In The Know – Issue 157
Posted in: In the Know

Opening Day President’s Town Hall: Announcing Montclair’s New Mission Statement
President Koppell introduced the University’s newly revised mission statement—reaffirming Montclair’s commitment to public service, academic excellence and community impact.

University Launches Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation
The School will place students at the heart of solving society’s biggest challenges through interdisciplinary educational programs, collaborative research and scholarship and partnership with the community.

Montclair Hosts Largest EOF Summer Conference in University History
771 students came together to a day of learning, networking and inspiration as they learned how to build a strong foundation for academic success.
Updates
University Social Media Engagement and Support Poll
University Communications and Marketing is collecting feedback to better understand social media engagement and support across the University. This survey is for individuals who oversee or create content for any social media accounts on both Montclair and Bloomfield campuses. Your input will help shape future resources, meetings and strategic planning. The survey should take about five minutes.
Reminders
Homecoming 2025
Homecoming will take place on Friday, September 26 on Bloomfield Campus and Saturday, September 27 on Montclair Campus. Save the dates for a day filled with fun, food, athletics and performances! View the schedule of events and register today!
Open Call for Submissions
A Day in the Life
University Communications and Marketing is always looking for stories to share about our students, faculty and staff. We are interested in showcasing members of our University community who are living the mission — whether in the classroom, through research, internships, jobs, hobbies or unique personal experiences. If you or someone you know has a compelling story to share, please complete the A Day in the Life submission form. Faculty and staff may also submit on behalf of students who express interest.
Share Your Story or Nominate a Fellow Red Hawk
Everyone has a story, and Student Communications wants to share yours! Red Hawks of Montclair State U highlights the incredible students, staff, faculty and alumni who make our community special—just like Humans of New York, but right here at Montclair. Interested in being featured? Fill out the form and schedule a photoshoot with our student photographers. If you would like examples of our photoshoots, view our photo gallery. You can also nominate someone whose story deserves to be shared.
In The News
(Articles may require a subscription to view)
- Patricia Matthew (English) is featured on this Shakespeare Unlimited podcast episode discussing her research on Jane Austen and Regency-era literature.
- Jason Williams (Justice Studies) is quoted in this USA Today article discussing how federal actions in major cities can carry broader social and political implications.
- Stefanie Murray (Center for Cooperative Media) is featured in this State of Affairs With Steve Adubato segment discussing the decline of local news in New Jersey and its impact on communities.
- Montclair is featured in this NorthJersey.com article for its partnership with Garfield High School’s Tomorrow’s Teachers program, which helps address teacher shortages in New Jersey.
- Meiyin Wu (Biology) is quoted in this NorthJersey.com article explaining the causes and impacts of harmful algal blooms.
- Ethan Hein (Adjunct Faculty, Cali School of Music) wrote this MusicRadar article analyzing the theory behind Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” He also wrote another piece for MusicRadar analyzing Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”
- Montclair is featured in this NorthJersey.com article about its role as a partner in developing the new visitor center at Paterson’s Great Falls National Historical Park.
- Paul Bologna (Biology) is quoted in this USA Today article discussing how warming waters, and coastal developments are driving jellyfish population increases along U.S. beaches.
- Laura Nicosia (English) is quoted in this ROI-NJ article about Montclair’s launch of its new Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation.
- Jaime Grinberg (Educational Foundations) was an analyst on the TV program This Is America, which covers relevant news from the United States and the world. In this interview, Grinberg discussed the situation and future in Latin America, focusing on terrorist attacks in Colombia, tensions in Venezuela, and elections in Bolivia, among other topics.
- Stephen Andon (College of Communication and Media) is quoted in a Cincinnati Enquirer story about fans booing Lionel Messi.
- Seth Howard (Art and Design) is quoted in an article for luxury lifestyle publication Robb Report about the best sneakers for travel.
- Nicole Koppel (Feliciano School of Business) appeared on One on One with Steve Adubato to discuss Montclair’s MBA program and online learning environments.
- Jude Uy and Melissa Zarin (CAPS) are quoted in this Insight Into Academia article about how Mental Health First Aid training is being utilized by institutions including Montclair to prepare campus communities on how to recognize and respond to signs of distress.
- Joel Penney is quoted in this Scripps News article about how the Department of Homeland Security’s social media presence has undergone a transformation in President Donald Trump’s second term.
Kudos
- To Milton Fuentes (Social Work and Child Advocacy), who joined thought leaders in Washington D.C. at the 2025 APA Think Tank on Educational Equity and Workforce Development.
- To Julia Berger (Religion), who was appointed a Trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
- To Richard Conway (History), who has been selected for the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute. The program is designed to address the unique needs of department chairs and help develop the skills needed to succeed in advancing their institution’s mission and ensuring student success.
- To Stephanie Spitz (Art and Design), who was interviewed about activism, art, and anti-fatness on college campuses on the podcast All Bodies. All Foods. run by the Renfrew Center.
- To Roman Liera (Educational Leadership), and colleagues who published an article on faculty cluster hiring initiatives and organizational change in The Journal of Higher Education.
- To the Feliciano School of Business for being recognized by The Princeton Review for Best On-Campus MBA Programs and Top 50 Online MBA Programs.
Social Media Post of Note
Smartest packing hack we’ve seen yet at #montclairstateuniversity Move-In Week 2025!
Photo of the Week

Our new Red Hawks are ready to soar! University Photographer: John LaRosa
Quick Links
Have an item you’d like included in Kudos or Reminders? Want to nominate a staffer for our spotlight? Use this form to tell us. Read more about our people and programs in the University News Center and in back issues of In the Know. And find out what’s happening on campus in the Events Calendar.
