Black Alumni Advisory Council (BAAC)
The Montclair State University Black Alumni Advisory Council brings together Montclair graduates who are of African descent in the Diaspora, connecting them to their alma mater and engaging them in preparing today’s students for academic and career success. Their inaugural gathering took place on campus during Homecoming 2021, providing an opportunity for alumni to come back to campus to reconnect with the University and with each other.
For more information, please contact Hannah Glynn, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, at glynnh@montclair.edu or 973-655-7478.
Our Mission
The Black Alumni Advisory Council (BAAC) was created to engage Black alumni in support of the Montclair State University mission through educational, institutional, and overall university community initiatives, policies, and activities that strengthen relationships with the Black community and promote social justice, equity, and inclusion among alumni and students. The BAAC welcomes and encourages alumni of all backgrounds to participate in its programs, initiatives, and efforts to advance an inclusive and engaged alumni community.
Goals and Objectives
- To sponsor networking opportunities and events for Black alumni
- To develop an annual BAAC event at Montclair State University
- To participate in Montclair State University Homecoming activities
- To develop an annual fundraising initiative to support Montclair State University and Montclair State University Foundation priorities
- To support EOF scholarships and other Montclair State University Foundation endeavors
- To sponsor and/or co-sponsor an annual Black History Month event
- To engage the Montclair State University community on issues that impact our Diaspora
Join the Black Alumni Advisory Council.
“Where we are today started at Montclair State University,” says Joanne Bowman ’82, director of human resources at Columbia University, referring to the Black students she knew during her days as a college student and later as a young alumna. “I found myself wanting to reconnect with this network, to do something together, something bigger and more meaningful.”
Brenda Coleman-Caldwell ’78, an assistant director of human resources for New Jersey Turnpike Authority, felt the same way. “Joanne and I had kept in touch with a lot of people through the Black Alumni Association, but that organization was dissolved,” she says. In the years since, their idea of what an alumni organization could be began to change and grow.
They decided that it was time to have a conversation with their friend Greg Collins ’79, who also happened to be the newly appointed chair of the Montclair State University Foundation board.
“Brenda invited me to what I thought was a casual lunch,” Collins recalls with a chuckle. “Instead, she laid out their vision for the Black Alumni Advisory Council. I loved what I was hearing!”
“Now is the right time, given everything that has been happening in our community and around the world,” Bowman explains. “Change is coming to the surface, putting diversity and social justice front and center in our schools, churches and neighborhoods. There is a sense of urgency that we want to build on.”
Meet the Founding Council
Joanne Bowman ’82 – President
Brenda Coleman Caldwell ’78 – Vice President
Michael Burgess ’79
Antoinette Clay ’80
Greg Collins ’79
Diane Ryales Gipson ’80
Susan Blackwell Hargis ’76
Jeffrey L. Johnson ’83
Donna Teel ’80
Doreen Tucker ’83
Randal J. Yorker ’89
Support BAAC Initiatives
Support Future BAAC Initiatives with a gift to the Black Alumni Advisory Council Initiatives Fund. Gifts of all sizes make a direct and immediate impact. Your gift at the Supporter, Advocate and Benefactor levels enables the BAAC to develop opportunities to build and strengthen the alumni network and support student success.
