The 麻豆传媒在线 programs that participate in the annual survey include Education, Public Health, Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Clinical Psychology, Business specializations including Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing and Supply Chain Management; Fine Arts and the University鈥檚 Part-Time MBA program.

Highlights from the 2026 Best Graduate Programs Rankings:

• The University鈥檚 Master of Public Health ranked No. 142 overall, up 26 spots from No. 168 in 2025
• 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Doctor of Audiology ranked No. 49, up 12 spots from No. 61
• The University鈥檚 Doctor of Clinical Psychology ranked No. 168, up 8 spots from No. 176
• The institution鈥檚 overall ranked No. 104 overall and tied for second in N.J.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Graduate Offerings

麻豆传媒在线 offers 116 graduate and eight doctoral programs across a range of disciplines in its 13 colleges and schools.

鈥淲e are very proud of this recognition of the exceptional quality of 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 graduate programs,鈥� says Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Fatma Mili. 鈥淚t affirms our mission to provide excellent education and make it accessible to students in our communities and beyond. These programs have been specifically designed to meet the needs of the region鈥檚 workforce and to allow professionals to upgrade their skills in ways that fit their lives and careers. These rankings show why 麻豆传媒在线 continues to be a top-choice institution for students at all stages of their lives.鈥�

Are You A鈥�

Prospective Student? Make your deposit now or take the first step toward applying to become a Red Hawk.

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鈥淲e are proud to announce this milestone, which reflects many months of meaningful collaboration between our Native American and Indigenous Studies team and University leadership,鈥� says Shannon Bellum, University Senate President. 鈥淲e believe the new statement is a truer reflection of our values and commitments.鈥�

Members of the 麻豆传媒在线 community are invited, though not required, to use the new statement as a meaningful addition to their work, events, and communications as they see fit.

鈥淭his work did not happen quickly, nor should it have,鈥� Bellum adds. 鈥淎uthentic acknowledgement and commitment to action take time, relationship, and care. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this process and to the tribal communities who have engaged with us in good faith along the way.鈥�

This distinction is awarded to institutions that develop and implement robust, data-informed action plans designed to increase civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 plan earned 31.5 out of 36 possible points on the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Guide (SADG) Rubric, placing it among the top-performing campuses nationwide.

麻豆传媒在线 is one of 129 colleges and universities across the country to receive this prestigious recognition for the 2026 election cycle, underscoring its leadership in fostering a culture of civic responsibility and student participation in democracy.

Since joining the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge in 2016, 麻豆传媒在线 has consistently developed and refined action plans aimed at institutionalizing civic engagement efforts. These plans emphasize inclusive, equitable and sustained strategies that extend beyond election cycles and are embedded across academic and co-curricular experiences.

麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 Office of Civic and Voter Engagement developed the action plan submitted to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. The plan highlights the University鈥檚 ongoing work to expand civic learning, increase student voter participation and strengthen nonpartisan engagement across campus. Through voter registration drives, educational programming and campus-wide initiatives, the office works to ensure students have the knowledge, resources and opportunities to participate fully in the democratic process while advancing the University鈥檚 broader goals for civic participation.

For more information about the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and the Highly Established Action Plan Seal, visit .

Sheridan Van Biert works as a registered dietitian for Gourmet Dining Services at Sam鈥檚 Place, the same dining hall where she grabbed meals between classes as a 麻豆传媒在线 student.

Van Biert did her dietetic internship with Gourmet Dining Services, 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 award-winning dining service provider, while studying Food and Nutrition Science in the College for Community Health,听resulting in her campus career. Her preceptors during her internship are now her colleagues.

鈥湶汛遣猿俪Ρ舨咕卑�檚 undergraduate and graduate nutrition program helped me prepare for my current role by applying what I learned in the classroom into real-life practice,鈥� says Van Biert ’22, ’24 MA. 鈥淔rom situational group lesson plans and cooking classes as a student to everything in between, it came naturally when I started using these skills for teaching kitchens that we, as dietitians, host for students, as well as presentations we tailor for our athletes.鈥�

The Path to Success:

• Degrees: BS (’22) & MA (’24) in Nutrition and Food Science.
• Program Perk: Combined BS/MS track for faster career entry.
• Real-World Experience: 1,000+ hours of dietetic internship.
• Current Role: Campus RD for Gourmet Dining.

Student Connection

鈥淏eing a part of 麻豆传媒在线 for so many years I feel is a big advantage when it comes to relating and connecting with the campus community,鈥� Van Biert says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a valuable aspect to have when providing outpatient counseling to students or chatting with them in the dining halls and around campus.鈥�

Gourmet鈥檚 Director of Dining and Wellness Jennifer Bostedo, RDN, Van Biert鈥檚 supervisor, echoes those benefits, noting that 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Food and Nutrition Science program well prepared her for the position. 鈥淗iring a 麻豆传媒在线 grad gives us the benefit of a rigorously, well-trained professional who has an intimate knowledge of the campus culture. It allows us to tailor food and beverage offerings to meet the needs of today’s students better.鈥�

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Nutrition Program continues to contribute to Van Biert鈥檚 career success. 鈥淗aving built a strong sense of adaptability has been invaluable in my current role, as each workday varies significantly and involves juggling multiple diverse responsibilities.鈥�

I understand the students’ perspective, as well as the food service perspective. I always like to think back to what I was excited about coming into the dining hall. It’s kind of a full circle moment.鈥� ~ Sheridan Van Biert

Paying It Forward

Today, Van Biert helps guide 麻豆传媒在线 student dietetic interns, collaborates with her former professors on nutrition research and student wellness initiatives and ensures nutritious, delicious meals for the 麻豆传媒在线 community. 鈥淣ow she and the other dietitians on campus continue the cycle as we precept future dietitians who started just like Sheridan did, right here at 麻豆传媒在线,鈥� says Bostedo.

I love the connections I鈥檝e made at 麻豆传媒在线, the people I’ve met, the campus, the community.鈥�

for a complete look at Sheridan Van Biert鈥檚 day and her attention to details as a food service professional and nutrition counselor.

Are You Ready to Start Your 麻豆传媒在线 Journey?

Want to turn your passion for wellness into a career? Explore our Nutrition & Food Science Programs. See yourself at 麻豆传媒在线, Schedule a Campus Tour.

鈥淐arpe Diem鈥� is presented by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development and 麻豆传媒在线 Galleries. On view February 3 through May 3, 2026, in the George Segal Gallery, the exhibition brings together the work of 12 accomplished alumni artists whose practices span more than eight decades 鈥� from 1943 to 2024. The visual arts exhibition features a wide range of media, including photography, poetry, portrait quilts, mixed media and video installations.

Among the artists are 鈥�97, whose photography and video work examining mobility and the Black American experience has been exhibited at the Tate Britain and the Studio Museum in Harlem, and M谩rta Kucsora (2005鈥�06), an internationally recognized painter known for monumental, process-driven abstraction.

Curated by Art and Design Professor Sally Morgan Lehman, founder of New York City鈥檚 Morgan Lehman Gallery, 鈥淐arpe Diem鈥� highlights the depth of artistic inquiry fostered at 麻豆传媒在线. The exhibition features nationally and internationally recognized artists alongside emerging voices, underscoring 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 role as a launching ground for creative expression.

鈥� 鈥楥arpe Diem鈥� reflects what we know to be true about 麻豆传媒在线 alumni: creativity does not end at graduation,鈥� says Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters. 鈥淲hether art was their major or a parallel passion, these artists demonstrate how learning, curiosity, and creative expression continue to evolve across a lifetime. We are proud to celebrate alumni whose work enriches communities locally and globally.鈥�

By celebrating these artists鈥� achievements, 麻豆传媒在线 reaffirms its commitment to fostering the next generation of visual artists and sustaining a vibrant future for the arts.

Featured Artists

鈥�13

鈥�05

鈥�97

鈥�10

鈥�12

(1943)

(2005鈥�06)

鈥�11

鈥�80

鈥�09

听鈥�78

鈥�24

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Monday, February 9, 5:20 p.m.

Art Forum with 鈥淐arpe Diem鈥� Curator Sally Morgan Lehman

Art Forum is a speaker series featuring artists, designers, art historians, curators, and art critics from around the world presenting their work and ideas in an open forum, hosted by the Department of Art and Design.

is required.

Opening Reception

Tuesday, February 3, 5 鈥� 7 p.m.

Celebrate 麻豆传媒在线 alumni at the opening of the exhibition 鈥淐arpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts.鈥� 麻豆传媒在线 President Jonathan GS Koppell and Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters will make remarks at 6 pm. is required.

A Cross-Generational Conversation with Alumni Artists

Monday, March 2, 6 鈥� 7 p.m.

This multi-generational panel celebrates the distinguished women alumni of 麻豆传媒在线. Featuring exhibiting artists Nancy Bergman Pantirer 鈥�80, Tiffany Perez 鈥�09, and Maria Valdivia 鈥�24 in conversation about their careers and creative practices, moderated by curator Sally Morgan Lehman. is required.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery, 麻豆传媒在线

Dates: February 3 鈥� May 3, 2026

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday 鈥� Friday, 12 鈥� 4 p.m. Or by appointment.

The Galleries鈥� free digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators. Created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is available on the web or via the app and can be accessed for both onsite and offsite visits.

About 麻豆传媒在线 Galleries

麻豆传媒在线 Galleries brings together ideas, perspectives, and dialogue to foster curiosity and shared understanding through art. Through diverse and inclusive exhibitions and programs, the Galleries connect the campus experience with local and global communities.

Follow and join the conversation: @montclairstategalleries | #麻豆传媒在线StateGalleries

Exhibition Support and Contact

麻豆传媒在线 Galleries

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey?

Learn more about our programs in the Department of Art and Design in the College of the Arts.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 online Master鈥檚 in Educational Leadership improved to No. 5 (tie), up nine spots from No. 14 in the 2025 rankings.

For the first time, 麻豆传媒在线 also earned a ranking in the Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs category at No. 56 (tie), reflecting the University鈥檚 growing portfolio of online undergraduate degree completion options which now includes Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing RN to BSN and Psychology.

惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 online graduate business offerings were also recognized, with the University鈥檚 Best Online Master鈥檚 in Business Programs (non-MBA) ranked No. 53 (tie) nationally, an eight-spot increase from No. 61 in 2025. The ranking highlights the strength of 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 online Master of Science programs in Business Analytics, Digital Marketing Analytics, and Human Resource Analytics.

Additional 2026 ranked programs include:

• Best Online MBA Programs: No. 107 (tie)
• Best Online Master鈥檚 in Nursing Programs: No. 62 (tie)

鈥溌槎勾皆谙� Online makes everything around learning as simple as possible, from applying, to navigating coursework, to getting student support when questions come up,鈥� says Marc Austin, vice provost and managing director, 麻豆传媒在线 Unbound. 鈥淭hese U.S. News rankings reflect the work behind the scenes to deliver a high-quality online experience that鈥檚 engaging, well-supported and designed for student success. Students should be able to focus on the hard work of study; we streamline the rest.鈥�

U.S. News & World Report program rankings are based on scores from five categories 鈥� student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and opinions of academic experts across 1,800 online bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

Are you a:

Prospective Student:听Explore 麻豆传媒在线 Online鈥檚 full range of programs, from fully online undergraduate degrees to online and low-residency master鈥檚 and doctoral offerings as well as career-advancing certificates and certifications.

Media Member: Contact the Media Relations team for further details or to schedule an interview.

Sophomore Public Health major and Bonner Leader Program participant Mateo Llano, who was among this year鈥檚 group of student volunteers, says he enjoys volunteer opportunities. 鈥淰olunteering benefits me because it allows me to gain education and awareness about the issues that are affecting different groups of people on a day-to-day basis,鈥� says Llano, who along with other student leaders, spent MLK Day sorting and selecting food for clients at the food pantry of the of Fairview.

Mikaela Guzman ’22, Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator with the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, says there are many benefits to service: 鈥淰olunteering helps students develop leadership, empathy, collaboration and strong problem-solving skills. They are fully immersed in communities that are diverse in every sense, as volunteering brings together people of different religious, ethnic, cultural and political backgrounds who unite for the common good.鈥�

麻豆传媒在线 Students Deliver on Service 鈥� Together

A total of 310 students from the Bonner Leader Program, NextGen Service Corps, AmeriCorps and Greek and student organizations, such as the Latin American Student Association, Mexican-American Student Association, Feliciano Women in Business and the Haitian Student Association, fanned out across New Jersey communities to give back. The students assisted 18 community partner organizations, such as the,, and other nonprofit agencies helping with food insecurity, dental care and hygiene and other needs.

My service experience has taught me how to lead effectively.” ~ Mikaela Guzman ’22, Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator with the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships

Service Opportunities at 麻豆传媒在线 That Go Beyond One Day

While the Day of Service brings hundreds of students together, 麻豆传媒在线 offers meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the academic year. For months, for example, 麻豆传媒在线 students, faculty and staff have helped build a home in Paterson鈥檚 One Square Mile. Students and organizers encourage peers to get involved by:

• Exploring opportunities on and around campus through the
• Attending community service events hosted by student organizations
• Connecting directly with the Volunteer Center for opportunities or collaborations
• Following on social media
• Emailing volunteer@montclair.edu
• Engaging with the Office Of Community Engagement and Partnerships

Llano offers fellow citizen leaders this simple but important advice before serving: 鈥淎lways ask if a community member needs help and always ask questions to get the best volunteer experience.鈥�

Why Volunteering Matters 鈥� for Communities and for You

Research consistently shows that volunteering benefits those receiving service and those giving their time and talents. Guzman emphasizes that service is rooted in collective action: 鈥淲e are not meant to solve complex problems alone; real meaningful change happens when people come together.鈥�

For students, volunteering 鈥渆xposes students to perspectives different from their own, which deepens empathy and strengthens self-awareness,鈥� while also placing them 鈥渋n situations that challenge them to embrace who they are as leaders, put their best foot forward and step outside of their comfort zones.鈥�

Lastly, it 鈥渇osters a sense of togetherness and unity that is essential for students to experience,鈥� Guzman says.

The Personal and Professional Benefits of Service

Among the many benefits to volunteering:

• Promotes personal growth and self-esteem
• Has been shown to reduce stress
• Provides fun activities and interactions
• Creates opportunities to meet new people
• Positively impacts the lives of strangers
• Offers leadership experience
• Strengthens career prospects 鈥� one in five managers report hiring someone because of their volunteering experience.

Reflecting on her own career at 麻豆传媒在线, Guzman adds: 鈥淢y service experiences helped me stand out, even as one of the youngest professionals in my office. They built my confidence, taught me how to remain grounded under pressure, and strengthened my ability to problem-solve quickly and adapt when challenges arise.鈥�

Ready to find your place in 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 community engagement efforts? and explore our nationally ranked programs, visit campus or .

Journalists: Contact the media relations team for assets or to schedule an interview.

The classification honors an institution鈥檚 commitment to community engagement 鈥� which is defined as collaboration and partnership between schools and the larger communities they serve.

麻豆传媒在线 is one of 230 institutions to be awarded the classification, bringing the total to 277 institutions nationwide that have the designation.

鈥淎t 麻豆传媒在线, we鈥檙e achieving clear, mission-driven goals and demonstrating that universities can pursue a complex set of socially critical objectives without compromise. We are pleased to be recognized again for our commitment to community engagement. This recognition is all the more meaningful, having recently been among the first institutions designated with the Carnegie Foundation鈥檚 Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose,鈥� says President Jonathan Koppell. 鈥淭his makes us one of four federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Carnegie-classified research institutions to hold both the engagement and public-purpose imprimaturs. I am so proud of the work done by 麻豆传媒在线 staff and faculty to demonstrate what it truly means to be a public-serving university.鈥�

Community Engagement Opportunities at 麻豆传媒在线

Established by Koppell in 2023, 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships oversees the University鈥檚 various community engagement initiatives, including its Community Action Nexus, public services programs and community-engaged teaching and research opportunities.

From Paterson One Square Mile to and countless other initiatives, 麻豆传媒在线 is serving the public good throughout New Jersey while creating opportunities for every member of the University to engage with community partners and help to solve their most pressing challenges.

鈥淭he Carnegie elective classification acts as the outward representation of the significant community engagement we know is happening here at 麻豆传媒在线,鈥� says Director of Public Service Programs Krystal Woolston. 鈥淧utting together the application, I was so inspired by all of the projects, programs, and initiatives that are happening across both campuses that truly exemplify what it means to live out the public purposes of education serving in and with our local communities.鈥�

How You Can Get Involved

In keeping with 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 mission and in addition to hands-on learning and public service opportunities, all students can take advantage of community engagement programs including:

• The Bonner Leader Program, which challenges and supports students to take their passion for service and continue to provide service throughout college
• NextGen Service Corps, which offers students an opportunity to learn about complex challenges from different perspectives while preparing them for public service careers
• Community-Engaged Learning, which links academic study to real-world experiences in community settings
• An undergraduate minor in Leadership Development Through Civic Engagement, which is designed to train students in any major how to engage and lead others in their chosen field by actively participating in their community to facilitate their development as leaders.

Faculty can also engage in 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) Fellows program, which is a two-year professional development program for faculty interested in attaining a deeper knowledge of community-engaged teaching, learning and research.

鈥淏eing recognized as a Carnegie Community-Engaged campus reflects the depth of our partnerships and our shared commitment to advancing opportunity and the public good,鈥� says 麻豆传媒在线 Associate Vice President for Community Partnerships Bryan Murdock. 鈥淭his designation affirms the collaborative work of our students, faculty, and community partners to create meaningful, lasting impact.鈥�

Ready to Start Your 麻豆传媒在线 Journey?

Prospective students: Learn how our students get involved through the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships.

Journalists:听Contact the Media Relations team听for assets or to schedule an interview.

Students from 29 states and five countries earned doctoral, master鈥檚 and bachelor鈥檚 degrees from 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 14 colleges and schools, marking a milestone for one of New Jersey鈥檚 leading public-serving research universities. The ceremony highlighted 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 ongoing mission to expand access to higher education and empower diverse communities through knowledge.

Many graduates, President Jonathan Koppell noted, faced doubts along the way. Some wondered if they would ever reach graduation day, while others paused their studies and returned to school after years away 鈥� a testament to their resilience and determination.

Reflecting on perseverance and unity, Koppell acknowledged the challenges of division and fear that often shape the world beyond campus. Building community, he said, requires something stronger.

鈥淚t is easy to divide people on the basis of fear,鈥� Koppell said. 鈥淏ut hope, love and optimism are what bring us together 鈥� and what got us here today.鈥�

Inspiring Stories of Perseverance and Purpose

The ceremony underscored the power of education to uplift families, strengthen communities and drive positive change 鈥� examples of 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 mission in action.

Among those whose journeys captured that spirit was Cookie Howard, whose walk across the Prudential Center stage marked a decades-long path from foster care and homelessness to business ownership and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Family Science and Human Development.

Graduate student speaker Rutvi Jani, who earned a Master of Science in Biology, reflected on persistence and self-growth: 鈥溌槎勾皆谙� taught me that growth doesn鈥檛 happen in applause or success. It happens quietly when you wake up after failure and try again.鈥�

Undergraduate speaker Brianna Correa, a Psychology major, balanced her studies with serving as both an EMT and a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard. 鈥淪trength doesn鈥檛 always look loud,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ometimes it looks like choosing not to quit.鈥�

Bloomfield College Graduates Join the Celebration

The ceremony also honored graduates from the integrated , a milestone merger that expands educational access. Accounting major Lisha Brito plans to launch a business and nonprofit promoting financial literacy among minorities and youth leaving foster care. Biology graduate Nicole Yator, once a shy student, found confidence through the EOF Scholars Program and is now dedicated to mentoring future students.

鈥淵ou have reached this day having overcome challenges,鈥� Koppell said. 鈥淵ou did not accept that greater things were not possible because they were hard to achieve. You did not accept the idea that your own success required the diminishment of someone else. So do not accept that the world cannot be made a better place. It can, and I believe you are the key to making it so.鈥�

Joy, Pride and a Shared Mission

Koppell told graduates they would carry fresh ideas, talent and optimism into a world that urgently needs their energy and leadership. 鈥淵ou will go out and prove that there are endless opportunities to make a difference in this world,鈥� Koppell said.

Confetti fell in celebration as graduates formally joined the ranks of 麻豆传媒在线 alumni. Student Government President Leila Jones encouraged classmates to carry the University鈥檚 values forward: 鈥淵ou are standing here because you honored your journey, even on the days it felt too heavy. When doubt visits 鈥� and it will 鈥� return to this moment.鈥�

Photos by Mike Peters and John J. LaRosa

Celebrate With Us

Watch the replay on YouTube and .

Ready to start your 麻豆传媒在线 journey?

• Accepted Students: Secure your spot and register to attend Accepted Student Day.
• Prospective Students: Visit campus and apply to 麻豆传媒在线.
• Journalists: Contact 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Media Relations for photographs or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.

A GED earner, Howard will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Family Science and Human Development during the College for Community Health portion of the ceremony. Her journey embodies the spirit of 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 graduates and mission: students who broaden access to opportunity and uplift others along the way.

A Mother鈥檚 Dream Becomes a National Brand

Howard became a single mother at 16. Raised in Harlem in the foster care system, she wanted a different future for her young son, Cory Nieves so the two moved to Englewood, New Jersey, navigating daily life by bus. When 5-year-old Cory wished for a car to help them get around, he came up with an idea 鈥� selling hot chocolate and then cookies.

began at home. What followed was extraordinary. The mother-and-son business gained national attention, appearing in local, regional and national media, including and appearances on and the reality TV show . At its height, the company, which resulted in Howard鈥檚 Cookie moniker, reportedly surpassed $1 million in sales.

And then it all crumbled.

Loss, Homelessness and Starting Again

The COVID-19 pandemic halted sales. The business unraveled. Howard and her son lost their home and eventually moved into a shelter.

鈥淚 made it to the top and fell back down,鈥� Howard says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a part of being an entrepreneur; it’s part of being human. I just pray that with the grace of God things will get better.鈥�

Despite the ups and downs, Howard refused to give up 鈥� on herself or on education.

Returning to School Against the Odds

While still operating and working odd jobs, Howard, 37, enrolled at 麻豆传媒在线 as a non-traditional student, navigating financial instability, a documented learning disability and the daily realities of survival. There were moments when continuing felt impossible, particularly when her car 鈥� the 2015 Ford Escape gifted to her on Ellen 鈥� broke down and she again faced eviction and homelessness.

鈥淭hese were times when everything felt dark, and I honestly didn鈥檛 see a way out,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut by God鈥檚 grace, I was able to keep my apartment. I held on to the little bit of light I had left, and somehow, it shined right through.鈥�

Melissa Pecora, Howard鈥檚 EOF counselor and academic advisor, watched that perseverance firsthand. 鈥淐ookie has overcome countless challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles she鈥檚 faced, she continues to rise above them and has shown that challenges can become opportunities for future success,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 have watched her excel academically while achieving significant personal milestones.鈥�

“Cookie exemplifies a unique balance of grit, creativity and unrelenting drive. She is an inspiration to all scholars, particularly those adult learners who may be reluctant to enroll in college.” ~ Daniel Jean, Associate听 Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs

Three Buses, No Internet, No Excuses

Unable to afford the car repairs or an internet connection, she left home three hours early, taking three buses to campus to make her 9 a.m. class. Using the internet on campus, Howard routinely stayed late into the evening, juggling class assignments and her internship and leadership of the Adult Student Advocacy Program (ASAP).

From her warmth and humor, few would know her struggles, as her light also illuminated others.

鈥淚’ve had students come to the office asking for her or mentioning how much she helped them,鈥� says Meghan Hearns, director of the Disability Resource Center, where Howard is a constant presence.

Advocacy as a Calling

Howard鈥檚 impact at 麻豆传媒在线 extends far beyond the classroom. She became a mentor and presenter for students connected to the Disability Resource Center, spoke at the Disability Awareness Month flag-raising ceremony, and earned the prestigious Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.

Her most lasting contribution, however, is the Adult Student Advocacy Program 鈥� a support network she founded to help non-traditional students navigate school while balancing work, family and life challenges.

鈥淎dult students have a lot of stuff that’s going on in our lives,鈥� Howard says. 鈥淲e sometimes feel like no one cares, but we have to open our mouths and say, 鈥楬ey, I need help.鈥� People want to help you.鈥�

A Tribe That Wouldn鈥檛 Let Her Quit

Despite the hardship, Howard persisted with the help of the people around her.

鈥淚t took a tribe of people to get involved and say, 鈥榃e believe in you,鈥欌�� she says. 鈥淭hat gave me the confidence to continue.鈥�

Support came from people on and off campus. Howard credits and is grateful for the many who helped her, including Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Margaree Coleman-Carter, whom she credits for making her internship possible, Office of Student Belonging Assistant Dean Jonnine DeLoatch, and a host of听 professors, advisors and even University Police 鈥� some of whom, she says, bought her meals, pitched in for car repairs or other needs. She also credits her church family at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, some of whom will be at Commencement, for helping her get to the graduation stage.

鈥淭hey just didn’t give up on me,鈥� Howard says. 鈥淚 kept holding on, and I’m happy I did.鈥�

Academic Advisor Natalia Pizarro-Valencia credits Howard鈥檚 鈥渉ard work, perseverance and commitment to learning鈥� to accomplish her goal. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a truly humbling experience to support Cookie throughout her academic journey. Witnessing her effort, growth and dedication has been both inspiring and rewarding.鈥�

Looking Ahead, Giving Back

Howard鈥檚 plans to continue her post-graduate studies. She鈥檚 considering attending Drew University, where she鈥檚 been accepted. Her goals include community activism, philanthropy and humanitarian work 鈥� 鈥減astoral work without the collar,鈥� as she puts it.

鈥淚 want to work with single mothers and at-risk kids,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 going for my Master of Divinity.鈥�

As she crosses the stage January 13, Howard鈥檚 journey affirms that with resilience 鈥� and the right support 鈥� students at 麻豆传媒在线 can transform adversity into achievement.

Story by Sylvia A. Martinez Photography by University Photographer Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚 mission to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your 麻豆传媒在线 Journey?

Prospective students: Learn more about 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Family Science and Human Development or explore other College for Community Health programs.

Journalists: Contact 惭辞苍迟肠濒补颈谤鈥檚 Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic

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