research, the arts, science and the humanities.

On May 11, the University celebrated students from the College of the Arts, College of Communication and Media, College for Community Health and Feliciano School of Business.

On May 12, Montclair recognized graduates of , the College for Education and Engaged Learning, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Mathematics and the School of Nursing.

University President Jonathan Koppell challenged graduates to consider 鈥渨hat鈥檚 going to sustain you鈥� as they leave campus. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 going to motivate you? How will you get through it when the unexpected confronts you?鈥� he asked, saying that at a pivotal moment in the nation鈥檚 history, they must play a key role in defining what the country will be.

Student Government Association President Leila Jones echoed that challenge, reminding classmates they are more than any single moment.

鈥淪omewhere along the way, I didn鈥檛 become fearless. I just stopped letting fear decide for me,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淲e are not defined by one moment or one version of ourselves. We鈥檙e shaped by the experiences that push us to grow.鈥澨鼿er message set the tone for the many stories of resilience, opportunity and impact that define the Class of 2026.

Arianna Amina Joseph, who earned a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, delivers a soulful rendition of the national anthem as her performance is broadcast on Prudential Center鈥檚 video board.

Turning challenges into purpose

Many graduates were first in their families to earn college degrees. Across programs, they balanced family, work and study 鈥� including single parents, adult learners and military-affiliated students 鈥� while serving communities close to home and around the world.

鈥淟ike me, many of you arrived here carrying the dreams of your families and communities,鈥� said Senior Class Speaker Ethan Garcia, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts and Technology from Bloomfield College of 精品成人福利在线 University.

鈥淏e proud of this accomplishment and remember: you belong in every room you walk into. Your voice and your story matter.鈥�

Among the graduate spotlights are members of the Class of 2026 whose journeys reflect resilience, purpose and a commitment to serving others:

• A first-generation scientist heading to medical school, turning grief into a commitment to healing.
• A student exploring politics, policy and religion who gained hands-on experience in United Nations climate advocacy.
• A graduate from abroad who persevered through political unrest to earn his master鈥檚 degree and continue his work in education.
• A Cali Pathways Project graduate who pivoted from music to business and now hopes to create spaces where artists can perform and connect.

A 精品成人福利在线 University graduate stands in the glass atrium of Prudential Center during the 2026 Spring Commencement exercises.

Joy, pride and a shared mission

精品成人福利在线 University President Jonathan Koppell takes a selfie with the Class of 2026 to close out the 2026 Spring Commencement ceremony at Prudential Center.

Koppell told graduates they would carry fresh ideas, talent and optimism into a world that urgently needs their leadership at what he called an inflection point for the country. He asked them to consider 鈥渨hat values will you choose to help you navigate the days ahead?鈥� He reminded them that 鈥渢he only insurmountable obstacle to change is the unsubstantiated belief that change is not possible.鈥�

During the ceremony on May 11, Graduate School speaker Jason Edward Cameron, a 46-year-old who earned his Master of Fine Arts in Dance, offered fellow graduates a message that looked beyond the ceremony:

鈥淭his diploma is not an ending. It鈥檚 a beginning,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o, choose boldly. Choose work that matters. Choose growth over comfort. Choose to begin again when necessary.鈥�

精品成人福利在线 University graduate students celebrate as they sit together on the arena floor during the 2026 Spring Commencement exercises.

Photos by University Photographers Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa

Celebrate with us

• Watch the replays on YouTube:
  • Monday, May 11: |
  • Tuesday, May 12: |
• Explore more graduate stories at 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 graduate spotlights to see how the Class of 2026 is already making a difference in New Jersey and around the world.

Kananelo Mokati, a Fulbright Scholar from Lesotho, will return home to work on maternal health policy after overcoming a critical funding challenge with the help of the Department of Public Health.

Kananelo Mokati: A Global Mission for Maternal Health

For Mokati, the journey to a Master of Public Health was fueled by a calling that transcends borders. A Fulbright Scholar and trained midwife, she traveled from her home country of Lesotho in South Africa to 精品成人福利在线 University to bridge the gap between clinical practice and systemic health policy.

Choosing Montclair was a strategic decision for Mokati, who sought the professional energy of the New York metropolitan area without the overwhelming 鈥渘oise鈥� of the city. At Montclair, she found her home in the Health Systems Administration and Policy concentration, where she could focus on the structural barriers facing health-care delivery.

However, her journey faced a critical challenge in 2025 when federal funding for her Fulbright program was unexpectedly eliminated. 鈥淎t that point, it felt like all the hard work I had put in over the past year was about to go down the drain. It wasn鈥檛 a lack of support, but a moment where answers simply weren鈥檛 available,鈥� Mokati recalls.

With help from her advisor, Professor Amanda Birnbaum, and Public Health Department Chair Lisa Lieberman, Mokati secured a summer internship with the School of Nursing which provided the vital bridge funding needed to keep her on track.

The internship gave her the opportunity to perform grant application work, do a poster presentation and coauthor a research manuscript on 鈥渃ounty-level variations in risk-adjusted rates of preterm birth among young mothers in the United States,鈥� the latter of which was accepted for publication in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing.

鈥淲hat began as one of the most challenging moments of my journey ultimately opened the door to some of the most meaningful opportunities I鈥檝e had,鈥� Mokati says.

Mokati鈥檚 passion for public health is rooted in her experience as a midwife 鈥� a career that began in her home country but quickly became her life鈥檚 work. She鈥檇 earned a BS in general nursing and midwifery, a requirement as part of the nursing curriculum, from the National University of Lesotho.
After receiving her MPH, she plans to return to Lesotho before heading back to the U.S. to obtain a doctorate on maternal health policy, 鈥減articularly on how health systems can better support women and improve maternal health outcomes.鈥�

Abbigale Damiano, a first-generation graduate, provided life-saving support volunteering for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and will work at a substance use treatment center and join Montclair as an adjunct psychology professor.

Abbigale Damiano: A Local Anchor for Mental Health and Recovery

While Mokati focuses on global systems, Damiano has dedicated her graduate studies to the immediate needs of her local community. Graduating with a Master of Arts in Counseling, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she has spent her time at Montclair diving into the front lines of the mental health crisis.

As a first-generation graduate, Damiano鈥檚 academic journey is a testament to perseverance. She graduated with a BA in Psychology in 2023 and immediately pursued her master’s program, during which she completed a rigorous clinical internship at a nonprofit substance use treatment center, providing support for individuals navigating recovery and co-occurring mental health challenges. She also worked as a teacher鈥檚 assistant for Associate Professor Ofelia Rodriguez for three years.

Her commitment to service extends beyond her formal requirements. Damiano also serves as a volunteer for the 988鈥檚 Crisis Text Line, providing real-time, life-saving support to individuals in moments of acute distress. For her, Montclair was the place where her innate desire to help was transformed into professional expertise.

鈥溇烦扇烁＠谙� University has been more than just a school for me,鈥� Damiano reflects. 鈥淚t is where I found my purpose, built my leadership skills, and discovered my passion for counseling, student support and community care.”

After graduation, the end of a seven-year student journey, Damiano has a job awaiting her at the crisis facility. She will also join Montclair as an adjunct psychology professor in the fall.

Had she not reached out to professors and department heads during her time at Montclair, she says, 鈥淚 feel like I wouldn’t be as prepared now graduating or even being able to be an adjunct professor 鈥� at the age of 25.鈥�

Reach out to the professors and to your department, they will help you and they will lead you to success.” 鈥� Abbigale Damiano

Fulfilling the Mission

Both Mokati and Damiano represent the core values of Montclair’s commitment to community service. Whether advocating for policy changes to protect mothers globally or providing a lifeline to those in crisis locally, these two graduates prove that a Montclair degree is a catalyst for meaningful change.

As they transition from students to alumni, their stories serve as an inspiration to the next generation of students.

Damiano says that as a first-generation college student she had to ask lots of questions in order not to be lost. She advises all students, including commuters like her, to spend time on campus and reach out to faculty. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e so many different opportunities on campus that I’m sure people aren’t even aware of,鈥� she says. 鈥淓very professor has a different career and different connections, so you don’t know where you’ll end up if you keep up with what they’re offering you.鈥�

鈥淚f you are looking for a school that will challenge you, open doors for you and support you 鈥� not just to do well academically but to be set up for success after graduation 鈥� 精品成人福利在线 University is the place for you,鈥� says Mokati.

鈥淎s someone who moved thousands of miles with nothing but hope and a desire to better myself, I found more than an education here, I found a community that showed up for me when I needed it most. I built meaningful professional networks, and I am leaving as a better version of myself.鈥�

This story is part of a series celebrating 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚 mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.