Alumni News

Michael Hughes ’90, director of INTERPOL Washington, circles the globe, helping to ensure that 195 unique countries coordinate their resources to fight transnational crime and to implement crucial humanitarian efforts. As head of the United States National Central Bureau and a member of INTERPOL’s 13-member executive committee, he is helping to bring together diverse voices with the shared goal of making the world safe for all.

When Erica Fischer-Kaslander ’13 MA began as the first executive director of Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the organization was little more than a dream and a borrowed office cubicle. In the 15 years since, Passaic County CASA has advocated for more than 1,000 children and trained hundreds of volunteers to serve as champions for abused and neglected children.

Building relationships for better results Business of Building Community.

Research scientist and professor Nathaniel Frissell ’07 began his Montclair journey with a passion for music and a hobbyist’s enthusiasm for ham radio. Today, Frissell’s research is deepening our understanding of the way radio waves travel through earth’s upper atmosphere.

Neil John Barnes ’17 has always had a fascination for the workings of Wall Street. As Vice President, Business Data Analyst (Systems Trading) at Citi, Barnes delves into the fine print and – sometimes less apparent – nuances that drive systems-level investing. As he completes graduate study and settles further into his career, Barnes looks forward to returning to Montclair to get involved in alumni life at his alma mater.

Creative strategist and entrepreneur Taylor Jeffers ’13 ’16 MBA has helped raise the profiles of such noted brands as the NBA, Bed Bath & Beyond and The Black Bachelorette. Now, Jeffers is raising the aspirations of students in Montclair’s Accelerated MBA program and bringing her expertise and energy to Montclair’s Black Alumni Advisory Council.

Al-Nesha Jones, CPA ’07 ’13 MBA is using her expertise to build up the community, one small business at a time. She is also bringing her positive energy to Montclair as a mentor and a new member of the Montclair State University Black Alumni Advisory Council.

Tom Kennedy ’08 ’10, “The Other Mentalist,” uses everything he learned at Montclair to engage – and amaze – audiences. In July, he brought his special brand of performance to Summer Bridge Program students at his alma mater, ensuring that their Montclair journey begins on a memorable note.

“It’s important to give back; I’m honored do it,”

Winning cases for those who face discrimination based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.