Getting a job is just as important as getting a degree. That’s why Barrows launched PowerPaths, a required, university-wide career-experience program that ensures all students graduate with hands-on learning through internships, research, civic engagement or applied coursework. Barrows has helped drive job placement that exceed the national average by five percentage points.
Bokunewicz, who has led LIGHT since 2020, announced she is retiring on June 30. During her tenure, she oversaw the launch of the International Journal of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism, the start of two industry-focused certificate programs at Stockton, the presentation of more than 20 webinars, and the publication of the Atlantic City Casino Industry Impact Report in collaboration with the Casino Association of New Jersey.
For more than two decades, Borowick has served as Seton Hall University’s trusted leader in government relations. He has been instrumental in securing tens of millions of dollars in public funding to advance the university’s academic mission, research capacity, student services and campus infrastructure, while promoting access and affordability for students from modest and underserved backgrounds. In recognition of his service, Borowick was recently awarded the Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid Medal for Distinguished Service.
Few higher education leaders match Bullard’s energy or reach — or the miles he accumulates on the road or in the air. A constant presence at events across the state and beyond, Bullard cultivates strategic partnerships spanning industry, government, research and workforce development. He is an unmistakable ambassador for Rowan, advancing the its visibility, credibility and connections through relentless relationship building.
Dworkin is the founding director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship, positioning the university at the center of New Jersey’s political and civic life. Since launching the institute in 2018, he has built a statewide reputation for programs that integrate applied politics, civic engagement and student career development — from internships and scholarships to high-profile speakers and policy-research partnerships.
He is a former journalist (for the New York Daily News) and author (his book on the Islanders was great). But he’s more than that. No one in the state mentors the next generation of journalists the way Hirshon does — in the classroom, through guest speakers from the industry, and out in the field at live events. An entire generation of young journalists owe him thanks, as do a generation of grizzled veterans.
Hotchkiss is Princeton University’s longtime spokesperson, shaping the institution’s public voice, guiding strategic messaging and supporting leadership through complex issues, research breakthroughs and national media coverage. He is known for an ability that borders on the impossible: translating the extraordinary work of Princeton’s faculty into clear, accessible language that enables reporters to tell the story of one of the world’s leading research universities. A pro’s pro, Hotchkiss sets the standard in his field.
Kesselman leads one of the most essential functions of university life: public safety. His approach emphasizes relationship-based policing, visible outreach and trust-building with both the NJIT community and Newark residents. Under his leadership, NJIT has become one of the safest urban campuses in the country, achieved through a public-safety model that values engagement alongside enforcement and actively promotes advancement opportunities for women in policing.
Few roles are more consequential to students — and their families — than helping turn education into real-world experience. Marsh does exactly that for Stockton University’s highly-regarded Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management program, placing students into meaningful internships that launch careers. She also is the driving force behind Stockton’s Summer Entrepreneurship and Business Academy, a week-long program for high school students that introduces core business concepts.
O’Connor works closely with local, state and federal officials to advance Ramapo College’s priorities and expand opportunities for its students. He also established a legislative internship program that gives students handson experience in government, deepening their understanding of public service while building the skills and connections essential for careers in the field.
Palmer is a public affairs executive, community advocate and college professor whose career spans more than a decade across government, higher education, community engagement and grassroots campaigns. In her current role, she leads Rutgers–Newark’s government affairs, strategic partnerships and civic-engagement initiatives, advancing the university’s position as a leading urban public research institution and anchor for the city and region.
Since July 2023, Peralta has played a critical role on President Acebo’s senior leadership team at New Jersey City University. She oversees government relations and community affairs, advises on institutional planning and policy and is a key participant in the leadership efforts guiding NJCU’s historic integration with Kean University. A proud NJCU alumna, Peralta brings more than 15 years of experience in governmental affairs, legislative initiatives and public policy to her work.
Pignatello’s title may be lengthy, but it only hints at the breadth of his impact. Originally hired as senior vice president for university operations, his role has evolved into a wide-ranging leadership position encompassing strategic planning, external partnerships and institutional visibility. Pignatello has helped elevate FDU’s stature across the business, civic and policy communities through his experience, relationships and leadership.
Rasmussen brings more than two decades of experience in New Jersey public affairs, government and political communications to his role. A Rider alumnus, he has served as press secretary to Gov. McGreevey, held senior positions at the N.J. Department of Transportation and the General Assembly, and worked at Chubb. Rasmussen also has elevated public discourse statewide through highprofile debates and civic programming produced in partnership with ON New Jersey.
Smith, who leads enterprise communications, marketing, and public affairs at the school, is widely credited with elevating the institution’s brand. As the strategic force behind Kean’s clear and compelling messaging, she also serves as the university’s primary spokesperson. Smith has played a central role in guiding communications throughout the integration with NJCU, including launching and sustaining the monthly ‘Inside the Integration’ newsletter for both campuses.
Strudler leads one of the strongest journalism and communication programs in the state, known for best-in-class teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and immersive, real-time training. Under his leadership, the school consistently produces graduates who are industry-ready from day one. At a moment of profound transition in journalism, Strudler and his team are helping develop the next generation of media leaders with consistency and purpose.
Thor has quietly been one of the most consequential communications leaders in New Jersey over the past half-decade, navigating what was arguably one of the hardest jobs in communications and marketing in any sector in the state. He stewarded the university’s message through a prolonged financial crisis, a remarkable recovery, and now a historic merger with Kean University — all while moonlighting as one of the most recognizable play-by-play and public-address voices in the state.
Woolley is widely recognized as a top political analyst, a leading professor of government and the founding director of the FDU Poll. But he’s so much more than that. A frequent media presence, he brings academic rigor and clarity to complex political debates and plays a central role in shaping civic dialogue statewide. How so? During the last election cycle, nearly every gubernatorial candidate came to FDU and sat for a no-holds-barred Q&A session.
