Presidential Excellence Awards

Teaching, Full-time Faculty

Eligibility: Full-time Faculty (Tenured and Teaching Faculty) with at least six years of full-time teaching at Montclair.

Criteria:

• Quality of Teaching: Use of practices such as those suggested by the Montclair Teaching Principles, adoption of innovative teaching practices and implementation of experiential or community-based learning.
• Impact on Student Learning: Connection of teaching practices to measurable improvement in student performance and/or engagement.
• Impact on Student Success: Enhanced preparedness for subsequent coursework, progression to advanced coursework or graduate programs, participation in conferences and competitions, internship and job placement, student leadership and alumni success.

Additional Information:

• Nominees will be asked to submit a one-page (500–750 word) description highlighting accomplishments and evidence supporting the criteria above.
• Finalists will be asked to submit three teaching artifacts supporting the criteria above.

Teaching, Early Career, Full-time Faculty

Eligibility: Full-time Faculty (Tenure Track and Teaching Faculty) with less than six years of full-time teaching at Montclair.

Criteria: Same as Teaching, Full-time Faculty.

Teaching, Part-time Faculty

Eligibility: Faculty with at least two years of part-time teaching at Montclair.

Criteria: Same as Teaching, Full-time Faculty.

Additional Information:

• Nominees will be asked to submit a one-page (500–750 word) description highlighting accomplishments and evidence supporting the criteria above.
• Finalists will be asked to submit three teaching artifacts supporting the criteria above.

Tenured Faculty Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity Award

Eligibility: Tenured Faculty with at least six years of full-time employment at Montclair.

Criteria:

• Quality of the research, scholarship, or creative activity, as measured by subject matter experts.
• Potential positive impact or reach of the research, scholarship, or creative activity, as measured by subject matter experts.

Definitions:

• Research: Systematic investigation and analysis aimed at discovering new knowledge or understanding phenomena.
• Scholarship: Intellectual work that interprets, synthesizes and advances knowledge within a discipline.
• Creative Activity: Original artistic, performative or design work that contributes to cultural or intellectual life.

Tenure-Track Faculty Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity Award

Eligibility: Tenure-Track Faculty.

Criteria:

• Quality of the research, scholarship, or creative activity.
• Potential positive impact or reach of the research, scholarship, or creative activity.

Definitions: Same as above.

Student Engagement in Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Quality of the research, scholarship, or creative activity.
• Level of student engagement in the research, scholarship, or creative activity.
• Potential positive impact or reach of the research, scholarship, or creative activity.

Definitions: Same as above.

Community Engagement, Faculty Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Quality of community engagement for community partners.
• Quality of student engagement in the community.
• Positive impact or reach of the community engagement in the community and/or on campus.

Community Engagement, Staff Award

Eligibility: Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Quality of community engagement for community partners.
• Positive impact or reach of the community engagement in the community and/or on campus.

Civic Participation & Public Purpose Award

Eligibility: Staff and Faculty (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Quality of civic education, civic participation and public purpose efforts.
• Quality of student engagement in civic education, civic participation and public purpose efforts.
• Positive impact or reach of civic education, civic participation and public purpose efforts.

Student Success Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Significance of the student success problem that needed to be solved.
• Innovative nature of the solution, approach, system or idea that was implemented.
• Positive impact of the solution on student success.

International Pedagogy & Research Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Integration of global and intercultural perspectives into curriculum design, pedagogy and mentoring.
• Research, scholarship or creative activity with international or comparative dimensions that build Montclair's global profile.
• Demonstrated impact in strengthening both Montclair's international visibility and the on-campus student experience.

International Engagement & Service Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Creation of programs or services that support international students, visiting scholars or intercultural activities.
• Development of initiatives or partnerships that enhance Montclair's global presence.
• Commitment to equity and access in international opportunities for students and colleagues.

Operational Excellence Award

Eligibility: Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Significance or complexity of the business process addressed.
• Innovative nature of the solution, approach, system or idea implemented.
• Positive impact of the solution, approach, system or idea implemented.

Sustainability Initiatives Award

Eligibility: Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Significance or complexity of the sustainability initiative.
• Innovative nature of the solution, approach, system or idea implemented.
• Positive impact of the solution, approach, system or idea implemented.

Excellence in Service Award

Eligibility: Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more with at least five years at Montclair. For teams, the majority of members must have at least five years at Montclair.

Criteria:

• Outstanding service to department above and beyond daily responsibilities.
• Positive impact on the university.
• Consistent dedication to excellence in service to constituents and stakeholders.

Excellence in Service, Early Career Award

Eligibility: Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more with less than five years at Montclair. For teams, the majority of members must have less than five years at Montclair.

Criteria:

• Outstanding service to department above and beyond daily responsibilities.
• Positive impact on the university.
• Consistent dedication to excellence in service to constituents and stakeholders.

Inclusive Excellence Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team of two or more.

Criteria:

• Commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Measurable impact on the university community.
• Engagement beyond the university.
• Sustainability and institutionalization of efforts.

Advocacy and Allyship Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT).

Criteria:

• Courageous advocacy.
• Effective allyship and partnership.
• Tangible impact on equity and belonging.
• Sustained modeling of inclusive leadership.

Innovation Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT), individual or team.

Criteria:

• Significance or complexity of the problem addressed.
• Innovative nature of the solution, approach, system or idea implemented.
• Positive impact of the solution.

Collective Impact Award

Eligibility: Any group of three or more employees (staff and/or faculty, FT or PT).

Criteria:

• Evidence of collaboration on an initiative that makes Montclair an excellent place to work, learn or serve.
• Evidence of improved learning, research or service.
• Evidence of improved student or employee satisfaction, engagement or morale.
• Positive impact on the university.

Unsung Hero Award

Eligibility: Faculty (FT or PT) or Staff (FT or PT). Work must have been performed since 2021. Multiple award recipients may be selected annually.

Criteria:

• Contribution: Consistent, meaningful and often underappreciated work that contributes to the betterment of the university.
• Work Ethic: Demonstration of exceptional responsibility and diligence.
• Generosity: Giving time, skills or resources to support others and strengthen the community.
• Humble Leadership: Positively influencing others without seeking authority, recognition or status.

December 2025

Nominations Open.

January 2026

Nominations close at 5:00PM.

Nominees are notified.

Presidential Excellence Awards Review Committee begins the review process.

March 2026

Committee determines a list of Finalists (no more than 3) for each award.

Finalists for each award are notified and invited to submit additional documents to support their nominations (no more than 3 pages). Please note: finalists are not required to provide additional documentation, this is optional.

Nominees that did not advance as finalists are notified.

Deadline for Finalists to submit any additional documents to the committee.

April 2026

Committee sends a list of their recommendations and 1-page rationale for each award to the President for review.

President makes the final decision regarding award recipients.

Finalists receive email from the President informing them of the awards winners.

June 10, 2026

Red Hawk Recognition Day.

Presidential Excellence Awards Review Committee (PEARC) will be chaired by a representative of the President’s Office who will coordinate the committee meetings and selection process. The committee chair will have a voice, but no vote in the review process. The other committee members will be appointed by the president and consist of:

• Faculty (2)
• Students (2)
• Provost’s Office Representatives (2)
• Administration and Operations Office (2)
• Student Development and Campus Life (1)
• Communications and Marketing (1)
• Enrollment Management (1)
• Human Resources (1)
• Development and Alumni Engagement (4)
• Inclusive Excellence and Institutional Equity (1)

The PEARC will form 4 subcommittees to review nominees for a particular sub-set of awards. Each subcommittee will select a subcommittee chair.

Members of the PEARC are not eligible for any awards.

Teaching, Full-Time Faculty

Awardee:

Fernando Naiditch, Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Honorable Mention:

Evan Matthews, Associate Professor, Kinesiology, College for Community Health

Nicole Panorkou, Professor, Mathematics, College of Science and Mathematics
 

Teaching, Early Career, Full-Time Faculty

Awardee:

marcus d. harvey, Assistant Professor, Theatre and Dance, College of the Arts

Honorable Mention:

Hao Liu, Assistant Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Sei Eun Kim, Assistant Professor, Family Science and Human Development, College for Community Health
 

Teaching, Part-Time Faculty

Awardee:

Jason Torreano, Adjunct Instructor, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University

Honorable Mention:

Ashlee Martellacci, Adjunct Instructor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Amrit Parmar Adjunct Instructor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity, Tenured Faculty

Awardee:

Pankaj Lal, Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Honorable Mention:

Weitian Wang Associate Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity, Tenure-Track Faculty

Awardee:

Erin Kang, Assistant Professor, Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mention:

Roman Liera, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Student Engagement in Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity

Awardee:

Greg Pope, Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Honorable Mention:

Pankaj Lal, Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Erin Kang, Assistant Professor, Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Community Engagement, Faculty

Awardee:

Maria Jose Garcia Vizcaino, Professor, Spanish and Latino Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mention:

Lesley Sylvan, Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, College for Community Health

Antonella Calarota-Ninman, Director, Center for Latine and Spanish Academic Success and Excellence (CLASE), Spanish and Latino Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Madison Kranis, Program Coordinator, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Community Engagement, Staff

Awardee:

Krystal Woolston, Director of Public Service Programs, Office of the President

Honorable Mention:

Jayme S. Ganey, Engagement Specialist, Inclusive Excellence, Office of the President

Tamara Massay-Trotz, Senior Director of Student Services, Academic Affairs, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University

Civic Participation and Public Purpose

Awardee:

Brigid Callahan Harrison, Chairperson, Political Science and Law, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mention:

Nora McCook, Associate Professor, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University

Fanny Lauby, Associate Professor, Political Science and Law, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Student Success

Awardees:

Jonnine DeLoatch, Assistant Dean, Student Belonging, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Angie Aponte, Academic Advisor, Student Services, Feliciano School of Business

Honorable Mention:

The Crisis, Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team

International Pedagogy and Research

Awardee:

Soyoung Lee, Associate Professor, Family Science and Human Development, College for Community Health

Honorable Mention:

Elizabeth Emery, Professor, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Daniela Peterka-Benton, Director, Global Center on Human Trafficking

International Engagement and Service

Awardee:

Gail Yosh, Associate Teaching Professor, Information Management and Business Analytics, Feliciano School of Business

Honorable Mention:

Pascale Lafountain Associate Professor; Thomas Herold, Associate Professor, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Elizabeth Erwin Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Operational Excellence

Awardee:

Julianne Vitale, Associate Registrar for Transfer Evaluation and Articulation, Registrar, Enrollment Management

Honorable Mention:

Hope Lennon, Academic Advisor, University College

The Red Hawk Access Shuttle Team, Transportation Services

Sustainability Initiatives

Awardees:

Liliam Turino, University Facilities

Frances Jelks-Brown Assistant Director for Student Access to Community Services, OSB Advocacy and Outreach, Student Development and Campus Life

Honorable Mention:

Alex Witzl, Energy Manager; Adam McGuire, Project Manager, University Facilities

Service

Awardee:

Nicole Archer, Chairperson, Art and Design, College of the Arts

Honorable Mention:

Angie Aponte, Academic Advisor, Student Services, Feliciano School of Business

Kathleen Loysen, Chairperson, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Service, Early Career

Awardee:

Christopher Trautman, Director of Student Conduct, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Honorable Mention:

Christina Rodriguez-Unalt, Assistant Professor, Art and Design, College of the Arts

Mikaela Guzman, Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator, Office of the President

Innovation

Awardees:

Paul McGroarty, Social Media Director, Strategic Distribution, Communications and Marketing

The Bilingual Educational Leadership Partnership Program Team

Collective Impact

Awardee:

The Crisis, Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team

Honorable Mention:

The Student Health Center Team

The Montclair AI Hub Team

Inclusive Excellence

Awardees:

Blanca Elizabeth Vega, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Milton Fuentes, Professor, Social Work and Child Advocacy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Danne Davis, Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Advocacy and Allyship

Awardee:

Sarah Jennings, Director of University Health Services, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Honorable Mention:

Rebecca Haddock Assistant Director of Promotion and Prevention Programming; Jennifer Faasse, Assistant Director for Clinical Services and Training, Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health, College for Education and Engaged Learning

marcus d. harvey, Assistant Professor, Theatre and Dance, College of the Arts

Unsung Hero

Posthumous Awardee:

Nancy Menegus

Awardees:

Heinz Nordmann, University Facilities

Dawn Wilkenfeld, Assistant Director for Early College Programs, Summer and Winter Sessions, Enrollment Management

Jude Uy, Staff Psychologist/Coordinator of Prevention and Wellness Programming, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Development and Campus Life

Danielle Insalaco-Egan, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Acting Dean, University College

Mike Peters, University Photographer, Creative, Communications and Marketing

Catherine Keohane, Director of Faculty Development, Academic Affairs

Melissa Zarin, Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Development and Campus Life

Sumi Hagiwara, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Honorable Mention:

Margaree Coleman-Carter Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Leslie Wilson, Associate Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Robert Gano, Staff Content Producer, Strategic Content, Communications and Marketing

Excellence in Teaching, Full-time Faculty Award

Faculty with at least 6 years of full-time teaching at Montclair, selected based upon quality of teaching, impact on student learning and impact on student success.

Winners:

Peter Hosick, Associate Professor, Kinesiology, College for Community Health

Pascale Lafountain, Associate Professor, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mention:

Eric Forgoston, Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Excellence in Teaching, Early Career, Full-time Faculty Award

Faculty with less than 6 years of full-time teaching at Montclair, selected based upon quality of teaching, impact on student learning and impact on student success.

Winners:

Román Liera, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Josh Lupinek, Associate Professor, Hospitality and Tourism, Feliciano School of Business

Honorable Mention:

Nina Bailey, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, College of Science and Mathematics

Excellence in Teaching, Part-time Faculty Award

Faculty with at least 6 years of part-time teaching at Montclair, selected based upon quality of teaching, impact on student learning and impact on student success.

Winners:

Tyree Oredein, Assistant Professor, Public Health, College for Community Health

Christopher Parker, Adjunct Faculty, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of the Arts

Honorable Mention:

Michelle Sarver, Adjunct Faculty, Mathematics, College of Science and Mathematics

Excellence in Teaching, Early Career, Part-time Faculty Award

Faculty with less than 6 years of part-time teaching at Montclair, selected based upon quality of teaching, impact on student learning and impact on student success.

Winners:

Yun Kim, Adjunct Faculty, World Languages and Cultures, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Monique Tawiah, Adjunct Faculty, Earth and Environmental Science, College of Science and Mathematics

Honorable Mention:

Ashlee Martellacci, Student Affairs and Community Engagement Coordinator, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Adjunct Faculty, Social Work and Child Advocacy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Excellence in Student Engagement in Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity: Faculty Award

All faculty either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon the quality of the research, scholarship, or creative activity; level of student engagement in the research, scholarship, or creative activity; and potential positive impact or reach of the research, scholarship, or creative activity.

Winners:

Laura Lakusta, Professor, Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Weitian Wang, Associate Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Honorable Mention:

Yang Deng, Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Excellence in Student Engagement in Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activity: Staff Award

All staff either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon the quality of the research, scholarship, or creative activity; level of student engagement in the research, scholarship, or creative activity; and potential positive impact or reach of the research, scholarship, or creative activity.

Winners:

Elyse Postlewaite, Postdoctoral Researcher, The Institute for Research on Youth Thriving and Evaluation

The Center for Student Involvement:

Casey Coleman, Assistant Director of Student Involvement

Julia DelBagno, Assistant Dean for Student Engagement

Sidra Habal, Program Assistant

Emily Inserra, Coordinator of Commuter Life

Malachi Longmore, Program Assistant

Suzette Shaw, Coordinator for Volunteer Resource Center

Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement: Faculty Award

All faculty either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon quality of the civic and community engagement for community partners; quality of student engagement in the community; and positive impact or reach of the civic and community engagement in the community and/or on campus.

Winners:

Katherine Herbert, Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Jason Williams, Professor, Justice Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Honorable Mentions:

Christopher King, Associate Professor, Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Excellence in Civic and Community Engagement: Staff Award

All staff either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon quality of the civic and community engagement for community partners; quality of student engagement in the community; and positive impact or reach of the civic and community engagement in the community and/or on campus.

Winners:

Marilyn Davis, Director, Center for Educational Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Honorable Mention:

Suzette Shaw, Coordinator for Volunteer Resource Center

Excellence in Student Success Award

All faculty and staff either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon significance of the student success problem that needed to be solved; innovative nature of the solution (approach, system, or idea) that was implemented; and positive impact of the solution on student success.

Winners:

Nicolette Aponte, Sergeant, Campus Police, University Police Department, Student Development and Campus Life

Michelle Ciecwisz, Detective Lieutenant, Investigations, University Police Department, Student Development and Campus Life

Jane Sanchez Swain, Director, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, University College

Honorable Mention:

Carlos Flores, Director for Career Development and Success, Center of Pedagogy, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Inclusive Excellence Award

All faculty and staff either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon actions taken to make the university more equitable and inclusive; and impact on the larger community.

Winner:

Daniel Jean, Associate Provost 

Honorable Mentions:

Alicia Broderick, Professor, Teaching and Learning, College for Education and Engaged Learning

Weitian Wang, Associate Professor, School of Computing, College of Science and Mathematics

Office of Student Belonging – Advocacy and Outreach:

Adela Caceres, Director, Advocacy and Outreach, Student Development and Campus Life

Darius Edwards, Assistant Director, Office of Student Belonging

Stephanie Lopez, Program Associate, Office of Student Belonging

Excellence in Business Process Optimization Award

All staff either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon significance or complexity of the business process that was addressed; innovative nature of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented; and positive impact of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented.

Winners:

Bloomfield College Admissions Integration Team:

Mukund Gopalakrishnan, Associate Director for CRM Data Analytics and Technology

Kelly Oliva, Assistant Director for CRM Data Analytics and Technology

Nicole Cibelli, Senior Associate Director of Recruitment for Bloomfield College

Larissa Lamont, Associate Director of Operations

Julissa Duran, Associate Director for Marketing and Events

Joseph Niclas, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Jordanna Maziarz, Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Honorable Mentions:

Cheri Jefferson, Director of Accounts Payable, Financial Operations, Treasury and Finance

Hayato Suzuki, Associate Director of Financial Aid, Financial Aid, Enrollment Management

Excellence in Sustainability Initiatives Award

All staff either as an individual or acting as a team. Selected based upon significance or complexity of the sustainability initiative; innovative nature of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented; and positive impact of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented.

Winner:

Adam McGuire, Project Manager, Capital Planning and Project Management

Honorable Mentions:

Brittney Portes, Community Garden Manager, Office of the President

Samuel Thorburn, Manager of Fleet Services, Facilities Services

Excellence in Service Award

Staff with at least 5 years of service at Montclair, considered as an individual or as a team. Selected based upon outstanding service to their department, above and beyond daily responsibilities; positive impact on the university; and consistent dedication to excellence in service to constituents and stakeholders.

Winner:

Lori Petrozzello, Front Desk Supervisor, Access Services, Access Services & Resource Sharing, Academic Affairs

Honorable Mentions:

Yolanda Alvarez, Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students, Student Development and Campus Life

Lisa Hoyt, Associate Vice President, Development

Excellence in Service, Early Career Award

Staff with fewer than 5 years of service at Montclair, considered as an individual or as a team. Selected based upon outstanding service to their department, above and beyond daily responsibilities; positive impact on the university; and consistent dedication to excellence in service to constituents and stakeholders.

Winners:

Michelle Kight, Director of Emergency Medical Services

Honorable Mentions:

Shakira Jackson, Manager of Facilities Training & Development, Office of the Vice President

Paul McGroarty, Social Media Director, Strategic Distribution, Communications and Marketing

Excellence in Innovation Award

All faculty and staff, considered as an individual or as a team. Selected based upon significance or complexity of the problem that needed to be solved; innovative nature of the solution, approach, system, or idea that was implemented; and positive impact of the solution.

Winners:

PSEG ISS Green Teams Program:

Amy Tuininga, Director, PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies, College of Science and Mathematics

Nina Goodey, Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science and Mathematics

Honorable Mentions:

Elaine Hitchcock, Chairperson, Communication Sciences and Disorders, College for Community Health

Nicole Koppel, Professor, Information Management and Business Analytics, Feliciano School of Business

Early Bird Program, Undergraduate Admissions:

Mukund Gopalakrishnan, Associate Director for CRM Data Analytics and Technology

Kelly Oliva, Assistant Director for CRM Data Analytics and Technology

Nicole Cibelli, Senior Associate Director of Recruitment for Bloomfield College

Larissa Lamont, Associate Director of Operations

Julissa Duran, Associate Director for Marketing and Events

Joseph Niclas, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Jordanna Maziarz, Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Team Award

Any group of three or more employees that collaborate on an initiative that makes Montclair an excellent place to work, learn, or serve others. Selected based upon evidence of improved learning or research; evidence of improved student/employee satisfaction, engagement, or morale; and positive impact on the university.

Winner:

Department of Family Science and Human Development

Honorable Mentions:

The Center for Writing Excellence

The Global Center on Human Trafficking

Counseling and Psychological Services

Excellence in Advocacy and Allyship Award

All faculty and staff, full-time or part-time, who play an active role in advocating for the rights, opportunities, and voice of historically excluded groups; provide guidance, mentorship, or resources to individuals from underrepresented communities to support their personal or professional growth.

Winner:

Stephanie Spitz, Department Administrator, Art and Design, Dean’s Office, College of the Arts

Honorable Mentions:

Hanan Atiyat, Director of Academic Advising, College for Community Health

April Sime, Program Coordinator, Feliciano School of Business

Unsung Hero Award

Up to 5 awards annually for faculty and staff, full-time or part-time, who since 2021, have demonstrated consistent, meaningful and often under-appreciated work that contributes to the betters of the university with an exceptional level of responsibility and diligence; giving their time, skills, or resources to support others in ways that significantly contribute to collective efforts or community improvement; exercising leadership in a humble, understated manner that positively influences others without seeking authority, acknowledgement, or status.

Winners:

Celeste Van Nice, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, College of Science and Mathematics

Ashlee Martellacci, Student Affairs and Community Engagement Coordinator, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Adjunct Faculty, Social Work and Child Advocacy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Antonio Talamo, Assistant Director, Student Center and Commuter Life, Center for Student Involvement

Nicole Fleming, Director of Special Events, Student Development and Campus Life

Barbara Ackerson, Staff Nurse, Health Center, Student Development and Campus Life

Jaclyn Friedman-Lombardo, Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Development and Campus Life

Sudha Wadhwani, Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Development and Campus Life

Colette Killian, Assistant Director of Budgets and Grants, College of Science and Mathematics

Mary Colon, Assistant Vice President for Academic Personnel Services, Academic Affairs

Honorable Mentions:

Jude Uy, Staff Psychologist/Coordinator of Prevention and Wellness Programming, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Development and Campus Life

Brandon Fralix, Humanities Division Chair and Professor of Writing & Analysis, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University

Giuseppe Marzullo, Associate Vice President for Facilities Maintenance and Energy Management, University Facilities

Julia DelBagno, Assistant Dean for Student Engagement, Center for Student Involvement

Emily Isaacs, Interim Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, Academic Affairs

Amy Aiello, Interim Dean, College for Community Health