From the President

Hello from Montclair!

What a thrill to join this wonderful university. In the three months since starting as president, I have been so impressed with our students, faculty and staff, and the many alumni I’ve met. One thing this diverse group of people has in common is a strong connection and deep sense of pride in our university. It’s part of the great foundation that former President Susan Cole built over her 23 years here. I am so grateful to have joined this community.

As you know from reading this magazine through the years, public service is in Montclair’s DNA – from its inception as a leading teacher’s college through its evolution into a national doctoral research institution. As you will read in the Q&A in this issue, this profile was a powerful lure. I am passionate about capturing the full potential of Montclair State University to be an engine for positive social transformation. We will build on our relationships with surrounding communities and across the state, working with community partners to come up with solutions to the challenges we face. With your support of our students, our programs and initiatives, we can have an even greater impact as we emerge as New Jersey’s premier public service university.

I am enjoying meeting our alumni, and I hope to connect with as many graduates as possible as we share this journey together. In that spirit, know that we are back and fully in-person this year, with appropriate safety measures, of course, and we look forward to welcoming you back to campus. Come see us.

Upward!

President Jonathan Koppell's signature.Jonathan Koppell