Cranford, NJ – Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, has received the 2025 Union County Lifetime Achievement Award from Scouting America. This award is presented to leaders who exemplify the ideals that Scouting America has expressed in the Scout Oath and Law for over 115 years.
Dr. McMenamin was recognized for her leadership and commitment to the community. She has served as President of UCNJ since 2010 with a student-centered focus that has transformed the College’s outcomes. Under her leadership, the College’s graduation rate has more than quintupled. Most recently, the Aspen Institute recognized UCNJ as one of only ten finalists for the 2025 million-dollar Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
President McMenamin is involved with numerous community organizations. She is an active member of several local and national organizations, including the Boards of RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Union County Performing Arts Center, the New Jersey Israel Commission, and the NJ-PBS Community Advisory Board. In 2015, Dr. McMenamin was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. In 2020, she was named the National Marie Y. Martin CEO of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees. President McMenamin was selected for the 2024 NJBIZ Education Power 50 List and was the recipient of the 2025 Leaders in Workforce & Community Development, Community Agency Partner Award by the Elizabeth Development Company.
“President McMenamin’s commitment to student success and improving lives through education is what makes her an exceptional choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award,” stated UCNJ Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel. “Her visionary leadership has not only transformed UCNJ but has also strengthened the greater Union County community. This award is a reflection of the lasting impact she has made on countless students and families, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”
UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.