The purpose of this event is to support the Montclair community with knowledge, experiences, and dispositions related to Black women leaders at Montclair. We will do so by hosting a panel of leaders who will speak about their experiences as higher education professionals and leaders of Montclair State University. The featured leaders for this panel discussion will include:
-Margaree Coleman-Carter, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
Dean Carter has 40 plus years of experience in Student Affairs and Higher Education. She currently serves as Associate VP and Dean of Students at Montclair State University and oversees staff and offices that provide student support services. Dean Carter also serves on a number of campus wide committees and as an advisor to sororities and student organizations.
Dean Carter is a proud first generation student. While in High School she was in the Upward Bound Program. She went on to attend Gannon University as an EOP student. She graduated Gannon University, Erie Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Dean Carter also attained her Masters of Arts Degree in Counseling and Higher Education from Montclair State University and she is a Certified Public Manager for the State of New Jersey.
While Dean Carter has many proud moments in Higher Education, she is most proud to have served the University for 44 years and worked alongside amazing and dedicated professionals in the field of Student Affairs.
-Ginneh Collins, Associate Director of Graduate Recruitment
Ginneh Collins's employment background did not start in Higher Education. After high school, she had to transition into the work field. At 19, she started working at GEICO Insurance and had a few progressive positions over 13 years with the company. After a successful tenure in the corporate world, Ginneh transitioned into positions at the University of Phoenix, Saint Peter's University, New Jersey City University, and now Montclair State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master of Arts in Education.
Ginneh's passion for education, as well as access to education, is something that motivates her to lead a team focused on students' best interests. She is dedicated to developing and implementing short-term and long-term recruitment and marketing strategies and communication methods to create a highly responsive, high-touch recruitment funnel to move students through the recruitment and admission process to registration. She works collaboratively with the Office of Graduate Admissions, campus partners, and academic programs to create simplified processes that allow students to achieve their goals.
-Tabitha Riley, Academic Program Coordinator
Tabitha has over seven years of professional experience in higher education, marked by prior success in customer service within several well-known corporate organizations. Currently positioned as an Academic Program Coordinator at Montclair State University, Tabitha plays a pivotal role in University College's initiatives and accomplishments. Her expertise lies in program planning and development, where she channels her creativity to design, implement, and facilitate specialized programming for specific demographics, including pre-major (undeclared) and adult students. She aims to help these students cultivate academic success, foster career development, and instill a sense of belonging. Beyond on-campus duties, Tabitha generously volunteers her time to the University’s CARE Team. Moreover, she actively engages in training faculty, staff, and students in Mental Health First Aid, showcasing her dedication to the holistic well-being of the campus community.
Hailing from Paterson, NJ, Tabitha began her academic journey at Paterson Come-Unity Christian School and graduated from Eastern Christian High School in North Haledon, NJ. She earned her Bachelor’s in Theatre from Hampton University and a Master’s in Higher Education at Montclair State University. She is ardently pursuing a doctorate in Family Science and Human Development, reinforcing her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and leadership.
Reflecting on her life's trajectory, Tabitha expresses profound gratitude for the experiences and lessons that have shaped her. Committed to motivating and inspiring those around her, she embraces every opportunity as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Tabitha is a testament to the resilience and adept leadership of Black women in academia, making invaluable contributions to higher education and beyond.
Additionally, Blanca Elizabeth Vega, EdD, a faculty member from the Master of Arts in Higher Education program, will provide an overview of the significance of Black women leadership and specifically how Montclair as a community can embrace this within their HSI identity. We will end with an overview of the MA in Higher Education program to share more about the program with prospective students.
Registration is no longer available because the registration deadline has passed.