Doctoral Student Sherlene Ayala Receives Distinguished Service Award from NJIT

Sherlene Ayala was recently awarded the Lifelong Learner Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in recognition of her many contributions and commitment. Recipients are committed to fostering a love of lifelong learning in students, manifested through high expectations for educational goal attainment, staff participation in the academic lives of students, continuous professional development and support for personal development of staff and students. The award was presented to Ayala by NJIT Vice President, Dr. Charles Fey.

Ayala is a Student Affairs professional with over 9 years of experience, ranging from Residence Life, EOP advisement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, New Student Orientation and Leadership & Diversity Programs. Originally from New York City, Ayala relocated to New Jersey in 2011 to accept a job at the NJIT and to pursue a doctoral degree in Counselor Education here at Montclair State University. Ayala is active in the field, and has presented a various conferences such as Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) and the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE). Ayala is currently working on a research publication with advisor Dr. Muninder Ahluwalia that looks as the experiences of faculty of color who teach multicultural competence.