• The Best of Both Worlds: 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 252-acre campus sits in New Jersey鈥檚 top college town (WorldAtlas, 2025) and is just 12 miles from New York City via easy train or bus routes.
• Vibrant Local Scene: Downtown Montclair Township provides world-class dining, iconic live music venues, cozy coffee shops, independent bookstores and rich cultural events.
• Something for Every Budget: Explore budget-friendly and free nearby attractions, from breathtaking urban waterfalls to panoramic skyline views.

What to do around the Montclair campus

If you鈥檙e visiting 精品成人福利在线 University, there鈥檚 still plenty to see once you’re done with the campus tour. You could hop over to NYC, of course, or explore the dynamic area of Montclair Township, incorporated in 1868 and recognized as one of New Jersey’s most desirable places to live. Here are 10 great local spots for dining, shopping, sightseeing and more.

1. (鈥淭he Wellmont鈥�)

Montclair students chat outside the Wellmont Theater, a music and comedy venue. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A 105-year old former vaudeville venue, now a premier theater for live-music and comedy shows hosting major and indie artists. For more live music:

• Just Jakes听鈥� a favorite student hangout for live music, outdoor dining, and a dog- and family-friendly vibe
• Meat Locker听鈥� an institution and go-to spot for an edgier, underground live music experience.

2.

A popular hangout among locals, Tierney鈥檚 is legendary for food, live music and game-watching. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Established in 1934, this legendary family-owned spot is famous for big burgers, weekend live music and TV/film fame.

3.

The Montclair Art Museum is located just three miles from campus. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Located just three miles from campus, MAM is one of this country鈥檚 first art museums and features 14,000 works of art, student admission discounts and creative workshops. Similar spots:

• Montclair Film 鈥� Hosts the famous, annual, celeb-studded Montclair Film Festival and operates three independent theaters screening films year-round. Montclair Film also delivers film study classes, improv, sketch-comedy writing and other workshops.
• The Newark Museum of Art 鈥� Just 12 miles away, New Jersey鈥檚 largest museum holds 300,000+ works and a natural history collection. It also hosts the historic Newark Black Film Festival, the longest-running Black film festival in the country, and the four-day Newark Arts Festival.

4.

Montclair theater students bring The Quilt Keepers, to the Vanguard Theater. (Photo by Julie Lemberger for 精品成人福利在线 University)

An inclusive local theater featuring stage productions, including the Montclair Theater Festival, community partnerships and classes (with strong ties to Montclair faculty and alumni).

5.

Montclair students enjoy a coffee and chat at Paper Plane Coffee. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Rated one of the best coffee shops in the state, is an ideal outdoor or indoor spot to study, write that paper for class and fuel up. Bonus for classic eats:

• Montclair Diner听鈥� An all-day breakfast spot serving traditional and Southern eats.
• Nicolo’s Italian Bakery & Deli | Montclair NJ 鈥� Generous Italian sandwiches and baked goods.
• Applegate Farms听鈥� Operating since 1848, this historic dairy farm is a must-visit for ice cream lovers.

Bonus spots for more special occasions (maybe celebrating the start of your journey at 精品成人福利在线 University?):

• Faubourg听鈥� Modern French dining featuring a stunning greenhouse and main dining room, great for special occasions.
• Cuban Pete鈥檚听鈥� A loud, vibrant, party-style atmosphere with authentic flavor. It’s also BYOB, common for many restaurants in town and around North Jersey.

6.

A shopper peruses the huge selection at Watchung Booksellers. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Named Publishers Weekly Bookstore of the Year, offering author events, book clubs and a podcast featuring writers and readers. (Tip for prospective students: The bookstore offers a college essay-writing workshop in the summer.) Also worth checking out is Montclair Book Center, a massive independent bookstore where you can get lost exploring thousands of new, used and rare titles.

7.

The decorative entrance to White Rabbit Black Heart hints to the treasures inside. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A whimsical gift shop packed with unique items for loved ones back home (or maybe something for your future dorm room). This is just one option in Montclair’s vibrant retail scene. Other spots to check out:

• Academy St. Thrift听鈥� Owned by a former professor, it sells clothing, jewelry, accessories and even books.
• 2nd STREET Montclair 鈥� Part of the Japanese-owned chain, it’s probably the largest local thrift and is chock-full of American and Japanese design brands of clothes, shoes and accessories
• Willowbrook Mall听鈥� Located nearby in Wayne, featuring over 170 popular retail stores.

8.

Visitors are dwarfed along a walkway at the Paterson Great Falls. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

Breathtaking, free-to-visit urban waterfalls in the heart of Paterson perfect for a quick head-clearing nature break. Learn about Alexander Hamilton鈥檚 connection to the falls while you鈥檙e there.

9.

The lovely Wisteria Courtyard at Van Vleck House & Gardens. (Courtesy Elyse Fernandez)

A quiet, 12-acre country estate built in 1868 and a 鈥渂eautiful oasis in the heart of Montclair.鈥� Free and open 365 days a year for peaceful walks, outdoor classes and concerts.

10.

The Eagle Rock Reservation provides spectacular panoramic views of New York City. (Photo by University Photographer Mike Peters)

A 400-acre park featuring iconic panoramic views of the NYC skyline, summer music concerts and great outdoor activities. Eagle Rock is part of Essex County Parks, also home to the nearby Turtle Back Zoo and McLoone鈥檚 Boathouse, where can you dine and rent pedal boats.

Take the next step and schedule your visit to Montclair.

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

So what began as a pandemic-era virtual acceptance quickly transformed into a master class on campus involvement. The turning point came when he deposited and was offered a rare first-year student worker position in .

“This is where my story really took off and became a life-changing journey,” says Garcia.

By diving headfirst into campus life, Garcia managed to create a rewarding, dual-campus adventure for himself. He double majored in at Bloomfield and Business Administration at 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚.

“I had the best of both worlds because I had my small campus family at Bloomfield, where everybody knows me and I know everybody,” he says, “and at the same time, I could go to Montclair and meet new people.”

It was hard for fellow Bloomfield students not to know Garcia. Over his five-year academic career, he became a ubiquitous presence across campus. He served as a storyteller, student ambassador, resident assistant, lead studio assistant, president of the Student Government Association and president of the Greek Council 鈥� all while maintaining his academic studies and admissions job, a position he held for five years ending this summer. He also cheered on his campus community as Bloomfield鈥檚 mascot, Deacon the Bear.

His many efforts earned Garcia the college鈥檚 Portrait of Excellence recognition, and he became the first Bloomfield College student to speak at Commencement following the 2023 merger with 精品成人福利在线 University.

Bloomfield Dean Theodorea Regina Berry, who featured Garcia on her first 鈥淟iving & Learning鈥� podcast, which he produced at the campus studio, says she was not surprised that Garcia was selected to represent Bloomfield at the 2026 Spring Commencement.

鈥淗e truly embodies the balance, dedication and leadership we hope to cultivate in all our graduates,鈥� she says.

Why He Chose Bloomfield

Garcia attended a virtual college fair during the COVID-19 pandemic and liked the admission staff鈥檚 鈥渧ibe,鈥� he says.

鈥淚 was looking for a near-home experience that was affordable and had a sense of community,鈥� he adds. He found all of that and more at Bloomfield. The once shy Garcia saw possibilities and decided to step out of his comfort zone. 鈥淚t was a great experience from the very jump. They gave me opportunities to grow.鈥�

He also credits faculty and staff for supporting him and seeing leadership potential in him, even when he didn鈥檛 see it for himself. He鈥檚 glad he took them up on those challenges and opportunities. 鈥淚鈥檝e surpassed expectations I had for myself and surprised myself over the years.鈥�

Looking Toward the Future

This fall, Garcia heads to William Paterson University to pursue an MBA, having already secured a graduate assistantship and a resident directorship to cover his tuition. As he prepares for a career as an audio engineer, he will continue working part time as an assistant sound technician with a local DJ company 鈥� viewing his next chapter as a continuation of his undergraduate education and momentum.

“I could say that I鈥檓 leaving Bloomfield going in the right direction,” says Garcia. “I鈥檓 going to be working, and I can still use my degree in music technology to continue doing what I like to do on the side as a hobby.”

A Campus Leader and Storyteller

Garcia鈥檚 journey, which started in the Game Design program before he changed majors, was defined by rapid growth. He credits faculty mentorship, particularly from Professor Frank Rivera, with shaping his artistic and professional path. While he prefers to work behind the scenes in music, he also mastered an album as part of his capstone project, successfully compiling and releasing his own EP 鈥淟o Que No Digo,鈥� (What I Don鈥檛 Say), which is currently available across major streaming platforms.

Describing it as a 鈥淟atino frat boy album鈥� that features a mix of reggaeton, cumbia, hip hop, RB and combines his many musical skills in piano, as well as jazz, concert and marching band, Garcia says, 鈥淚 don’t intend to be an artist and for the album to blow up but I figured, why not? I learned how to put music out there into the world while in school here, so I might as well do it.鈥�

Gratitude at Graduation

Garcia is grateful for those who believed in him and 鈥渟aw something in me that I didn鈥檛 see in myself.鈥� He鈥檚 also thankful for the sacrifices made by his family, which have made his academic achievements possible. As he told his fellow graduates at Commencement: 鈥淟ike me, many of you arrived here carrying the dreams of your families and communities. Many of us come from communities where this path was not always clear or easy. But today, we make history in our families. Be proud of this accomplishment and remember, you belong in every room you walk into. Your voice and your story matter.鈥�

Garcia represents a 鈥渟tandout example of positive student outcomes,鈥� says Dean Berry, adding, 鈥淓than found that balance between academic excellence and meaningful engagement, and that is a core part of his success story.鈥�

• Online MA in Criminal Justice Leadership and Innovation
• Online MS in Computer Science
• Online Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Graduate Certificate
• Online MBA concentration in Healthcare Management
• Online BA in Communication and Media Studies (Degree Completion)

鈥淲e are building an online portfolio with purpose,鈥� says Marc Austin, vice provost and managing director of Montclair Unbound. 鈥淭hese online programs reflect where students want access and flexibility, where employers and communities need talent and where Montclair has the academic depth to offer something meaningful and distinctive.鈥�

The online MA in Criminal Justice Leadership and Innovation is a 30-credit program designed for justice professionals and students from related fields including government, nonprofit, sociology, economics, social policy and public administration. With an emphasis on ethical leadership, evidence-based practice and innovation, the program prepares students to address complex justice issues through community-focused, data-informed approaches.

Montclair is also expanding access in a high-demand technology field with the online MS in Computer Science. The 30-credit program combines flexibility with graduate-level study in software engineering, cybersecurity, machine learning and responsible use of Generative AI, while also offering a pathway for students from nontraditional computer science backgrounds.

In education, Montclair has introduced an online Multi-Tiered Systems of Support certificate for educators and school-based professionals seeking focused preparation in tiered academic, behavioral and social-emotional support systems.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 MBA in Healthcare Management, also available as an online graduate certificate, prepares professionals to lead in a fast-growing industry. The program builds practical skills in healthcare systems, policy, operations and patient experience, helping students improve quality and cost effectiveness. The flexible online format supports working professionals advancing careers in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, insurance firms, government agencies and nonprofits.

The BA in Communication and Media Studies online degree completion option is designed for students with prior college coursework who are ready to finish their bachelor鈥檚 degree in a flexible online format. The program builds skills in communication strategy, media analysis, writing, research, public speaking and digital storytelling, preparing graduates for careers across media, corporate communications, public relations, nonprofit and related fields.

Together, these additions reflect 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 ongoing investment in online education as a strategic avenue for access, responsiveness and growth. The University currently has 44 fully online degree and certificate programs, including 16 new offerings, a 57% increase over the past three years.

鈥淥nline education allows us to remove barriers to opportunity and extend the reach of a Montclair experience,鈥� says Austin. 鈥淚t reflects our commitment to learning without limits, supporting students at every stage of their academic and professional journey.鈥�

Explore Montclair Online programs and apply at montclair.edu/online.

The SCHOLAR Certificate 鈥� which stands for Stewardship, Community History and Opportunities for Leadership and Academic Readiness 鈥� is a 10-11 credit certificate program that gives students structured, hands-on experience aimed at building professional skills and strengthening local partnerships. It is now required for all incoming Bloomfield College students, with transfer students able to opt in.

By asking students to do rigorous, research鈥慴ased work about communities they know best, the certificate is designed to build academic confidence and stronger writing and critical thinking skills from the very first semester. This foundation enables them to complete community鈥慹ngaged projects embedded in SCHOLAR鈥慸esignated courses throughout the curriculum.

The initiative reflects Bloomfield鈥檚 mission as a Predominantly Black and Hispanic鈥慡erving Institution, helping students connect their coursework with the histories, identities, neighborhoods and organizations that shape their lives.

What 鈥楥ommunity Co鈥慏esign鈥� Means

At the heart of the certificate is 鈥渃ommunity co-design,鈥� the concept faculty developed to guide SCHOLAR courses, says Nora McCook, Cyrus H. Holley Professor in Applied Ethics and Associate Professor of Writing. McCook, whose background is in critical literacy studies and community engagement, sees it as a way to make learning deeply personal and genuinely collaborative.

鈥淚f students care about what they鈥檙e doing, if they recognize that this is about them, but also about them giving back, it really is powerful to set that tone, right at the beginning of a college career,鈥� McCook says.

The certificate builds on three core elements:听

1. Reflection and self-awareness
2. Reciprocity and exchange
3. Culture and history

The first two come from long-established community engagement traditions. The third 鈥� culture and history 鈥� is the distinctive piece Bloomfield adds in terms of community engagement, scholarship and practice.

The first course to carry the SCHOLAR designation was Writing 105, Bloomfield鈥檚 first-year writing course, which McCook and First-Year Writing Director Freddie Harris piloted last summer. They shifted the curriculum so that students completed a multi-part autoethnographic project centered on a community they belong to.

Odyeli Ramos Tobar drew on her love of pupusas to explore the connections between culture, cuisine and community.

Odyeli鈥檚 Story: Culture, Cuisine and Community

Odyeli Ramos Tobar was part of the first group of students to undertake the project. A first-generation college student from West Orange, New Jersey, she chose Bloomfield for its Nursing program and small size, and found her first writing assignment unexpectedly meaningful.

Odyeli chose the Hispanic community she grew up in, but decided to focus even more specifically on pupusas, the traditional Salvadoran dish that connects her to her home and its indigenous history. She researched how pupusas are made, where the best ones are found, and the centuries-old traditions and rituals around them.

鈥淚 was really excited about my research because I grew up with pupusas,鈥� she says of her childhood in El Salvador. 鈥淚t was a tradition for me to buy it every weekend.鈥�

For her, that made the writing feel different from a typical assignment. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e not doing it because someone told you to, it鈥檚 because it comes from you.鈥� That sense of ownership, her professors note, is exactly what helps students push their writing, research and analysis to a higher level.

Growing a SCHOLAR Campus

For faculty, the pilot confirmed they had tapped into something powerful. McCook believes that in an era of AI, it matters that students see the work as both personal and communal, because that investment helps them do more authentic, deeper academic work.

As the model developed, Bloomfield鈥檚 leadership saw that it expressed something essential about the college. Today, Writing 105 serves as the first required SCHOLAR course for incoming students, and Bloomfield is expanding SCHOLAR electives so students can complete the certificate on top of their degree.

Faculty across disciplines have stepped forward to adapt courses. Planned SCHOLAR courses include Introduction to Informatics, a section of Intro to Game Design, a Theater in Practice course that recently culminated in a public monologue performance on the steps of Talbott Hall, Becoming a Changemaker 鈥� Intro to Social Innovation, Advocacy in Action, and special topics courses in Writing and Africana Studies. A community garden course with Newark-based nonprofit STEAM Urban is also continuing as a SCHOLAR course.

In Nursing, Foundations of Nursing and Community Nursing will both be SCHOLAR courses, giving transfer students to that program a path to complete the certificate with just one additional class.听

鈥淐ommunity-building is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, but it鈥檚 also about heart, ethics and practical skills students can carry into their careers,鈥� McCook says.

Ready to Start Your College Journey?

Since Bloomfield College officially became Bloomfield College of 精品成人福利在线 University, students have gained expanded academic options, more student life activities and access to 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 resources while still keeping their home base on a smaller campus.

Learn more about听

鈥淲e have a robust offering compared to most of our competitors, and we offer lots of different times, days and modalities,鈥� says Summer, Winter and Early College Programs Director Kirsten Tripodi.

There鈥檚 Still Time to Register

You decide how much of your summer you want to spend studying. These Summer Sessions are still available but don鈥檛 delay as the classes start soon:

• June 15 – July 14 (4-week session)
• 听July 1 – August 19 (7-week session)
• 听July 20 – August 4 (4-week session)

Whether you want to brush up on or, as our course catalog shows, we have you covered.

If you鈥檙e not sure what to take, Tripodi advises: 鈥淐heck with your advisor to make sure it’s the right class to take.鈥� She also suggests that students check with Red Hawk Central to see if financial aid is available.

5 Strategic Benefits for Currently Enrolled Students

If you need more good reasons to take a Summer Sessions course, here are five:

1. Core Courses听鈥� Check that prerequisite off your list so you can take that class you鈥檙e excited about next semester.
2. 听Boost Your Resume听鈥� Expanding your skills in a particular area or learning new ones can help with your career goals.
3. Learn a New Language听鈥� Speaking more than one language is always a plus, especially if you want to travel or work in other countries.
4. More Attention听鈥� Smaller class sizes during summer means you can get more individualized attention and get to better know your classmates and professors.
5. Love of Learning 鈥� If you consider yourself a lifelong learner, there鈥檚 no time like the present to learn something new.

Ready to plan your summer?

Log into and register today.

Still have questions about Summer Sessions?听We鈥檙e here to help. Reach out to summer@montclair.edu.

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�

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In her new position, she will play a pivotal role in aligning the University鈥檚 enrollment goals with its mission to advance access, academic excellence and public impact. She will also lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, data-informed strategic enrollment plan that
aligns with institutional goals and academic priorities while establishing short-and-long-term enrollment objectives across 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 13 colleges and schools and all academic levels.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Dr. Roman to 精品成人福利在线 University,鈥� says Interim Provost Fatma Mili. 鈥淗er commitment to broadening opportunities for students to pursue higher education makes her someone who embodies the institution鈥檚 mission. We look forward to welcoming someone with her passion for student success to our community.鈥�

Roman has led innovative, data-informed enrollment strategies focused on expanding access and opportunities for students at institutions including Rutgers University-Camden, the University of Cincinnati and most recently the University of Delaware. She has implemented systems across admissions, one stop, and financial aid, contributing to the shift to automated and streamlined processes and making the admissions experience smoother for students.

Her work has taken her all over the world to work with government officials to reimagine educational systems, including working with local governments on enrollment strategy through a USAID grant in Paraguay and Puerto Rico.

“I am incredibly honored to join Montclair at such an exciting moment in the university’s trajectory,鈥� says Roman. 鈥淢ontclair’s commitment to access and student success feels personal and aligns with who I am at my core. I am excited to help shape the future of the University and create opportunities for New Jersey residents and beyond.”

Roman holds a PhD in Public Affairs-Community Development and a master鈥檚 degree in Community Development from Rutgers University-Camden, and an MBA in Management from SUNY-Oswego.

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.