Stephanie Ciecierski (she/her) is a first-generation Rowan University 2016 graduate who majored in English and Subject-Matter Education. She was a transfer student from RCBC in 2013, and then commuted to Rowan from Medford, NJ (Burlington County). Now, after five years of being a high school special education teacher, Ciecierski is pursuing the second year of […]
subject matter education
Meet Transfer Profs: College of Education Student Emilie Pretto
Today we feature incoming transfer student Emilie Pretto (she/her) from Ocean County. Emilie tells us about her major, why she’s excited to start classes at Rowan, and gives advice to future transfer students. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward to at Rowan University? I’m looking forward to […]
Alumni Success: Catherine Chambers ‘16, Where My Music Education Degree Has Taken Me
What made you choose Rowan? What made you choose music? When I first started exploring colleges as a senior in high school, I really wanted to move far away from New Jersey and find my own way. I was set on not going to a state school, but I humored my mother and decided to […]
Prof Pairs, Love is in the Air: The Story of Scott and Kevin
Kevin: “The Rowan Music Department is pretty small and close-knit, so we always knew of each other. I always thought of Scott as… a little intimidating. He was the choral librarian, the choir section leader, the upperclassman. He was a HUGE part of the music department! I was accepted into Rowan as a saxophone player, […]
Meet Transfer Profs: Future History Teacher Joseph Leonard
Meet incoming transfer student Joseph Leonard! Joseph is an aspiring History Education major from Gibbsboro, NJ (Camden County) who transferred from Camden County College. He shares more about what he’s looking forward to at Rowan University and he gives advice to other transfer students.
Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward at Rowan University?
I’m looking forward to getting back to in-person learning and being able to meet new people again.
What is one hobby, activity, sport or club that you’re involved in that you’d like to continue at Rowan?
Bowling!
Is there anything you’re hoping to discover about yourself at Rowan?
I’m looking to get involved more in clubs and activities outside of my academics. School comes first, but I want to be able to have fun as well.
What majors are you considering and why?
History education. I want to be a teacher because the excitement I get from teaching others about subjects I’m passionate about and history is a subject I’m very passionate about. I love studying the past, learning about the world’s history and also my own.
Did you tour Rowan or attend any virtual events? If so, which ones, and what did you think?
No I haven’t. I’ve been to Rowan once before for my brother’s graduation, but that’s it.
Do you have advice for other transfers who haven’t committed to a school yet?
Always know there is a college for you. You don’t have to be forced into picking any one college. Pick one that makes you happy and excited to continue your education.
Where are you going to live next year?
Commute from home.
What is one thing about Rowan itself that you liked?
I very much like the diversity of the classes offered and how grand the campus appears to be. It also granted me to come in with a head start on my degree.
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Header photo courtesy of:
Unsplash
Senior Reflects: Art Education Major Bianca Fusaro
Today, we speak to graduating senior Bianca Fusaro. Bianca is an Art Education major from Randolph, NJ (Morris County). She shares more about her favorite times at Rowan and offers some advice to incoming students.
Could you please share your favorite moment with a faculty member or a favorite experience in one of your classes?
My favorite moment with a faculty member is with Doc Appelson in Printmaking. He made the class fun to be in and I learned so much. Almost everything in printmaking I know because of him. he also helped me become a better teacher by giving me tips and tricks on how to create printmaking lesson for little kids!
Could you please share your favorite social memory?
My favorite memories I have with clubs is every year TRAC, or The Rowan Arts Collective, participated in Homecoming Banner Competition. It was so fun and exciting to complete a banner in a matter of a couple of hours.
What are your career aspirations?
I want to become an elementary art teacher. I love little children, their love to learn and their drive to want to create.
How did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with your professional growth or career aspirations?
The Art Education program is very small here, but that smallness created a family. Everyone in the program helps each other when it comes to teaching, even our senior project, which is presenting at the Art Educators of New Jersey conference. The professors in the program have been art teachers throughout their life. They know what you’re going to go through when you get a job. They want you to succeed and they share stories to help you become the best art teacher you can be.
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I want to thank everyone in the Art Education program. These professors helped my classmates and I become who we are today as teachers. We learned from the best, and I hope that I can be an amazing art teacher like they are.
Who is your favorite professor? What class did you take them for? And why is this person your favorite?
Fred Adelson is my favorite professor at Rowan University. I took his Art History classes during my time at Rowan. He is so knowledgable about everything he teaches. He makes art history fun to learn about because he is so energetic and passionate about everything he teaches.
What advice would you give to incoming first years or transfers about making the most out of their college experience?
Make friends with the people in and outside of your major. Get out there and join clubs that you are interested in. You may make lifelong friends!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, music industry graduate
Photos by:
Brian Seay, Brian Seay, junior sports communication and media major
Meet Transfer Profs: Future History Educator Kendra Hahn
Meet incoming transfer student Kendra Hahn! Kendra plans on majoring in History Education (BA/MST) Program and is from Sicklerville, NJ (Camden County). She transferred from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Kendra shares with us why she chose Rowan and what she’s looking forward to.
Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward at Rowan University?
Here at Rowan I am really looking forward to making new friendships and gaining new experiences, but then also being able to successfully pursue my passion.
What is one hobby, activity, sport or club that you’re involved in that you’d like to continue at Rowan?
In high school I was always involved with student council/government and it definitely made me into the person I am today, so I would love to continue that here at Rowan! I also would love to join the Student History Association and even possibly the History Honor Society since I was in History Club and National Honor Society back in high school.
Is there anything you’re hoping to discover about yourself at Rowan? Grow a new skill? Try a new interest? Starting a new activity, sport or club?
At Rowan I definitely want to join a sorority. I believe joining a sorority will provide me with a lot of learning opportunities and help me gain important skills, such as leadership and communication skills. In addition, I think joining a sorority will help me make connections on campus, meet a diverse amount of new people, and give me long-lasting friendships!
What majors are you considering and why?
This fall I will be in the History Education (BA/MST) Program. Ever since I was a young child, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Teachers have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their students, and I even believe they hold the key to secure our future. This is something I long to be a part of. Additionally, I have always had a passion for learning about history, so I have a desire to pass this knowledge on to others in as well as outside the classroom.
Did you tour Rowan or attend any virtual events? If so, which ones, and what did you think?
I have toured Rowan a few times when I was in high school, and I also recently just did the virtual guided tour where you walk around campus yourself with a guide on your phone. I enjoyed it a lot, and it made me very excited to be on campus in the fall!
Do you have advice for other transfers who haven’t committed to a school yet?
I know that transferring to a college can be scary and stressful, but just try and stay as positive as possible! The first couple weeks I realized I wanted to transfer, I won’t lie — I felt overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. However, I took my time and made sure to get as much information as possible so I could make a decision that would help me reach every one of my goals.
What is one thing about Rowan itself that you liked?
I love how many opportunities Rowan has for its students as well as their class sizes. I believe that smaller class sizes will give the professor the opportunity to know me as an individual and not just a student, which I find very important. Also, I am really excited that they offer a master’s program for the history education program that I am in!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Student photos courtesy of:
Kendra Hahn
We are #RowanPROUD to be included on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2021 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes select nationwide colleges and universities that foster dynamic pathways for transfer students.
Meet #Rowan2025: Lizzie Schmidheiser, Future Teacher from Washington Twp. NJ
Today we welcome first year student Lizzie Schmidheiser who will begin studying Secondary Math Education in the fall. Lizzie will commute from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County) and attends Washington Township High School. Welcome to Rowan! Could you share with us one thing you are looking forward in college? I am looking forward to meeting […]
7 History Majors Share How Their Degree Supports Their Professional Goals
“This major supports my professional goal of being a teacher and continuing to give back to my community and my country. I am excited to see where my dual major takes me,” says junior Frank Gurcsik, a History and Education major from Gloucester County. “My major has been helping me to prepare and become an educator […]
TRANSFERmation Tuesday: Future History Teacher Kaan Aktas
Today we speak with Kaan Aktas, a senior transfer student from Bergen Community College who majors in History and Subject Matter Education. Kaan, a remote student from Fairview, NJ (Bergen County), is a first-generation college student.
What are your professional goals? And how is Rowan helping to support you in those goals?
My professional goals are to be the instructor of a history classroom. Rowan, especially my advisor, has done a great job in setting me up for my goals by creating benchmarks for my classes and exams where I can keep track of and complete.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field?
My field impacts the world by educating the future. I strongly believe that our students are the future of not just our country, but the future of the world. The work and effort you put into a classroom can completely benefit and alter the student’s way of learning for the future.
What inspired you to choose your major?
My passion for history has always been present. Since elementary and middle school I would find the subject interesting. History isn’t just about memorizing dates and people, but how those dates and people have impacted our current society and so forth.
As a student from North Jersey, how did you become aware of Rowan University?
I became aware of Rowan by doing some online research of the top best colleges in New Jersey. I initially fell in love with Rowan while on a tour of the school. The scenery is beautiful, and class sizes are perfectly arranged.
How long is your trip/drive “home” to North Jersey?
My trip “home” to North jersey is approximately an hour and a half.
What are some of the benefits for you, living this distance from home?
The benefit of living far from home is the college experience you could not have gotten anywhere else. Also, the friendships I have built and experiences I have had are one of a kind.
What are a few interesting or new things about Rowan’s South Jersey area that you would share with future students that are not from the area?
In every corner, there are lots of spots to eat on campus! The wide variety of food, not just located inside of the dining hall, gives students lots of choices for some grub!
What off-campus, local fun places do you recommend students check out?
Some attractions just off campus include many parks where you can take a stroll, or even study!
Why did you choose to transfer to Rowan University?
I transferred to Rowan University because of many factors. The professors are truly great! They work with you with your classes. Class sizes were also an important factor in why I chose to enroll. Unlike other universities in New Jersey, you are not put into a big lecture hall with a hundred other students where the professor has a lot more to manage.
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Story by:
Rachel Rumsby, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Photos submitted by:
Kaan Aktas, senior history and subject matter education double major
Header photo by:
Anthony Raisley, senior history major
We are #RowanPROUD to be included on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2021 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes select nationwide colleges and universities that foster dynamic pathways for transfer students.
First Year Voices: Education Major Jayshalie Jennings
Today we speak with freshman Jayshalie Jennings a Secondary Math Education major from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Jayshalie is a part of PROFFAMILY, a newly formed freshmen group focused on inclusion and fun. What has your freshman experience been like so far? It’s been very different just because we haven’t had the chance to come on campus […]
Senior Reflects: Subject Matter Education And English Major Christina Bharda
Today, we speak to senior Subject Matter Education and English dual major Christina Bharda from Middletown, NJ (Monmouth County). She tells us more about her Greek life involvement and what she looks forward to doing with her degree.
Are you in any campus involvement or clubs?
I’m in a sorority! I’m the vice president of programming and ritual for Alpha Sigma Alpha.
What do you want to do with your degree once you graduate?
I want to teach middle school or high school English. Eventually, I want to teach students with learning disabilities.
What favorite class experience or professor have you had so far?
I would say Dr. Glazer is the most amazing Education professor. I’m also student teaching right now, too so that’s pretty cool! I’m teaching at Millville Memorial High School.
How would you rate your Rowan experience as a whole?
Ten out of 10. It has been the best. I definitely picked the right place!
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Story by:
Bianca Torres, senior music industry major
Photography by:
Rachel Rumbsy, sophomore communication studies and public relations double major
Senior Reflects: Future Middle School Teacher Jessica Lynn Heady
Meet Jessica Lynn Heady, a first-generation college student and graduating senior who commuted from her home in Mantua, NJ (Gloucester County). Jessica, who majors in Subject Matter English Education and minors in Psychology, transferred from Rowan College at Gloucester County (now RCSJ). Here, Jessica shares her favorite moments from Rowan and thanks those who helped her as she pursued her teaching education path.
Tell us about your favorite classroom experience.
One of my favorite experiences was in Dr. Viator’s Shakespeare class. The class was held in Winans Hall in a room with paper-thin walls, and the class next door was always loud. So one day he was not having it and decided to give them a taste of their own medicine. He shouted as loud as he could at the dividing wall to tell them to stop laughing. Ironically our class howled with laughter. Once we were all settled down Dr. Viator said, “You won’t remember anything from today’s lesson, but you’ll remember your crazy professor yelling at a wall.” And he was absolutely right.
What was your favorite moment at Rowan?
One of my favorite personal moments at Rowan is when I would hang out with my friends after class in the pit or on the third floor of the student center. We would always say we would get together to do homework, but we would really just sit there and people watch, laughing way too loud and way too hard.
What are your career aspirations? How did the people or programs at Rowan help to support you with those aspirations?
My career goal is to become a middle school English teacher to inspire students to learn. The professors and the staff members of The College of Education have supported me to do so. My professors have modeled excellent teaching strategies that I can use in my classroom and created learning environments that encourage and motivate me to do my best. The staff members of The College of Education have given me the guidance and support that I needed to succeed in my journey at Rowan University. Without them, I would not have the resources I need to have a successful future.
Do you want to give a thank you shout out to your family, friends, advisors or mentors?
I’d like to thank my mom, my dad, my sister, and my grandma. Thank you for all the love and support you have given me throughout my college career. Thank you for being there for me when I thought my best wasn’t good enough. Thank you for staying up late with me as I wrote my essay after essay. And thank you for always encouraging me. I love you.
I would like to thank my cooperating teacher and mentor, Christine Neri. Thank you for all your support and guidance during my student teaching journey. Thank you for having faith and confidence in me when I did not have it in myself. I have learned so much from you. And I appreciate all that you have done for me. You’re the best.
I would like to thank Dr. Timothy Viator. Thank you for creating classes that are both educational and meaningful. Thank you for all your teaching and life advice. But most importantly thank you for continued support even in your time of retirement. I am forever grateful for that.
I’d like to thank my friends. Thank you for the laughter and the tears we have shared. Thank you for our late-night study sessions that would always get us sidetracked. And thank you for not letting me be the only person who would jokingly say I was going to drop out at the smallest inconvenience. Without all of you, my college career would have been extremely boring.
Lastly, I would like to thank my advisor, Nadia Rahin. Thank you for all the support you have provided me during my college career. Through all the ups and downs you were always there to help me keep my eye on my goals. And thank you for introducing me to classes that I would have never thought of taking. Because of you, my original goals have expanded from being an English teacher to being an English teacher who loves history, psychology, and women and gender Studies. Thank you for all that you have done for me.
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Pandemic Profs: Maintaining Normalcy
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 4+1 biological sciences education major Mia Fondaro, a junior who also has minors in environmental science and psychology. Mia is isolating from her home in Pequannock, NJ (Morris County).
There’s not one person whose life hasn’t been changed by the COVID-19 virus. Personally, my life got turned upside down. I have a very strict and fully packed weekly schedule that now is suddenly full of free time. My days would start at 6 a.m. and wouldn’t end till about 10 p.m.
What is a positive in this situation is all the sleep I’m getting, but I’ll trade that in for all the on-campus experiences that I’m now missing.
How I’m trying to cope with it all is by staying positive and keeping as much of a routine as possible. I continue to wake up at a reasonable hour, make breakfast, do homework, and work out. Whole life may not be “normal” right now; what’s important to remember is to be thankful for your health and continue doing things that keep you sane.
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Education Major in Rowan Preschool
Coming from a big family, Darius Brown had the teaching bug in him naturally, and didn’t even know it. “I never thought I’d be a teacher growing up, but I guess it’s just a part of me,” says the junior elementary education and history major from Willingboro (Burlington County.) “I’m practically bilingual. When I transferred […]
Accepted Students Preview the College of Education
The College of Education at Rowan University recently held an Accepted Students Banquet for incoming freshmen looking to pursue a major in education. A busy schedule of events invited prospective students to explore all that Rowan has to offer and learn more about what being a Prof is all about. Ambassadors were eager to speak […]
Henry, College of Education at Rowan University [VIDEO]
Hey! I’m Henry, a junior at the College of Education. Welcome to my College, and to Rowan University. Like what you see? Register for a tour or open house. Video Created By: Alexander Belli, public relations and advertising double major Carlo Lingesso, public relations major Courtney Hopper, marketing and advertising double major Jayce Williams, music […]
#PROFspective: Art Education Major Melissa Glenn
Today, we speak with Melissa Glenn, a recent graduate this fall with a bachelor’s degree in art education from Randolph (Morris County), NJ, who lives in a rental house off campus. Melissa will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she got the most out […]
#PROFspective: Subject Matter Education and English Major Evan Newlin
Today, we speak with Evan Newlin, a senior subject matter education and English major from Mount Laurel (Burlington County), NJ, who commutes. Evan will share his #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how he’s getting the most out of his college experience as a Rowan Prof. Major: Subject Matter […]
#PROFspective: Education and History Double Major Erin Anderson
Today we speak with Erin Anderson, a junior education and history major from Marlton, Burlington County, who lives off campus. Erin 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: Erin Anderson Major: Subject Matter Education: History […]