In The Know – Issue 160
Posted in: In the Know
Montclair’s John Martinson Honors EDGE program receives $5 million Gift
The gift from philanthropist John Martinson will power program enhancements that expand interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
The Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center Recognized in State Legislative Resolution
The resolution honors CESAC for its significant contributions to New Jersey’s clean energy and sustainability initiatives.
Bloomfield College’s Scott H. Kaplan ’02 Art Gallery Presents: “The King Has Spoken”
The fall exhibition opens September 25, spotlighting six male artists in partnership with Newark Arts.
HR Updates
New Absence Calendar Experience
Effective Monday, September 22, Workday will feature a new absence request procedure that will allow employees to manage both time off and leave requests in a single task. The enhancement will allow requests to be made from their desktop or mobile device. Please review the Request Absence and Manage Absence job aids. Should you have any questions, contact Human Resources at askhr@montclair.edu.
Updates
Fridays with ITDS: Exploring the Future of Montclair Unbound
Montclair Unbound is more than an initiative; it’s a transformation of how students connect with learning. Join us in this session, Friday, September, 26, 10-11 a.m., Zoom. Marc Austin, Vice Provost and Managing Director for Montclair Unbound, will unpack the Unbound vision and its goals for course design, student flexibility, and the University’s future. Faculty will gain insights into emerging programs, future initiatives, and the evolving role of technology and pedagogy in creating a truly blended campus. Registration required.
Participate in our “Where You Are” Campaign
Montclair is celebrating the flexibility of our programs — on campus, online and beyond! The red chairs symbolize Montclair’s welcoming and supportive spirit, available to anyone, from anywhere. Members of the University Communications and Marketing team will be on Montclair’s Campus Wednesday, September 24 for a Red Chair Pop-Up Activation. Stop by between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., take a photo and share how you take #MontclairAnywhere. Please encourage your students to stop by as well!
Locations:
- Alumni Green/Cole Hall
- CCOM
- Red Hawk Statue
- Outside Memorial Auditorium
- Feliciano Grass
- Student Center Quad
Montclair 250
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. Beginning this semester and running through December 2026, Montclair 250 will host a series of events that not only reflect on the last 250 years of American history, but look to our future. Montclair 250 events can come from any individual or group on campus. Events might include art exhibits, performances, lectures, debates, installations, publications, book groups, or videos that not only address historical topics, but explore the foundational ideals and commitments of the American experience.
If you are interested in joining the Montclair 250 Planning Committee, contact Mark Allman, allmanm@montclair.edu before Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Reminders
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.
Open Call for Submissions
Montclair 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 Montclair Life submission form. Faculty and staff may also submit on behalf of students.
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)
- President Jonathan Koppell is featured on the NJBIZ “2025 Education Power List.”
- Priya Lavani (Teaching and Learning) was featured on an episode of the “We Disrupt This Broadcast” podcast, discussing inclusive education and disability rights.
- Mark Rotella (Coccia Institute) wrote a feature for New Jersey Monthly remembering pop legend Connie Francis.
- Bond Benton (Communication and Media) was cited in this NBC News article about the role of memes and online subcultures in connection with the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Kudos
- To Provost Junius Gonzales and Associate Vice President Bradley Litchfield (Academic Affairs), who are featured in the newly published Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook: A Provost’s Guide to Visionary Leadership published by Johns Hopkins University Press. Provost Gonzales contributed a solo chapter on advancing institutional mission through intentional leadership, and together they co-authored a chapter on reimagining academic program vitality and prioritization.
- To the Office for Faculty Excellence for receiving the 2025 Delphi Award from the USC Pullias Center for Higher Education at USC Rossier School of Education. The $15,000 cash award will continue their work to support contingent, also called VITAL (Visiting, Instructors, Temporary, Adjuncts and Lecturers) faculty in promoting student success.
- To Daniela Peterka-Benton (Humanities and Social Sciences), who collaborated with American and Austrian scholars and practitioners on an article comparing the prevalence, legal aspects and methods related to human trafficking in both countries.
- To Pascale LaFountain (World Languages and Cultures), who was honored with the 2025 Post-Secondary Outstanding German Educator award by the American Association of Teachers of German.
Social Media Post of Note
Tag someone who spends way too much time in the napping pods
Photo of the Week
Fire Safety side-by-side burn demonstration of mock dorm rooms. – 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.