A passionate graduate student who works on computer-aided drug and molecular dynamic simulations, Holli-Joi Sullivan’s research primarily focuses on different cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. First drawn into this field after taking a course with Dr. Chun Wu, Holli-Joi has been in love with the work that she does every day since. A graduate student in […]
Future Grad Student
Pandemic Profs: Clinical Internship Teaching Spanish Remotely
Welcome to our series to give you a glimpse into Rowan University, our campus culture, and the lives of our students, while we’re practicing social distancing to protect society from the spread of COVID-19. Today’s story is from Maria Rosalba Trejo-Mendiola, a student in the master of science in teaching program. She is isolating from her home in Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County.)
My name is Maria Rosalba Trejo-Mendiola. I was born in Querétaro, Mexico. I moved to the United States at the age of 11. At an early age, I discovered my biggest passion in life was helping others. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to work with people. Of all the possible careers that I could have pursued, I fell in love with the one profession that makes all other professions possible: teaching. I attended Cumberland County College, now known as Rowan College of South Jersey, where I completed my associate degree in Liberal Arts. I then transferred to Rowan University where I completed my bachelor’s in Spanish. Then, I started working as a Career Placement Developer for Pathstone, a non-profit organization.
Currently, I am earning my master of science in teaching and completing a full-year clinical internship as a Spanish teacher at Vineland High School. My student teaching experience has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I have learned many strategies that I plan on incorporating in my own future Spanish classroom. From my professors, I have learned that to serve all students, it is very important to implement a Universal Design for Learning and that developing meaningful lesson plans goes a long way.
My classes at Rowan University have allowed me to go into my field placement and put into practice what I have learned in class. This year, as part of World Language’s methods sequence: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment I: World Languages and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment II: World Languages, I learned about High Leverage Teaching Practices (HLTP) for World Languages (Glisan & Donato, 2017). One of the biggest takeaways from these classes was learning about these practices and being able to incorporate it into my lessons. This also allowed me to learn about my own strengths and weaknesses. 
From my classmates, I have learned that it is very important to be supportive of each other; to give each other feedback and to be willing to share ideas. From my Cooperating Teacher, Sra. DeJesús, I have learned that it is important to develop positive relationships with the students. I have also learned different methods of teaching. One of my favorites methods of teaching is learning centers. Through Sra. DeJesus, I have become a strong believer that learning centers offer students the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning. If learning centers are well-designed, students will be able to walk away with valuable information. I am very thankful that my cooperating teacher has been very supportive throughout this learning experience. Sra. DeJesús allowed me to be involved in the classroom since day one of my field experience, allowing me to have as much practice as possible. I have developed strong bonds with the students, confirming for me that I have chosen the correct field to pursue a career in, teaching. From my field supervisor, I have learned about lesson planning. I have learned to reflect on what worked well and what can use improvement.
I am very thankful to everyone that has helped me grow as a professional in one capacity or another. I also want to thank my family for always supporting my daughter and myself, throughout this learning process.
As far as my remote work, the transition has been really smooth. My cooperating teacher has been using Google classroom for a long time now. We have been collaborating together to teach remotely. We have incorporated Zoom meetings and Google meets on a weekly basis. Other technological applications that have been useful are Quizlet, Kahoot, and FlipGrid. Through this transition we have been maintaining communication with students and parents.
We understand that the transition is not easy for students, therefore we continue to be available to support our students. I am currently working part time from home with Pathstone, completing my field hours at Vineland High School via virtual communications, and spending quality and instructional time with my four year old, Suheily Carrasco.
Although it can be challenging at times, I love what I do. I learned that in this profession it is very important to love what you do and the rest comes with hard work and determination. In May 2020, I will complete my master’s of science of teaching. Although I never imagined that my last year of graduate school would be the one that forced us to practice social distancing to protect us from the spread of COVID-19, I want to remain focused and positive that it will end soon.
Like what you see?
Ed.D. Program Paves the Path to Success for Educational Leader
Ketan Gandhi, from Asbury Park (Monmouth County), is well-versed in higher education, so his standards were high when considering the universities he could potentially earn his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. After completing his undergraduate studies at Bombay University in India, and earning an MBA in general administration at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he still wanted to learn more about the world of education.
His experience in leadership positions at Burlington County College, Rutgers University and Sussex County Community College (where he is currently the CFO and EVP of Administrative Services) inspired him to explore the differences in leadership styles between private educational institutes and higher education.
“What motivates people in higher education is different than in a private business scenario,” Ketan says. “Understanding the type of leadership required to govern a higher institution could set me up for a more successful career in education.”
He came across the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Rowan University through recommendations from colleagues who had had a positive experience in it.
“I also looked at a few other institutions, but what I liked about Rowan’s program is that it is led by faculty members with higher levels of experience and education. The faculty are actual presidents or provosts at universities, and can give me direct, relevant advice based on their experience.”
The quality that secured Ketan’s decision to attend the Rowan Ed.D. program was its concentration in Community College Leadership Initiative (CCLI), which pertains directly to his professional experience and interests.
Though he has not been in school since 1986, Ketan was concerned about the transition back to intense learning. Luckily, “faculty members are open to allowing me to adjust, and I have support from my boss, my wife and my family,” he says.
“Each member of my cohort works at a different college or university, which allows us to share different experiences and perspectives,” he says. “It makes for better discussions and more learning opportunities.”
Leadership Theory, the first course he is taking for the program, has already ignited his passion for education and leadership. “This course has allowed me to truly understand the way I come across as a leader and who I want to be. I’ve already learned a lot about myself,” he reflects. A book that he has read during the course, “Discover Your True North” by Bill George, has also been an inspiration to him on this educational journey.
Ketan’s ultimate goal throughout Rowan’s Ed.D. program is to change and adapt to a new leadership style.
“I was very much a task-oriented leader,” he says. “In just a few weeks, I am already starting to see myself transforming into more of an entrepreneurial leader. It’s all about breaking habits that I’ve already established and improving them, really honing my skills.”
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Photos courtesy of:
Ketan Gandhi and Sussex County Community College
#PROFspective: Graduate Education Student Donn Matthew G
Internship & Experiential Learning Stories Learn how Rowan Profs go Beyond the Classroom to grow professionally, as well as personally, through internships and other experiential learning. Experiential learning includes hands-on learning opportunities provided through research, student clubs, campus leadership, student worker jobs, service-learning projects and volunteerism. In addition, Rowan’s Office of Career & Professional Development provides career support that’s more than just […]
Higher Education Master’s Program Sounds Like Sweet Success For Rowan Music Alum Ben W
Future college students will be fortunate to have Ben W as their academic advisor.
The Gloucester County native and aspiring academic counselor, who will complete his master’s degree in the College of Education’s Higher Education track this spring, didn’t initially set his sights on the program until his own interaction with an advisor.
“He’s been nothing but a huge help during the undergraduate process,” Ben says. “I want to give back because of my experiences in the undergraduate setting.”
Ben graduated magna cum laude from Rowan’s highly competitive Music program after what he revealed was a difficult transition to college life as a student with disabilities. He’s now empowered to “inspire students with disabilities to stay in college, so they can break obstacles to get where they need to go in the college setting because I’ve broken every obstacle up until this point,” Ben explains.
Ben says he wouldn’t be in college without a love of music, for which he’s a triple threat in voice, guitar and piano. He had just graduated from high school to pursue music at Rowan when the overwhelm set in.
“I overcame it that first semester, and my entire undergraduate years I got help when I needed it and asked for assistance for the resources I need to obtain, like the Disability Resources office [also called the Academic Success Center] or academic coaching or my professors,” Ben says. “I always say to have connections with your professors. I feel like this transition showed me that it’s a lot different.”
After his first semester, Ben, working with the Academic Success Center, met regularly with his academic coach, who he says honed his writing, editing and organizational skills.
He also registered with the Testing Center, which he says helped him with both test-taking and studying. The Testing Center was “welcoming and allowed me to do my tests and quizzes in a quieter space,” Ben adds.
Ben’s academic career flourished after that first semester. He joined the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society and Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership honor society. He presented at Rowan’s College Prep Transition Conference, which offers workshops and tools to support students with disabilities and their families as they head toward college life.
His own advising experience, along with the guidance he received through the Academic Success Center, pivoted Ben’s career path from music to counseling. He’s applying his graduate coursework to an internship this year with the Academic Success Center, working with students who may be struggling as he once was — which speaks to why he’s so passionate about his future career:
“I really was inspired by how much I have learned in the college setting, the resources I used to succeed in the college environment,” Ben says. He hopes to “help students advocate for themselves, making sure they do what they need to do to succeed. It’s not easy, but they’ve got to take one day at a time to break those obstacles.
“I’d like to help those students to keep going and never give up. Every student, no matter their differences are.”
Like what you see, come visit us!
Ed.D. Graduate, Community College President on His Game-Changing Rowan Experience
Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
Hybrid Doctoral Studies Program Offers Flexibility for Aspiring Educational Administrator
First-generation college student Manuela Jiménez has always had plenty of ambition and little free time. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, the Perth Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County) teacher knew that she wanted to continue her education. She earned her master’s in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University while teaching secondary students, and attained her school principal and supervisor credentials. Jimenez believes that learning is a lifelong process, and in an effort to reflect on her practice as an educator, she decided to continue her studies.
A simple Google search led Manuela to discover the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program at Rowan, and she dove right in. “I came across this top-rated hybrid doctoral program and was thrilled to hear about it!” she says. “Being a full-time working individual, it’s so convenient to be in a program that gives me the flexibility I need to have face-to-face classes and online classes that allow me to also work.”
Flexibility was a requirement when it came to Manuela’s decision to enroll in a doctorate program. She currently teaches English to seventh graders at a local school, and is the Chair for the elective department — two time-consuming positions that require a lot of work and dedication. She met with a Rowan University advisor in order to determine the perfect schedule that would integrate with her work preferences. The face-to-face class meetings are convenient to her schedule, and she prefers to complete the online portion of her learning during her breaks from teaching. “Having access to all of my learning materials and professor office hours online is very helpful to me because of my schedule,” she says.
Though this schedule may sound overwhelming, Manuela loves every moment of it. “It’s a very rigorous program, but it makes me want to learn more! The more that I read, the more inquisitive I become about my current methods as a practitioner. My professors provide thorough feedback for every assignment, and prepare me to feel more competent and confident in the workplace,” she says.
The most rewarding part of the program is that the content Manuela learns through her courses can be applied to her teaching the very same day! Since she completes her online work throughout the school day, the lessons she learns are fresh in her mind, allowing her to apply the theories from her readings to her classroom to see real results. And since she’s started the Ed.D. program, she is already noticing a difference in the quality of her interactions with students and faculty.
“It’s not all about the concept but the implementation of it in the teaching environment,” she says. “I am becoming a more reflective practitioner, learning the difference between theory and practice by applying the curriculum of these courses to my real-life interactions.”
“I’ve definitely made the right choice with Rowan,” Manuela says. “The program is hard but it’s worth it, because the quality of the education I’m receiving is truly impactful. It’s inspiring that first-generation college students like myself can make it in their career, and pursue a higher education degree while juggling everything else in life.”
Like what you see, come visit us!
Story by:
Nicole Cier, senior writing arts major
Alumni Success: William Moylan, Special Education Teacher
Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
Danielle’s Journey from the Ed.D. Program to Overseer of $20 Million
Meet Dr. Danielle B. Jubanyik, a Rowan alumna and Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County) native with her Ed.D. in educational leadership. Danielle is currently working at the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development as the State Director for Adult Education & Literacy Services. She is responsible for $20 million worth of funds that are […]
The Ed.D. Program Showed Christina Just How Strong She Truly Is
Meet Christina DiDonato Dillon, mother of two (Luke, one year old and Filomena, 10 months old) and wife to Drew. Christina earned her undergraduate degree in early childhood education and sociology from Rowan University in 2011, graduated in 2016 with her M.A. in school administration, and is currently working toward earning her Ed.D. in educational leadership. Christina lives in Hammonton, NJ (Atlantic County) with her beautiful family while working as a real estate agent and assisting her parents with the family business, KMD Constructions. This is truly one woman who can do it all!
Christina, a lifelong Prof, found her love for teaching at an early age and knew Rowan University would be the school to help her achieve this dream. “I knew Rowan was the choice for me,” said Christina. “I was most impressed with the devotion its faculty and staff have towards education and truly teaching it like a calling.” During her time within the College of Education, Christina has had the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors. Creating connections that helped her find her first teaching position in the Deptford Township School District. Christina has had seven years within the public schooling system teaching pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and second grade.
Now, working toward her Ed.D in educational leadership, Christina looks back and reflects on the accomplishments she’s already achieved and the dedication she’s put into the program. When entering the Ed.D program you can expect to conduct heavy research into a topic you choose and must get approval for by faculty within the program. You will grow your understanding of qualitative and quantitative data, build more on courses from previous graduate and undergraduate programs, and eventually 
complete a dissertation. “The coursework is incredibly reflective,” Christina explained, referring to the educational leadership program. “It’s something that helps you to better understand ‘who am I,’ allowing you to apply the concepts in real-world situations.”
Through this program, Christina learned about the strength she’s always had within her and discovered what she was capable of accomplishing. “The program is so motivating and also difficult, but it brings you to a point of ‘what kind of person am I as a leader, as a teacher, and as a person in a family?” Christina revealed, referring to juggling all her responsibilities. The program, though challenging, benefits its students in ways one might not expect. As Christina has shown, you may learn more about yourself through 
working towards an Ed.D while still gaining that higher education.
“Leadership influences change toward a shared vision through empowerment and built relationships. The concept that leadership is an influential process is the thought and definition I endorse. When thought of as an influential process, we can combine the ideas that leadership is complete as a trait, ability, skill, behavior and relationship.” An excerpt from Christina’s dissertation, which is titled Organizational Culture, Partnerships, and Placemaking — Social Emotional Learning via the Perspectives of School Leaders and Parents in an Early Childhood Setting: An Ethnographic Case Study.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by:
Alexander Belli, new graduate with a B.A. in public relations and advertising
From MBA to Big 4 Accounting Firm EY, Shivani Launches Career
Alumni Success Stories Explore how our alumni propel their Rowan University education into lasting success, as highlighted through our alumni success series. From Rowan University student to lifelong member of the Rowan University Alumni Association, Rowan Profs thrive at every stage of their journey. Go Profs!
Passing the Torch: International Student Gives Advice
“Participating in social activities is the best way to make friends,” says Ahmad Kindawi, a first-generation college student (now graduate!) from Syria, who rents a house off-campus, within walking distance of campus. Ahmad graduated with a master’s degree in history from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
#PROFspective: Ph.D. in Education Candidate Sanaz Shahi
Today, we speak with Sanaz Shahi, a Ph.D. candidate in Education from Iran-Tehran, who lives off campus. Sanaz will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University international student and how she got the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Year: Ph.D Candidate. (expected year of graduation: […]
#PROFspective: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student Dave Berg
Today, we speak with Dave Berg, clinical mental health counseling graduate student from Wenonah, NJ (Gloucester County). Dave will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University graduate student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: Dave Berg Major: Clinical Mental Health […]
#PROFspective: Strategic Communications & Public Relations Master’s Student MST Aysha Siddika
Today, we speak with Aysha Siddika, a graduate student in strategic communications and public relations from Bangladesh who lives off campus. Aysha will share her#PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: MST Aysha Siddika […]
How Two Rowan Students Created a Brand Backed by Whole Foods
If you’re reading this, pay attention in class and take careful notes! Many students may not realize the value of every major course they take at Rowan, and how they can apply what they learn to real-life projects beyond graduation. Blackwood, NJ (Camden County) natives Mike Lombardo, a graduate student earning an MBA, and Kayvon Jahanbakhsh, […]
#PROFspective: Biological Sciences Graduate Arash GhasemiNejad
Today, we speak with Arash GhasemiNejad, a recent graduate with a biological sciences bachelor’s degree from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) who now lives in Voorhees, NJ. Arash will share his #PROFspective with us on what it was like to be a Rowan University student and how he got the most out of his college […]
Rowan Graduate Finds Dream Job Through Internship
“Put yourself out there for opportunities you are interested in. You never know what could come of it,” says Tyler Jiang, a Class of 2018 graduate from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (Delaware County). His own advice certainly rang true throughout his undergrad experience as a History and International Studies double major at Rowan! Tyler quickly realized his […]
#PROFspective: Nutrition & Dietetics Major Brianna De la Cruz
Today, we speak with Brianna De la Cruz, a freshman Nutrition and Dietetics major from Hillsborough (Somerset County), NJ, who lives on campus in Holly Pointe Commons. Brianna will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience […]
What I Wish I Knew: Picking a Major [VIDEO]
Maria Oliveira (senior, biochemistry), Ryan Klohr (master’s program, business administration), and Lauren Bitzer (junior double major, marketing and business management) share their experiences with their individual majors, and reveal what it was they wish they knew when first choosing a major at Rowan University. Video production and editing by: Alexander Belli Dual major, advertising and […]
Rowan 4+1 Getting You Closer to Your Master’s Degree
Meet Emily Strauser a current 4+1 writing arts student from Stratford, NJ, who is undergoing her senior year as an undergrad while concurrently taking her first year of graduate courses. She is focusing on a dual-specialization in creative writing and new media and publishing within her bachelor’s degree. She earned her associate degree in English […]
#PROFspective: Athletic Training Major, Cassie
Today we talk with Cassie D., a senior athletic training major from Edison, Middlesex County, who lives on campus at Whitney Center. Cassie will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she’s getting the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof. Name: […]
4 Rowan Scholarship Awardees Share Their Stories
Back in November I had a pleasure to meet with Steven C. Farney, Ed.D., senior director of administration from the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM), who shared information every Rowan student needs to know when applying for scholarships. If you had a chance to read that post, then you should be an expert in […]