Author: ericwinch

PATH Scholarship program supports economically disadvantaged students globally

Cranford – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ was selected as a 2025 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH Scholarship Program provides grants to higher education institutions worldwide to directly benefit students facing economic hardships and subsequent educational disruptions. UCNJ received $15,000 which will be distributed to individual students to help cover items such as housing costs, tuition expenses and food.

“The UCNJ community is deeply grateful for the Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship program. This support provides essential resources that enable our students to focus on their studies and stay on track to complete their degrees. By investing in our students, this scholarship helps remove barriers to success and advances their educational and career goals,” said UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

“Students across the globe are working hard to stay enrolled, but too many continue to face financial barriers that put their progress at risk,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “Our 2025 Student Voice Report — which includes insights from ‘stop-outs,’ or learners who left college before completing a degree — found that 23% cannot afford upfront costs to return, and 15% are already too burdened by student debt. The Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship Program is helping institutions reduce these barriers so more students can continue their academic journey with confidence.”

The PATH Scholarship is provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. To date, the PATH Scholarship program has provided more than $3.7 million in grants to 200+ institutions, supporting 3,700+ students.

“Institutions know better than anyone the real barriers their students face — and how even modest financial support can change the trajectory of a learner’s academic journey,” said Jen Welding, Executive Director of the Ellucian Foundation. “The PATH program is built on that principle. By putting flexible funding directly into the hands of colleges and universities, we enable them to rapidly assist students whose education might otherwise be interrupted.”

For more details, visit: https://stayonpath.org/

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.

Cranford, NJ – Three students from UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation (JKCF) Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This highly competitive award provides up to $55,000 per year for up to three years to support recipients in completing their bachelor’s degrees at any accredited four-year institution in the United States.

The UCNJ JKCF Transfer Scholarship semifinalists, Sabrina Da Silva, Katherine Jovel, and Libni Vizcaino, were selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 1,300 applicants nationwide. To qualify, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA, demonstrate exceptional academic ability, leadership, and demonstrate financial need. Finalists will receive not only a significant financial award, but also educational advising, access to internship opportunities, study abroad experiences, graduate school funding, and connections to a network of more than 3,800 fellow Cooke scholars and alumni.

The UCNJ semifinalists are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the international honor society for community college students, and the Union Honors program, which supports high-achieving students as they prepare to transfer to leading universities.

Ms. Da Silva, of Roselle Park, is majoring in psychology and is an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) student. She is a member of Psi Beta, the national honor society in psychology for community college students, and serves as a college tutor. Ms. Da Silva participated in the Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI) summer program at Princeton University. She plans to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s degree in criminal psychology. Her long-term goal is to work in a mental health hospital or correctional facility.

Ms. Jovel, of Elizabeth, is majoring in business and is an EOF student. She serves as a tutor in the Academic Learning Center, Treasurer of UCNJ’s Dance Club, and was part of the 2025 Princeton TSI cohort. Ms. Jovel plans to transfer to a four-year university to study economics. She aims to develop policy and educational support systems for marginalized communities. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to attend law school, focusing on education or immigration law.

Ms. Vizcaino, of Roselle, is majoring in public administration. She completed internships with Senator Cory Booker and in the office of Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, and participated in the Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey Summer Institute at Rutgers University, a prestigious program that introduces college women to political leadership and public service. After completing her degree at UCNJ, Ms. Vizcaino plans to transfer to a four-year institution to study international relations or legal studies, focusing on diplomacy and political science. She hopes to attend law school and pursue a career in public policy.

UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin said, “On behalf of the UCNJ community, I congratulate Sabrina, Katherine, and Libni for being recognized as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholarship. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them advance in their academic and professional careers. UCNJ remains committed to providing students with the support and opportunities they need to accomplish their dreams.”

Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, underscored the significance of this award sharing, “Through the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to ensure that exceptional community college students have the opportunities to reach their full academic potential.”

The finalists for the JKCF Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship are expected to be announced in May 2026.

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.

Partnership with WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility and NCII to Transform Community College Career Pathways for Working Young Adults

Cranford – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is excited to announce the launch of Back on Track, an initiative to build pathways from low-wage jobs to family-sustaining careers. Beginning in 2026, UCNJ will partner with the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility, and a cohort of eight colleges to launch three new pathways designed to meet regional labor market needs while helping young people advance in their careers. By 2029, UCNJ will graduate two cohorts of students from the new pathways while building capacity to scale project impact to other programs across the institution.

The project is designed to serve 600-800 students annually and addresses the urgent challenge of helping working young adults advance from unstable service sector jobs to living-wage careers.

“The Back on Track Initiative directly advances UCNJ’s mission to drive economic mobility and student success,” stated UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “In partnership with WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility and the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, we are intentionally redesigning career pathways to align with regional workforce demand and connect our students to family-sustaining careers. This is not simply a program enhancement. It is a strategic investment in our students, our employer partners, and the long-term economic strength of our community. By removing barriers and accelerating completion, we are creating real opportunity that transforms individual lives while fueling sustainable regional growth.”

Expected outcomes include improved employment stability for graduates and field-tested models that can be scaled nationally.

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.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is expanding opportunities for students and career-changers looking to break into one of the state’s fastest-growing industries, film and television. In partnership with the New Jersey Film Academy (NJFA), UCNJ is now enrolling for Spring 2026 certification programs designed to deliver real-world, job-ready skills for entry-level roles on professional productions.

In these immersive, industry-driven courses students are guided by experts who work in the entertainment field and will gain hands-on experience with production workflows, set operations, and department responsibilities.

All students begin with the flagship course, “Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry,” which provides a complete overview of the production process from concept development through distribution. This course runs Mondays and Thursdays, January 5–March 2, 2026, 6:00–9:00 PM at UCNJ’s Cranford Campus.

Students can then advance to “Production Office: Coordinating and Management,” offered Monday through Thursday, March 16–May 4, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM. This course equips students with the organizational, communication, and logistical skills essential for supporting production managers and coordinators on active film and television sets. Additional specialized programs will continue to roll out in future semesters. Register today: http://bit.ly/3TJbh9p For more information, contact: coned@ucc.edu. Upon completion of the certification programs, graduates are automatically listed on NJProductionGuide.org, New Jersey’s database for industry professionals.

“The entertainment industry continues to grow rapidly across New Jersey, creating exciting new career pathways for our students to earn industry credentials,” stated UCNJ’s Executive Director Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Lisa R Hiscano. “Through our partnership with the New Jersey Film Academy, UCNJ is providing hands-on, industry-aligned training that prepares students and career-changers for immediate entry into this dynamic field. These certification programs reflect our commitment to meeting workforce demands, expanding access to high-quality education, and ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, experience, and professional connections needed to succeed in high-demand, family-sustaining careers.”

About UCNJ

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.

About the New Jersey Film Academy

The New Jersey Film Academy provides career-focused education and certification programs for the film and television industry. Supported by the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the NJFA is part of a statewide network of community colleges offering NJFA programs. Students across New Jersey can prepare for careers in the state’s dynamic entertainment sector through this collaborative initiative. For more information, visit njfilmacademy.org.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has been recognized nationally by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society in the fifth annual edition of Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership. UCNJ’s PTK Iota Xi Chapter is one of only 15 institutions selected for the 2025 issue, which highlights innovative student-led projects that align with college goals and strengthen campus communities. The projects support PTK’s commitment to cultivating and acknowledging student excellence.

The Change Makers journal showcases leadership initiatives from PTK chapters across the nation, spotlighting projects that support each institution’s mission and strategic priorities. UCNJ’s project, developed in partnership between students, faculty, and College administrators, was chosen from more than 450 submissions.

UCNJ’s PTK project was titled “Green Minds: Students Feeding the Future,” and it was designed to support the fight against food insecurity which is a persistent challenge negatively impacting students at the College and those at many community colleges nationwide. Student leaders in the PTK Iota Xi Chapter developed and executed a plan to provide fresh produce using the College’s hydroponic systems to supply fresh vegetation to the on-campus Food Pantry and the College’s Farmers Market.

“The College Project is a key part of Phi Theta Kappa’s mission to empower students to lead and serve,” said Change Makers editor and Senior Director of Student Leadership Jennifer Stanford. “By aligning their projects with their college’s goals, PTK members team up with college leaders to create meaningful change that lasts. It’s a partnership that helps keep PTK chapters strong, connected, and impactful.”

“Congratulations to the College’s Iota Xi Chapter for being selected as one of only a handful of institutions to be included in the Change Makers publication. For many years, the Iota Xi Chapter has maintained its status as a Five Star Chapter, thanks to the leadership, creativity, and commitment of our student-scholars and their faculty advisors” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “This recognition highlights how our students not only excel academically but also work collaboratively with faculty and administrators to make lasting contributions that strengthen our College community.”

About UCNJ

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.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

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.

Cranford, NJ – Jenna Medina from UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ in New Jersey is one of 220 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Medina is pursuing a degree in Cyber Forensics at UCNJ.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 600 applications were received.

A total of $220,000 will be awarded this year through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, who provides multiple Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships earmarked for international students.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, Interim Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”

“On behalf of the College community, I want to congratulate Jenna for earning this recognition as a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. Her commitment to academic excellence and leadership is a reflection of her hard work. We wish her continued success as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and are excited to see her further achieve her educational and career goals” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

About UCNJ

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.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ joins a national network of community colleges working to align programs with good jobs and bachelor’s pathways, addressing local talent needs and changing student lives.

Cranford, NJ – Today, UCNJ joins the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s expanded Unlocking Opportunity network – an initiative designed to help community colleges reform programs in ways that improve student outcomes – ensuring students earn degrees that lead to good-paying jobs.

UCNJ, alongside 54 other colleges, will join 10 pilot institutions in a growing national effort to align their programs and student​ advising with the two most important goals of community college students: ​leaving college with a credential and​​​ ​​a good job or ​transferring and ​completing a bachelor’s degree. Through three years of focused reforms, these colleges will work with Aspen to assess current programs, set goals, and implement research-based reforms to increase student success.

“We are excited to join the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity network, with a goal of ensuring that our students successfully transfer and pursue high-value careers that provide a family sustaining wage. By aligning our programs with strong transfer pathways and continuing to improve student outcomes, the College community is fulfilling its mission to advance economic mobility, while addressing the workforce needs of our community,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

“Every year, millions of students rely on community colleges for a low-cost pathway to what they assume will be a high-value credential,” said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “They rightly assume that the degree and certificate programs their colleges offer will deliver a good job and fulfilling career either directly after community college or after transferring and earning a bachelor’s degree. The leaders at each of the 55 colleges that have signed up for Unlocking Opportunity have made clear that they will spend the next three years working towards the kinds of reforms needed to make that assumption a reality for thousands more students.”

The multi-year initiative will engage college leaders and teams through a series of virtual and in-person sessions focused on scaling reforms that align their community college programs with available good jobs and bachelor’s degree pathways in their regions. Guided by lessons from successful reforms implemented by the 10 Unlocking Opportunity pilot institutions, the new 55 colleges will set goals to increase student enrollment in and completion of high-value workforce and transfer programs, while reducing lower-opportunity pathways.

The 10 Unlocking Opportunity pilot institutions are on track to collectively move over 20,000 students into high-value programs of study​ that lead to good jobs​. With this expansion, Aspen will (for at least the next three years) track and support progress for 65 participating colleges, including those 55 just selected. Aspen will use insights from this work to inform the broader field through fellowship programs, publications, and state partnerships to provide professional development to college leaders and teams.

 

The full list of colleges joining the expanded network is available here.

Unlocking Opportunity, developed in partnership with the Community College Research Center, is supported by Arnold Ventures, Ascendium Education Group, Bank of America, ECMC Foundation, and JPMorganChase. The expansion of the Unlocking Opportunity network is made possible by the support of JPMorganChase.

To learn more about the network, visit https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/programs/unlocking-opportunity

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.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit aspeninstitute.org.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel will receive the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) 2025 Northeast Regional Award for Trustee Leadership at the 56^th Annual ACCT Leadership Congress in New Orleans. By receiving the Northeast Regional Award, he is eligible to receive the national M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award. The national winner will be named at the Leadership Congress.

Mr. Richel is a distinguished banking executive, civic leader, and philanthropist, whose lifetime of service has left a profound impact on the greater Union County region. Mr. Richel was a Vice President for Elizabethtown Gas, and it was under his leadership that the company gifted its building in Elizabeth to the College. He has been a member of the UCNJ Board of Trustees for more than 40 years and has served as Chairman for 30 years. Mr. Richel also serves as Chairman of the Board of RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. His leadership was instrumental in facilitating Trinitas’ merger in 2022 with RWJBarnabas Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the state. In addition to his many civic and business accolades, he is a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

In 2021, Chairman Richel received the ACCT Trustee Leadership Award for the Northeast Region for the first time. Mr. Richel was recognized by the New Jersey Hospital Association as Hospital Trustee of the Year in 2018. He was honored by the YWCA of Union County in 2017 for Advancing Education & Economic Empowerment for Girls and Women. In 2016, he received the Ronald D. Winthers Community College Trustee Leadership Award from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. In addition, Mr. Richel received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1999 – an award given to notable American citizens who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to serving their communities.

It is a testament to Mr. Richel’s leadership and commitment to student success that UCNJ was named as one of only 10 finalists nationwide for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.

“We are honored by ACCT’s two-time recognition of our devoted Board Chairman Mr. Richel. He has devoted more than 40 years of service to the College community. We are indebted to him for the invaluable leadership he has provided to UCNJ. He loves our students, our community, and our College,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

The ACCT represents more than 6500 elected and appointed trustees who govern more than 1000 community colleges throughout the United States. The ACCT annually recognizes trustees and other community college leaders in each of its five regions for their contributions.

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.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has received official notice that the institution’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This is a significant milestone in the College’s ongoing commitment to its Mission, student learning and support services, institutional improvement, and leadership.

Institutions in the MSCHE region undergo a comprehensive self-study and peer review to renew their certification every eight years. The preparation for the visit was led by the College’s self-study tri-chairs, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sara Lacagnino, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Humanities Dr. Melissa Sande, and Associate Professor of Business Marc Postiglione. More than 140 UCNJ faculty and staff members participated in the process, contributing to the self-study and engaging directly with the visiting peer review team.

“Accreditation reaffirms the strength of our academic programs, student support services, integrity, and operational effectiveness,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff who work daily to ensure our students receive excellent and affordable education.”

The MSCHE is a non-governmental, peer-reviewed organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It accredits more than 500 colleges and universities, ensuring that institutions uphold rigorous standards of quality and continuous improvement.

With its accreditation reaffirmed, UCNJ continues to provide educational opportunities both in-person and virtually to thousands of students across its campuses and locations. The College offers over 65 academic programs and was selected as a 2025 finalist for the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

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.