Meet our MA Higher Education Students

Meet Our MA Higher Education Students

Students in the MA Higher Education program have gone on to work at a wide variety of institutions such as:

  • Public and private institutions
  • Community colleges and four-year institutions
  • Small, medium, and large-sized institutions
  • Institutions located in New Jersey, across the United States, and even abroad

Institutions Where Our Alumni Work

Bergen Community College, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, Caldwell University, College of St. Elizabeth, ELS Language Centers Teaneck, Essex County College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Fordham University, Iowa State University, James Madison University, Lafayette College, Manhattanville College, Mercy College, Montclair State University, NASPA Headquarters, New Jersey City University (NJCU), New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), New York University (NYU), New York University Abu Dhabi, Ocean County College, Pace University, Penn State University, Princeton University, Ramapo College, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, Stevens Institute of Technology, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), The New School, Union College (Union, NJ), University of Kansas, University of South Carolina, University of Southern Indiana, Ursinus College, Washington University in St. Louis

Roles Our Graduates Hold

Program Associate for Dean of Students Office, Student Activities/Campus Life Coordinator, Commuter Life Coordinator, Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Assistant Director of First-Year and Transition Experiences, Coordinator of Study Abroad Programs, Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Programming, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Involvement, Assistant Director of Residence Life, Residence Hall Director, Area Director for Residence Life, Residence Life Coordinator, Office of Student Belonging Coordinator, LGBTQ+ Center Coordinator, Academic Advisor, Academic Program Coordinator, Career Advisor, Career Specialist, ESL Center Director, Assistant Director & Adult Learning Support Specialist, Director of Upward Bound, Assistant Director of Educational Opportunity Fund, Disability Services Coordinator, Admissions Counselor, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Enrollment Specialist, Transfer Resource Counselor, Financial Aid Counselor, Associate Registrar, Student Services Specialist for the Registrar

Alumni Spotlight


Meet Our Students

Jenisa Esteras-Santana

  • Current Job Title: Graduate Coordinator at Montclair State University
  • Undergraduate Degree: Family Science and Human Development (Family Services), minor in Child Advocacy and Policy – Montclair State University
  • Career Aspirations: Assistant Director for Academic Advising
  • Why I Joined: As a first-generation student, I understand the challenges of navigating higher education. I joined this program to gain the knowledge and skills to support students and help them succeed.
  • Fun Fact: I enjoy reading, writing, event planning, spending time with loved ones, and developing visual designs.

LaKendra Herring

  • Current Job Title: Graduate Coordinator for Commuter Life & Graduate Peer Mentor for Residence Life
  • Undergraduate Degree: Psychology – Montclair State University
  • Career Aspirations: Academic Advisor, and eventually Vice President of a university
  • Why I Joined: My involvement as an undergrad helped me discover my passion for working with students and inspired me to pursue a career in higher education.
  • Fun Fact: I enjoy creating diamond art and doing hair on the weekends.

Caitlin Aristizabal

  • Current Job Title: Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Marketing and Events at Felician University
  • Undergraduate Degree: Communication and Media Arts & Psychology – Montclair State University
  • Career Aspirations: Continue to grow in admissions, especially in event planning and outreach
  • Why I Joined: Inspired by my mom’s higher ed career and my own experience as a student worker in Admissions. I wanted to take the next step in the field.
  • Fun Fact: I love to bake, cook, and ice skate.

Gulnaz Saeed

  • Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in Liberal Studies (Humanities), minor in Psychology and Classics – Montclair State University (Summa Cum Laude)
  • Career Aspirations: To support and inspire adult and non-traditional students in higher education
  • Why I Joined: My passion for education and support from BLS program leaders (who are HIED alumni) motivated me to enroll and make a meaningful impact.
  • Fun Fact: I love playing with my cat “Castiel”, watching classic TV (recently finished Prison Break), and listening to Green Day.