April 5, 2021

Celebrating a Career Serving Students

President Cole, Karen Pennington and Rocky the Red Hawk — CAPTION: President Susan A. Cole and Vice President Karen L. Pennington celebrated with Rocky, students and colleagues on Wednesday, March 31.

Send-off parade honors retiring VP for Student Development and Campus Life

Despite the threatening skies, it didn’t rain on Karen L. Pennington’s parade on Wednesday, March 31 when Montclair State honored the retiring vice president for Student Development and Campus Life.

Marching behind decorated golf carts and police vehicles, students and colleagues bid a fond farewell to Pennington, who has spent the past 23 years serving and shaping the lives of countless Red Hawks.

The parade began and ended at the Student Center, where Pennington’s vision and concern for the health, safety and well-being of all students created one of the most inclusive campuses in the country. Since joining Montclair State in 1998, she has been an integral part of the University’s growth, including the expansion of student housing and recreational facilities.

Her legacy is also being honored with contributions to Rocky’s Closet, which provides professional attire to students in need so that they can be dressed appropriately for job interviews and professional networking events.