Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ celebrates Associate Professor of Chemistry Shahrzad “Sherry” Heidary and Assistant Director of Athletics Dianna Constable, who were both recognized as 2026 Union County SHEROs for their leadership, mentorship, and commitment to student success and community impact.
Professor Heidary holds a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering and a master’s degree in polymer science from Pennsylvania State University. She joined the College in 2007 and has been a passionate advocate for student success. During her tenure, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including faculty leadership positions, faculty advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and co-chair of the College’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Professor Heidary has been leading the development of institutional AI implementation guidelines across academic and administrative departments.
She is also engaged in the Union County community, serving as a Commissioner for the Union County Commission on the Status of Women and as a board member for the Union County YWCA. She currently serves as a Trustee on the Union County College Foundation Board.
Professor Heidary has earned numerous honors throughout her distinguished career. She was the first recipient of UCNJ’s prestigious Fiat Lux Award in 2017 and is a two-time recipient of the Dr. Richard and Barbara Neblett Prize Award for Educational Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In 2015, she received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. More recently, Professor Heidary was honored with the 2023 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Northeast Region Faculty Award and the 2024 New Jersey Council of County Colleges Distinguished Faculty Award.
Assistant Director of Athletics Dianna Constable was recognized as a 2026 Union County SHERO for her mentorship and dedication to student-athlete success. Ms. Constable joined the College in 2018 and brings a strong academic and professional foundation to her role, holding a bachelor of science degree in health information administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a master of business administration from Rider University. At UCNJ, she has played a vital role in supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. Known for her leadership and unwavering commitment to student success, she has guided countless students through their academic and athletic journeys, helping them graduate, transfer to four-year institutions, and pursue opportunities they once believed were out of reach.
As Assistant Director of Athletics, Ms. Constable has helped students navigate the transfer and recruitment process by assisting with eligibility requirements, connecting students with opportunities at four-year institutions, and encouraging them through challenges both academically and personally. Her efforts have helped create meaningful pathways for students to continue their education while pursuing their athletic aspirations.
“Sherry and Dianna exemplify the very best of UCNJ through their unwavering commitment to our students and the Union County community,” said UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Whether in the classroom or on the field, they have transformed the lives of countless students by helping students graduate and achieve greater economic mobility. Their impact extends far beyond UCNJ, and this recognition as Union County SHEROs is incredibly well deserved.”
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 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.
