Invention Spring 2024

Building on Success

New Partnership Aims to Reduce Nursing Shortage in

Credit Predictor Aids Students Pursuing Higher Ed

University Debuts Refreshed Logo and Icon Design

New Ed.D. Degree in Organizational Leadership - CreateNJ Bill Establishes TESU Career Center

Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D. PRESIDENT

Dear Alumni, Students and Friends, Building. Advancing. Empowering.

These three words represent TESU’s commitment to helping adult learners change their lives and redefine their workplaces. For more than 50 years and with 66,000 alumni and counting, the University continues to be a resource for adults seeking to build their careers, advance their professions and empower their lives.

In this issue of “Invention,” meet Barbara Armand Kushner, B.A. ’93, founder and chief executive officer of the Armand Corporation, a minority-owned construction management company based in New York City. Kushner’s belief that education provides opportunities inspired her meaningful donation to support students Davonte Boyer and Fredamalinda Hall. Coupled with NJ PLACE and GO-TESU state grant funding and by leveraging TESU’s Professional Learning Review expertise, Boyer and Hall were able to fast-track their associate degrees, debt-free, while working full time. Both have advanced to bachelor’s-level studies.

Throughout this edition, you will read about current students and their educational journeys and the TESU alumni who are paying it forward for future generations. In addition to our amazing students and alumni, meet Ahmed Azmy, whose commitment to education has fueled his 20 years of dedication and support as a TESU Foundation Board member. Further, learn about the development of new career-centered programs designed to ensure that students are meeting the shifting demands of the workforce.

We are also delighted to introduce TESU’s new visual brand identity which includes a redesign of our logo. This new logo strengthens our institutional identity while maintaining the integrity of our history. An icon has been created in tandem that complements the new logo and represents forward thinking and movement while shining a light on education. We hope that our students, alumni and friends embrace the new look.

We could not do this without your collective support. From 24/7 student services and state-of-the-art academic programming, to a vastly expanded financial aid portfolio, your investment helps our students take a university degree from a dream to reality. Our students are empowered by your generosity, and we are inspired by your dedication to supporting their unique journeys.

Enjoy this issue of “Invention” and thank you,

Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D. Nancy Gloor President, TESU Chair, Foundation Board of Directors

Master Planner

A Legacy

Beyond Measure

TESU Foundation Board Member Ahmed Azmy

Amid a career spanning more than 50 years, Ahmed Azmy’s architectural endeavors are both renowned and far-flung. He has overseen projects ranging from cultural centers, corporate headquarters and community spaces to awardwinning urban plans from the United States to the Middle East.

His role as a devoted, engaged and long-serving Thomas Edison State University Foundation Board member continues to inspire him and resonates with his creativity, strategic planning skills and spirit of stewardship.

“The satisfaction of helping to advance the University’s mission alongside dedicated, inspiring and visionary staff and fellow board members is gratifying,” noted Azmy, who has served on the board since 2004. “Witnessing students achieve their educational goals and attending their Commencement ceremonies alongside them is truly memorable.”

Serving on the institution’s Gala Committee (now the Impact Awards Committee) since 2006, the spotlight was turned on Azmy during the October Impact Awards ceremony where he was among three honorees. Azmy was recognized for his impact on the community, his dedication to the University and his role in shaping its future.

“I was immensely honored to receive the award. What stands out for me is the satisfaction I find in contributing to the institution’s goals,” he said.

Azmy, who remains humble about his achievements but is awed by the personal stories and successes of TESU’s students and alumni, maintains a persistent connection to the University and an abiding respect for its academic structure. He also recognizes a correlation between the guiding principles of architecture and the impact post-secondary education wields on individuals and communities.

“There are similarities between architectural creations and higher education. Both involve the process of conceptualization, planning and envisioning a framework

to turn the endeavor into a functional structure that celebrates the community it serves. Each requires the collaboration of many disciplines and multiple stakeholders to achieve the goal,” noted Azmy. “Also, in our profession, we are required to adapt to new technologies and sustainability trends through continuing education credentials. At every stage, there is little doubt about the importance for all adults to have access to higher education in advancing their careers and the quality of their lives.”

In his own professional pursuits, Azmy was instrumental in the global growth and recognition of CUH2A, a leading international architectural and engineering firm based in New Jersey. He has also served as an urban design consultant for the United Nations, and in 1990, he was a founder of HACBM Architects Engineers Planners. In 2006, he established Azmy Architects LLC in Princeton, N.J., and was instrumental in rebuilding commercial and residential properties following Hurricane Sandy and continues to make a meaningful impact today.

Like many of his fellow board members, Azmy brings commitment, advocacy, a persistent inclination to serve the greater good, a passion for higher education and a forward-looking vision to his role in the

institution’s fundraising efforts.

“While his successful career is a testament to his vision for designing elegant works of structural art, his fervor for education remains a driving force,” remarked TESU President Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D., during the conferment of Azmy’s Spirit of Edison Award in October. “He doesn’t just espouse lifelong learning, he embodies it. Not only has he been a board member for 20 years, but also he has consistently provided philanthropic support throughout. His generosity has touched the lives of so many of our students that it is indeed an immeasurable legacy.”

As one who worked through college while supporting his family, Azmy urges TESU students to be relentless about their educational goals despite the obstacles.

“It is my strong belief that you should exert your best efforts to research, study and plan your pursuits carefully. However, if you find yourself falling short of your goal, it might be because something better and brighter is ahead. Don’t give up – be persistent, positive and never lose sight of your dream.”

Azmy received a bachelor’s in architecture from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Graduating at the top of

his class, he was offered an academic scholarship to continue his graduate education in the United States. He earned his master’s in architecture and master’s in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania, and both a master’s in fine art and a doctorate in architecture from Princeton University.

It was while he was attending the University of Pennsylvania that Azmy met a fellow graduate student who changed his life.

“During my first semester at UPenn, I attended a party at the YMCA where I met Nadia, a fellow student from Egypt, who also spoke Arabic. I felt so relieved to meet her because my command of English was not so great. It was love at first sight. My successes would not have been possible without the love and support she has provided me for more than 60 years. Our daughter Nahla, my son Baher, and their families continue to fill our lives with pleasure, gratitude and pride.”

In recognition of the couple’s mutual dedication to the University and in appreciation of their decades of philanthropic support, the University dedicated its Great Hall in the campus’ Kelsey Complex the ‘Dr. Ahmed and Nadia Azmy Great Hall’ on June 5.

Thank you to TESU Foundation 2023 Impact Awards sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: NJM Insurance Group

Gold Sponsors: Capital Health, International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF)

Silver Sponsors: ETS, PNC, PSEG, Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law

Bronze Sponsors: African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Bernie and Ann Flynn

Save the Date for the 2024 Impact Awards

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 • 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

George A. Pruitt Hall • 301 W State St., Trenton, NJ

2024 Impact Awards Honorees:

Bonny Simi ’19

President of Operations, Joby Aviation Distinguished Alumni Award

Sean Murray Market Executive, Fulton Bank Community Leader Award

Carmella Blackwell, BSN ’23

How a long-coveted nursing career went from meandering to high velocity.

In 2021, Carmella Blackwell was an aspiring nurse newly enrolled in an associate degree program at TESU.

By early 2023, she was an Accelerated BSN Program graduate who passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam on her first try.

By late 2023, she was established as an adult oncology nurse for the largest, most comprehensive integrated healthcare network in New Jersey. Blackwell credits TESU’s academic program structure and donor support for ensuring her success.

“I originally enrolled in a nursing degree program after high school but interrupted my studies to work full time. After working in retail management for nearly 10 years and losing my mom

After her mother’s death, she set her sights on moving to the east coast and began searching for reputable institutions offering bachelor’s degrees in nursing when she came across the W.Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions at TESU.

Transferring associate degree credits she had earned while in California, she enrolled in the School’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in health studies program in 2021 to complete additional course prerequisites before applying to the School’s Accelerated BSN Program.

able to apply for multiple scholarship options through one submission portal,” said Blackwell.

She noted that the curriculum was conducive for student success and her courses were easy to navigate.

“Our exam preparation modules toward the conclusion of the program positioned us for success. It enabled us

“THE SCHOLARSHIPS WERE A BIG HELP. THE UNIVERSITY MAKES THE PROCESS FOR ACCESSING THESE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STREAMLINED AND I WAS ABLE TO APPLY FOR MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS THROUGH ONE SUBMISSION PORTAL.”

Carmella Blackwell, BSN ’23

to immediately identify the areas we needed to reinforce and increased our likelihood of passing,” said Blackwell, an East Brunswick, N.J., resident. “My mom Margee was my inspiration for returning to school, and my wife Ashley and mother-in-law Barbara were a major support throughout.”

courses, I was already accustomed to the

The Accelerated BSN Program’s NCLEXRN first-time pass rates are a validation of the School’s ongoing effectiveness in preparing pre-licensure nurses to enter the profession. According to data published in the “National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Program Summary of all First-Time Candidates Licensed in All Jurisdictions” first-time pass rates report, the average pass rate for TESU students in the program during 2023 was 100%.

“Since graduating, many opportunities have opened up for me and I feel lucky that I found TESU. It’s not your typical university, and it helps people like me who need flexibility when returning to their studies while balancing other responsibilities.”

To learn more about the Accelerated BSN Program, visit tesu.edu/nursing/ programs/bsna. To support the nursing scholarship fund at TESU, visit give.tesu.edu. Explore scholarship programs for nursing students at tesu.edu/nursing/students/scholarships

Paying it Back and Forward

Norman Phillip Hart, B.A. ’94

From Stage to Classroom: Leveraging Prior Learning

In 1990, a bachelor’s degree took time, travel and the willpower for Norman Hart to sit passively for hours every week in a space that was not stage, theater nor the Emmy Award nominee’s beloved orchestra pit.

Hart’s professional objective was

performance art expertise to college students – not rehashing the skills he already possessed. He was able to cross that divide much faster by leveraging credit for prior learning at Thomas Edison. He is now ensuring that others can do the same.

stimulating. It was when I was searching for alternatives that I heard about (then) Thomas Edison State College through my sister-in-law, a State of New Jersey employee who was already enrolled.”

After transferring his previously earned credits, Hart discovered that he had professional playwriting, musical composition, conducting and acting experience that equated to additional credits toward his bachelor’s degree. He set about validating those capabilities through the institution’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program.

“Credits awarded for my previous U.S. Army training and those earned at the Manhattan School of Music and Brookdale Community College, N.J., filled the gaps,” he said. “All told, the credit I received for prior learning, including credit-by-exam options, accounted for 80 percent of my bachelor’s degree requirements. That was a gratifying experience because, at the age of 41, I still had a long list of things I wanted to accomplish.”

In quick succession, he earned a master’s degree in theater from the University of Kentucky in 1996 and his doctorate degree in theater from the University of Maryland in 2000. In the years that followed, he served as a teaching assistant, assistant professor, teaching adjunct, department chair or online instructor for the University of Kentucky; University of Maryland, College Park; Loyola College, Md.; Montgomery

College, Md.; James Madison University, Va.; National College, Va., and the University of Phoenix.

The subjects he taught encompassed theater, musical theater, theater history, oral and written communications, English composition and ethics, as well as performing arts courses focusing on voice, speech, acting, musical theater and directing. In addition to being nominated in 1990 for a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Drama Series Writing Team as a scriptwriter for “One Life to Live,” Hart has performed in more than 120 professional, university and amateur theater productions and vocal performances. He has served as a stage and musical director, playwright and screenwriter and conducted an array of programs of classical and original compositions for symphony and chamber orchestras. He has also overseen instrumental performances and sound design, as well as music and video technology in numerous productions.

“Music has influenced almost everything I’ve done in my career and has always been a throughline in all of my projects and performances. If it hadn’t been for TESU, none of this would have fallen into place for me,” added Hart, who now plans to serve as a subject matter expert in evaluating students’ PLA portfolios for the University’s Heavin School of Arts, Sciences, and Technology.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hart back to the University,” noted Tara Kent, Ph.D., interim co-dean and director of Undergraduate Studies at the School. “His professional and academic achievements are extensive, and we are fortunate to have an opportunity to work with him. Not only is he greatly accomplished, but he also remains dedicated to sharing his talents with others through the art of teaching. We are grateful that he is interested in lending his time and expertise to the enrichment of our programs and the prior learning evaluation process.”

Kent urges prospective and enrolled TESU students who are also versed in the performing arts to consider leveraging PLA options in their degree pursuits.

“Documented professional experience in the

performing arts is often transferable into course credit through our PLA process,” she noted. “We welcome creative artists to work with us in translating their achievements into academic credentials.”

Hart is taking his connection to the institution one step further by including TESU in his estate planning by setting up a bequest ensuring that a percentage of his estate continues to support PLA endeavors at his alma mater.

“I was delighted when Dr. Hart suggested including TESU in his estate plans,” said Leanne Kochy, senior director of Advancement at TESU.

“Planned gifts such as bequests are a strategic way for a donor to realize their philanthropic objectives without having to impact their current resources. This type of gift often means that a donor can have a potentially larger impact. Dr. Hart knew he wanted to create an endowment that would last in perpetuity and would support students using Prior Learning Assessments to accelerate their degree completion process as he did. His endorsement of this program, and his investment in our students’ futures, is inspiring.”

Hart and his wife Carol (CJ) had already been considering their philanthropic inclinations when the couple narrowed the field down to causes that struck a chord.

“My wife and I began to look at specific organizations that have made a difference in our lives. We are both animal lovers and

proud parents of two beloved cats – a Siamese and a tabby who both lived to be 21 years old – so we immediately considered no-kill animal shelters in our philanthropic estate planning. As a breast cancer survivor, CJ also admires the efforts of the American Cancer Society. When it came to my own preferences, the institution that has made a major difference in my life was Thomas Edison State University. For me, supporting its academic model would be paying back the institution that made a difference in my life, and paying it forward to those who can now have the same undergraduate degree opportunities that I did.”

Explore TESU’s Prior Learning Assessment options by visiting tesu.edu/degree-completion/pla. To learn more about program offerings in the Heavin School of Arts and Sciences, visit tesu.edu/heavin/ba.

The End Beginning

of the

For DBA students and graduates, the best

is always yet to come.

At a critical turning point during World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously proclaimed, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

This is a guiding orientation that resonates with Michael Williams, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business and Management, who launched and leads the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. Comparing Churchill’s continuous drive for success to the transformative nature of the DBA program, Williams asserts that the doctoral journey represents a series of crucial mileposts for students.

“As students begin their DBA coursework, they are transformed over time,” noted Williams. “They become empowered by the intellectual richness, the company of like-minded colleagues and the power and potential inherent in each transition.”

The DBA Cohort Orientation, Research Symposia and Networking event provides fertile ground for program alumni, current students, course mentors, University staff and the dean to present insights on the program’s culminating Scholar-Practitioner Project. Discussions center on winning strategies for the project’s development, completion and application post-graduation. Presentations and exchanges guide new cohort students, including best practices and lessons learned from alumni and current students, as well as strategies for success from mentors.

Student Caudis Tennyson is already reaping the benefits of those outcomes.

Previously serving as a General Supply specialist with the Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia, Pa., once Tennyson embarked on his doctoral studies, he applied for, and was offered, a position as a continuous process improvement analyst for the agency. He said he valued the opportunity to gain perspective from fellow DBA students, program graduates and course mentors during the December event.

“The program accommodates my busy lifestyle, and I am already benefitting from the community-building component with fellow students,” noted Tennyson, a U.S. Air Force veteran who is now leveraging his passion for education by serving as a TESU Alumni Ambassador. “Each member of my

cohort comes to the table with unique skills in managing a business challenge,” he said. “These perspectives are useful in evaluating the best approaches to organizational hurdles. Working closely with DBA mentors has shown me that I have even more to learn, and I am also applying the knowledge I’m gathering from my coursework in real time.”

Dina Silbernagel-Krohne, DBA ’23, BSBA ’15, who attended the program’s June 2023 networking session as a recent graduate, said that TESU allowed her to earn the bachelor’s degree she never thought possible.

“I became an Alumni Ambassador after I earned my undergraduate degree at TESU because I never thought I would be where I am now. I needed to complete 21 courses to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and I completed 19 of them through transfer credits and credit-byexam options,” said Silbernagel-Krohne, who joined Danish shipping and logistics company A.P. Moller-Maersk as a senior operations manager in July. “If I had accumulated those credits using the standard methods, I would never have been able to advance to graduate-level studies.”

She connected her DBA ScholarPractitioner Field Project and its supporting research to a former employer’s human resource retention initiatives resulting in actionable, realworld insights for the company and an acumen she brings to her current position. “The DBA program structure enabled me to complete coursework –ahead of each term if I chose to – while balancing multiple responsibilities at home,” she said.

Launched in 2019, the 48-credit online DBA program features a scholar-practitioner curriculum design, customized student support and mentor-engaged instructional delivery. The program offers specializations in organizational leadership and human resource management.

“The DBA degree enables personal and professional development,” said Williams. “Moreover, while our doctoral experience is individually oriented, it is also collectively constructed. The continual interaction with cohort classmates stimulates learning and content application that is only possible in our unique academic format.”

Philanthrophic gifts from TESU donors supported development of low- or no-cost course materials for students enrolled in the program. To learn more about the DBA program and how to apply, visit tesu.edu/dba. To learn more about the programs in the School of Business and Management, visit tesu.edu/business. Interested in becoming a TESU Alumni Ambassador? Visit tesu.edu/alumni/ support/ambassador to learn more. If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Williams to discuss the ways a DBA degree could benefit you, email Susan Fischer at sfischer@tesu.edu

Dina Silbernagel-Krohne, DBA ’23, BSBA ’15

Caudis Tennyson, current DBA student

Donor Barbara Armand Kushner, B.A. ’93

Once an entrepreneurial spark is ignited, it is rarely extinguished.

Thomas Edison State University alum and supporter Barbara Armand Kushner, B.A. ’93, knows that success takes more than boldness and determination – it demands a healthy dose of impatience.

Kushner is the founder and CEO of the Armand Corporation, a minority-owned construction management company based in New York, N.Y. The company oversees flagship projects ranging from multifamily housing, public schools, transportation and healthcare facilities, to full-scale community disaster recovery and resiliency projects across the United States. Her impact is also felt by TESU students.

Kushner recently provided generous scholarship support to students whose trade apprenticeship training was converted to degree credits through the University’s Professional Learning Review (PLR) process. Davonte Boyer and Fredamalinda Hall are now, with Kushner’s help, able to advance further than they ever thought possible.

As a Thomas Edison alum, Kushner understands the value of a transformative, student-centric academic program.

“I was looking for an alternative to the on-campus degree program that I had already begun when I turned to Thomas Edison. I was struggling with escalating tuition costs and demands on my schedule when I finally made a phone call that changed my life forever,” noted Kushner, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in natural science and mathematics from TESU in 1993. “That degree helped my career in innumerable ways.”

One of 12 children who grew up in a modest home in rural Louisiana, Kushner said her parents were devoted, resourceful and focused on inspiring their children to greatness.

“I gained my work ethic from my parents. My father was a farmer, and when he wasn’t occupied with tending crops on our property, he worked as a janitor and a barber. I recall him in constant motion from 5:30 a.m. until dark every day. My mother nurtured our love for education and became a teaching assistant at the age of 50 after continuing her own education. They both fostered in me an inherent impatience for the status quo but an overarching optimism about life. As an entrepreneur, those traits continue to work in my favor.”

Kushner was introduced to the construction industry as an undergraduate student when she began interning at Bechtel Global Engineering, Construction & Project Management.

“As soon as I arrived, I knew I had found my niche, but, just as quickly,

Building on

on Success

I began yearning for increasing levels of responsibility. That is when I realized I wanted to be an entrepreneur.”

Driven by optimism but grounded in realism, Kushner single-handedly launched the Armand Corporation in 1991 out of her home and steeled herself for any challenges that might follow.

“I immediately devoted myself to my clients. As my business grew and prospered, I began to attract talented staff. I made sure I invested in my

Davonte Boyer, AAS ’23, and Fredamalinda Hall, AAS ’23

Trade apprenticeships, grant support and Credit for Prior Learning are transforming the workforce.

An influx of New Jersey state grant support, private philanthropy and credit for Professional Learning Reviews (PLR) are forging an indelible link between trade apprenticeships and a college degree.

For bachelor’s degree program students Davonte Boyer, AAS ’23, and Fredamalinda Hall, AAS ’23, it has been an ideal union.

community because I would not have derived any satisfaction otherwise,” she reflected.

Today, that client roster includes the Port Authority of New York, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, MTA Long Island Railroad, the Nassau County Department of Public Works, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the New

KUSHNER, PAGE 14

A recipient of $9,792 in funding through TESU’s New Jersey Pathways Leading Apprentices to a College Education (NJ PLACE) grant and $3,686 in support through the state’s GO-TESU grant program, Boyer utilized the University’s PLR process to convert his trade apprenticeship training into credits. The grant support and PLRs cleared the way to his associate degree.

“The PLR pathway was invaluable in assessing my International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 269 Joint Apprenticeship training and alleviating the financial burden of taking additional courses. It also

served as an incentive to complete my Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in applied electronic studies faster,” noted Boyer, a Browns Mills, N.J., resident and father of four.

The support Boyer found at TESU did not end there. He is now enrolled in the University’s Bachelor of Science degree in electronic systems engineering technology with the help of $5,000 in scholarship support from TESU alumni and supporter Barbara Armand Kushner, B.A. ’93.

During a typical workday as a high-voltage technician, Boyer is responsible for executing maintenance testing, conducting

PLR, PAGE 15

Scholarship supporter Barbara Armand Kushner, ‘93, (left) and student recipients Davonte Boyer, ‘23, and Fredamalinda Hall, ‘23. .

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Jersey Department of Transportation and the Brooklyn Public Library.

A previous Spirit of Edison awardee, Kushner has served as past president of the New York Chapter of Professional Women in Construction, and in 2021 received her honorary doctorate in engineering from Rowan University in New Jersey. That same year, she was awarded the Richard Hale Chairman Award by the New Jersey Alliance for Action in recognition of her contribution to improving the state’s economy and was recognized on Crain’s New York Business’ list of Notable Women Business Owners. She was also recently named to “City & State New York” magazine’s Construction Power 100 list for her influence in the industry. She has garnered numerous professional recognitions: From the New Jersey Alliance for Action’s Salute to Women in Construction and Eagle Awards, to the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Leadership in Business Award, to the YWCA of Camden County’s Tribute to Women in Industry Award.

Throughout her burgeoning career, Kushner has focused on supporting

fellow women- and minority-owned businesses through mentoring and teaching.

“I WAS LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ON-CAMPUS DEGREE PROGRAM THAT I HAD ALREADY BEGUN WHEN I TURNED TO THOMAS EDISON. I WAS STRUGGLING WITH ESCALATING TUITION COSTS AND DEMANDS ON MY SCHEDULE WHEN I FINALLY MADE A PHONE CALL THAT CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER.”

“Armand Corporation’s diverse talent pool has been a lynchpin in our ability to shepherd successful construction projects to completion, to adapt, to change and continuously evolve,” remarked Kushner of her capable team of construction managers, project managers, project administrators, construction inspectors, architects, engineers and project analysts who share her ethos. “It is also gratifying to play a part in the increasing number of women who are experiencing success in our field.”

For more than 50 years, Thomas Edison has expanded access to higher education by creating seamless pathways from workplace learning and career credentials to a university degree. Donors, supporters and a devoted academic community ensure that TESU students continue to realize their aspirations and thrive in the workforce.

“Our industry evolves rapidly, with new construction materials and processes continuously rolled out that drive innovation,” said Kushner. “I am a huge admirer and advocate for my trade apprenticeship-prepared colleagues. Students like Fredamalinda and Davonte have triumphed in using this valuable pathway and I applaud the University for translating their experience to degree credits.”

For information about TESU scholarships, visit tesu.edu/tuition/scholarships

Barbara Armand Kushner meets with employees on a jobsite.

Barbara Armand Kushner, B.A. ’93

KUSHNER,

acceptance testing and performing repairs on medium- and high-voltage equipment systems at multiple worksites.

“This includes specialized components such as transformers, breakers and relays. The nature of my role requires a diverse skillset and adaptability as I navigate different projects daily to ensure the reliability and optimal performance of electrical systems,” he said. “I also engage in acceptance testing procedures to guarantee compliance with industry standards and safety protocols. The variety of tasks and the need for precision in working with highvoltage equipment make my role both challenging and rewarding.”

In 2021, TESU was the sole higher education institution in the state to receive $849,000 in NJ PLACE funding from the New Jersey Department of Labor for an initiative that merges apprenticeship training with higher education. The funding is expected to support 100 trade apprenticeship students in completing an associate degree at no cost.

The $5,992 in NJ PLACE support Hall received provided an equally valuable springboard for earning her AAS degree in construction and facilities support in 2023. She recently embarked on earning her bachelor’s degree in construction at the University with the help of $5,000 in scholarship support from TESU Foundation donor Kushner.

“Discovering the PLR program through

my union was a game changer,” noted Hall, a Verona, N.J., resident who completed her apprenticeship through the Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Training Fund.

“By combining my previously earned community college credits with my training, I only had to complete four additional courses toward my associatelevel studies to become the first person in my family to earn a college degree,” noted Hall, who now serves as a cloud engineer specializing in cloud application development, cloud software development and computer networking solutions for Eclectic Industries LLC.

Through similar PLRs, numerous local and national organizations have had their existing training, professional education, licenses and certifications evaluated by the Office of Professional Learning Review (OPLR) team at the University. The process involves the work of subject matter experts and program administrators who evaluate multiple components of workplace learning. Once enrolled in the designated degree or certificate program, students like Boyer and Hall follow a specific curriculum designed to guide them toward degree completion while they are supported by the University’s resources and advising staff.

“In less than a year of taking courses, I transformed not only my life but also my family’s,” noted Hall. “Walking across that stage during TESU’s 2023 Commencement was a moment of immense pride.

The funding I received was more than financial support, it provided a beacon of hope. The University community’s belief in my potential has inspired me to set ambitious goals and make the most of this opportunity. Receiving additional scholarship support was the push I needed to continue my bachelor’s degree studies and I am profoundly thankful for the prospects it has opened for me.”

According to Jeffrey S. Harmon, Ed.D., vice provost for Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Effectiveness, the University awards approximately 65,000 credits per year to students via credit for prior learning options. To expand on that expertise, the institution has evaluated numerous workplace training programs, certifications and registered apprenticeship programs through its PLR evaluation initiatives.

“We recognize college-level learning wherever and however it occurs. Davonte and Fredamalinda’s stories are inspiring and speak volumes about our ability to propagate a future-ready workforce while curtailing student debt,” stated Harmon. “Comparative to traditional pathways, apprenticeship programs provide livable wages and establish trainees in secure positions at the onset of their careers. TESU’s skill at correlating that training to degree pathways benefits students in ways that were previously unimaginable and has been woven into our academic model since 1972.”

To learn more about TESU’s Professional Learning Review process, and how you or your organization’s training might translate to degree credits, visit tesu.edu/PLR

Fredamalinda Hall, AAS ’23

Davonte Boyer, AAS ’23

PLR, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

New Partnership Aims to Reduce Nursing Shortage in New Jersey

In May, Dr. Merodie Hancock and other University officials helped to announce a unique new partnership aimed at reducing the nursing shortage in New Jersey. Funded by a $5 million donation from Mark and Ann Baiada to BAYADA Education Inc., TESU will join forces with Cooper University Health Care and BAYADA Education to launch the Thomas Edison State University Accelerated BSN BAYADA Scholars Track at Cooper University Health Care. Baiada is the founder and chairman of BAYADA Home Health Care.

The new scholars track is unique in that it will offer students in TESU’s Accelerated BSN program dedicated clinical site experiences at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., a leading academic, tertiary care hospital, and at BAYADA Home Health Care.

TESU will enroll and educate all students in our hybrid accredited Accelerated BSN degree program.

“TESU is proud to join BAYADA Education and Cooper University Health Care in directly targeting the nursing shortage. This innovative partnership builds on TESU’s highly successful nursing program and addresses the

critical nursing shortage by creating a new seamless pathway for aspiring nurses to excel in their careers,” said Hancock.

For aspiring nurses, the TESU Accelerated BSN BAYADA Scholars Track at Cooper offers an entry point to a bevy of career options, with opportunities for scholarships and the best of both hospitaland home-based clinical education.

For New Jersey, the program aims to attract more people into the nursing profession and to prepare them for success in the next generation of medical careers across the health care continuum.

The program will complement the highly successful Accelerated BSN program that the University already offers but is structured with different courses and priced differently. The students’ clinical experiences will be hosted by Cooper University Health Care, home to the

South Jersey region’s only Level I trauma center, and BAYADA Home Health Care, a leading national provider of complex care at home. Scholarship opportunities will also make the program affordable to more students.

The first cohort of students will start their coursework later this year, with subsequent cohorts starting in January 2025 and May 2025.

Leadership from Thomas Edison State University, Cooper University Health Care and BAYADA Education stand together at an event in May 2024 to announce a partnership between the three organizations.

TESU President Merodie Hancock, Ph.D., speaks at a press conference announcing the new partnership between the University, Cooper University Health Care and BAYADA Education.

Credit Predictor Tool Aids Students Pursuing Higher Education

The University has launched an innovative Credit Predictor tool, a resource designed to assist prospective students in assessing prior learning credits and their potential application toward a degree.

As a national leader in the evaluation and recognition of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), TESU continues to spearhead CPL transfer credit mobility, particularly within New Jersey’s higher education landscape. Working with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), a national nonprofit that supports the creation of educationto-career pathways, fueling economic mobility and community prosperity, the newly unveiled Credit Predictor is accessible for free on the TESU website. The tool offers a swift and user-friendly experience. Prospective students can create a comprehensive professional

training profile encompassing certifications, credentials and other relevant training that may translate into college credits. By detailing skills, proficiency in foreign languages or referencing military training where applicable, TESU’s Credit Predictor tool provides an estimate of the potential credits a student may have accrued.

Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, president of TESU, emphasized the significance of recognizing and valuing college-level learning acquired beyond traditional classroom settings. “Evaluating collegelevel learning outside the classroom takes expertise, time, money and collaboration. However, when done correctly, it rightfully broadens the category of students who, for whatever reason, decided the traditional college path was not for them. These secret transcript holders may also have

University Debuts Refreshed Logo and Icon Design

In March, the University debuted a new logo, inspired by the culmination of the University’s 50th anniversary celebration and to mark a bold new turn toward the future.

Established in 1972, the University remains at the forefront of adult online education, continuously pioneering innovative approaches in credit recognition for prior learning, forging unique partnerships and delivering cutting-edge online courses.

The fresh design of the new logo preserves the distinguished burgundy of its predecessor while infusing it with spirited hues of gold and deep gray, reminiscent of the University’s rich heritage. The block lettering of “TESU” strengthens our identity while maintaining the integrity of our history and full name. Accompanying the logo is a new icon that adds depth and symbolism to the University’s visual identity. The icon represents forward

thinking and movement while shining a light on education.

Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, TESU president, celebrated and debuted the new logo with staff during a professional development day event recently, emphasizing the institution’s steadfast commitment to education excellence and its forward-looking vision.

“As we proudly unveil Thomas Edison State University’s new logo, we celebrate five decades of transformative education and embark on a bold journey into the future,” said Hancock. “Rooted in our commitment to innovative education, we continue to blaze new paths in the everevolving landscape of higher education, shaping a brighter tomorrow for our students and the communities we serve. My greatest appreciation is to the numerous stakeholders who provided their

attended and dropped out of college, or they may be a completely different group of students: those with no formal college, yet have, unbeknownst to them, partly earned a college degree.”

The initiative was made possible through the philanthropic support of TESU alumnus Steven King ’93 ’15, a member of the TESU Foundation Board. “I can’t think of a better way to demonstrate the unique role of TESU than Credit Predictor Pro, which will inspire potential students to pursue or complete their degree. My wife Kay and I are delighted to support the University in making it possible for more adults to achieve their educational goals,” King said.

For more information about TESU’s Credit Predictor and the University’s commitment to empowering students through CPL, visit tesu.edu/degreecompletion/earning-credit.

feedback throughout the logo design process.”

The contemporary aesthetic of the logo mirrors a University that cherishes its history while remaining focused on innovation and progress. Recent achievements include securing the largest competitive grant in its history, a $2.8 million award from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Nursing Expansion Grant Program, aimed at enhancing the diversity and capacity of the nursing workforce. Additionally, TESU was recognized as a finalist in edX’s 8th Annual Prize for Exceptional Contributions in Online Teaching and Learning for its MicroBachelors Program course in Information Literacy. The outstanding accomplishments of TESU students were also celebrated, with three national awards honoring their achievements.

TESU’s new logo

TESU’s new icon

TESU Launches Third Doctoral Degree Program, an Ed.D.

The School of Business and Management at TESU recently launched its latest academic offering, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree program in Organizational Leadership, Culture and Change.

The fully online Ed.D. program enables students across a spectrum of executive, administrative and consultancy roles in industry, military, and higher education to acquire the knowledge, competencies and skills necessary to advance in their careers and lead organizations. The degree’s areas of concentration include human resources management, organizational consulting, healthcare management, industrial and organizational psychology and research methods.

According to Michael Williams, Ph.D., dean of the School who leads the program, its curriculum design, concierge student service and real-time application in the workplace integrates

theory and practice through adultcentered, careeroriented online learning. The degree’s innovative design and delivery establish a new standard for academic program benchmarks and innovation, as well as professional and career advancement.

“Empowering leaders to drive transformative change is at the heart of our mission and we are proud to introduce a uniquely structured doctoral program that delivers on that goal,” said TESU President Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D. “There is a crucial need for Ed.D.-prepared leaders who are capable of applying inclusive management practices, navigating the intricacies of contemporary organizations and building institutional value. The program

reflects our commitment to equipping professionals with the insights they need to drive these meaningful and sustainable changes in their fields.”

The Ed.D. joins the University’s existing Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Nursing Practice advanced degree lineup.

“Organizations of all types are being called upon to operate in increasingly complex environments. Therefore, leaders, managers, administrators, educators, entrepreneurs and consultants must be equipped to adapt, adopt and achieve personally and professionally,” noted Williams. “Earning the Ed.D. is a defining academic credential for 21stcentury leaders.”

The inaugural cohort begins July 1, 2024. To learn more about the program’s curriculum structure, courses and timelines, credit transfer policy, learning outcomes and how to apply, visit tesu.edu/business/graduate/edd

CreateNJ Bill Establishes TESU Career Center

Marking a significant milestone for workforce development in the state of New Jersey, in January Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill to establish the Center for Career Relevant Education and Talent Evaluation (CreateNJ), an innovative initiative designed to address the critical need for skilled workers across diverse industries in the state.

Sponsored by Assembly members

Eliana Pintor Marin, Verlina ReynoldsJackson, Anthony S. Verrelli, and N.J. Senators M. Teresa Ruiz and Shirley K. Turner, CreateNJ empowers individuals by capturing their careerrelevant knowledge, skills and abilities derived from formal higher education, technical training, workplace training and apprenticeship programs into one comprehensive document. This transformative approach not only validates the time and talents of individuals, but also provides them with the opportunity to represent themselves more accurately within the workforce.

After the signing, TESU President Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D., commented,

“Today’s signing of the CreateNJ bill is a significant step toward building a stronger and more informed pipeline for employers in New Jersey. This innovative Center will play a pivotal role in translating the achievements of individuals into a language that is readily identifiable and understood by industry leaders, fostering a seamless connection between skilled workers and prospective employers.”

The proposed CreateNJ workforce transcript, to be housed within the CreateNJ Center at TESU, will serve as a critical capstone to existing efforts by N.J. Pathways, the N.J. Department of Labor and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). This comprehensive tool will establish a central resource for the evaluation and translation of learning experiences into a validated record of academic credit, career credentials, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship credits and pertinent knowledge, skills and abilities. It allows individuals to clearly visualize their professional trajectory, linking earned and developing skills and knowledge to

workforce and professional opportunities across the state.

By connecting skills and knowledge to career opportunities, employers gain a view of the capabilities of the workforce, enabling them to identify gaps and better understand the training needed.

The CreateNJ workforce transcript will be designed and powered by TESU’s knowledge bank. The transcript will empower the end user (the student/ worker), allowing them to promote their acquired skills to current and prospective employers and outline a path for successful completion of a degree. In addition to owning their transcript, the end user will receive recommendations for potential job and degree attainment opportunities, adaptively based on the content of their individualized workforce transcript and the need for employment within the state. TESU looks forward to collaborating with the key stakeholders in the implementation of CreateNJ, further solidifying the university’s commitment to fostering a skilled and dynamic workforce in New Jersey.

Dr. Michael Williams

TESU Golf Classic Celebrates 30 Years of Playing for a Purpose

The TESU Golf Classic, established in 1995 in memory of beloved Thomas Edison State University employee Thomas C. Streckewald, celebrated a milestone this year. A sold-out field of golfers marked the 30th anniversary of the outing at The Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes, N.J., in May.

“It’s hard to believe we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the TESU Golf Classic,” said Cathie Streckewald, Tom’s wife. “Team Streck is proud to be involved with the event every year and support the organization Tom loved so much. Thank you to the to the sponsors and golfers who have made the outing a success and have helped advance the mission of TESU in memory of our husband and dad.”

Streckewald came to Thomas Edison State University in 1978 as a program advisor and was later named the University’s director of Development before ultimately being appointed the director of Institutional Planning, Research and Outcomes Assessment.

On his 45th birthday, March 26, 1994, Tom and a coworker were in a fatal car accident. In addition to his wife and two young sons, Dan and Kevin, he left behind colleagues and friends who had encountered him in countless civic and professional roles. He was a cheerleader by nature, always eager to pitch in to help with programs and causes he believed in. He couldn’t help being an

ambassador for Thomas Edison wherever he was.

The TESU Foundation Golf Classic was organized in Tom’s memory the year following his death. Over the past 30 years, the event has provided critical resources for the University’s adult students to continue their journeys toward earning a life-changing degree.

The 2024 Golf Classic also recognized Presenting Sponsor and the most loyal participant in the history of the event, Lear & Pannepacker LLP. Eric Lear, managing partner, has been a member of the TESU family for more than 30 years and the firm has supported each outing since 1995.

Lear’s firm was commemorating a milestone of its own, celebrating 40 years of the highest quality accounting

services for entrepreneurial-minded individuals, businesses and community organizations.

“At Lear & Pannepacker we share the same values as Thomas Edison – we build solid, sustainable relationships based on mutual respect,” said Lear during his remarks at the Awards Dinner. “That’s one of the reasons I have been around so long at TESU, we have the same philosophy: meet clients (or students) where they are, find solutions and provide opportunities through education. Thank you to everyone here today – your round of golf will support truly exceptional students working hard to earn a life-changing degree.”

To see the full list of sponsors and view the photo gallery from the event, visit tesu.edu/advancement/events/golf.

Members of the Lear & Pannepacker team at the 30th Annual TESU Foundation Golf Classic.

Foundation Financials

WHO GAVE BACK

Friends - $120,910

Employees - $40,542

Alumni/Students - $187,925

Foundation Board - $72,756

Matching Gifts - $15,476

Corporations/Foundations - $344,671

Foundation Board

The Thomas Edison State University Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of extraordinary leaders who believe in the power of education and are committed to TESU’s mission. The following members of the Board contribute to the success of the University through their professional expertise and insights, advocacy and philanthropy in support of institutional priorities:

Nancy Gloor Chair of the Board

Managing Director Technology Goldman Sachs (Ret.)

Kim Kleasen, Ed.D. Vice Chair of the Board Senior Director Organization Change and Communications Johnson & Johnson (Ret.)

Ahmed A. Azmy, Ph.D., AIA, APA President Azmy Architects, LLC

Alex Binder Vice President Advanced Care Institute VNA Health Group

Daniel R. Brenna Jr. Founder and Principal Ajax Management

Lovepreet Buttar Managing Director and Principal The Mercadien Group

Deb D’Arcangelo Nonprofit Professional

Ronald Gimbel Chief Financial Officer Sumitomo Pharma America Inc.

Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D. President

Thomas Edison State University

Catina Hood Vice President Fulton Bank

Dolores Kelley, Esq. Shareholder Stark & Stark

James Kilgore President and Publisher The Princeton Packet, Inc.

Steven King ’93 ’15 Managing Partner Tulloch Investments, LLC

Matthew Lamb, Pharm.D. Chief Development Officer, Executive Vice President ITB-MED Biopharmaceuticals

Eric Robert Lear Managing Partner Lear and Pannepacker, LLP

New Member Spotlight

Brian T. Maloney Corporate Consultant

Martin Melilli Market President TD Bank

Deborah Mican, Ph.D., RN, MHA, CNOR Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Capital Health

Willard Alonzo Stanback, Esq. Principal Willard Alonzo Stanback, P.C.

Jeffrey Stokes ’15

Senior Director Development PSEG

Michael Toscani, Pharm.D.

Research Professor, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, and Director Emeritus, Rutgers Institute for Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowships

Carol Voorhees ’15

Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer NJM Insurance Group Inc.

Catina Hood, Senior Cash Management Sales Officer, Vice President, Fulton Bank

Catina Hood is a senior Cash Management sales officer at Fulton Bank, servicing clients in central and northern New Jersey. Partnering with the bank’s relationship managers, she works with a team of customer support specialists responsible for the sales and implementation of the bank’s cash management products and services. Her focus is on introducing these and other bank services to businesses and presenting solutions that best suit their needs.

Hood has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, formerly serving as vice president/managing director of Treasury Management at Peapack-Gladstone Bank and as a relationship liaison for Commercial Banking. She also served as an assistant private banker for Wealth Advisory Services at M&T Bank. Previously, she held positions as a wealth management associate for Wachovia Bank, N.A., and a client management associate at First Union National Bank.

Hood holds a Master of Arts in professional communication from LaSalle University and a Bachelor of Science in business management and organizational behavior from Rider University.

ALUMNI BY THE NUMBERS

1,839 graduates completed studies

398 student referrals

1,007 volunteers

1,179 volunteer hours

359 attended events

12,386 social media engagements

The support of TESU alumni provides a framework for the future success of the University. Through referring friends and family, participating in social media and sharing unique stories, alumni volunteers devoted more than 1,100 hours of their time in 2023 to help advance the mission and vision of TESU. Thank you to all of our alumni volunteers who engaged with the University in 2022-2023.

Meet a TESU Genius: Ashleigh Matthews-Marks, BSBA ‘17

Before Ashleigh Matthews-Marks, BSBA ’17, attended TESU, she was completing her associate degree in exercise science and working in retail management to pay for her tuition.

“While working and studying full time, I knew I needed more flexibility to continue my studies,” she said. “After completing my associate degree, I enrolled in TESU’s School of Business and Management’s BSBA, human resources track.”

Initially coming across TESU during a search of online colleges that matched her objectives, Matthews-Marks said she was attracted by the institution’s great reviews and its flexibility, and knew that the option to enroll any month of the year would balance her work, life and academic goals.

Working in the human resources field for nearly six years, she currently serves as a personnel assistant for the public sector. Matthews-Marks enjoys leading, training and mentoring employees, and said her degree has helped her prepare for the rigorous, competencybased Society for Human Resources Management Certification – a gold standard in her industry.

She is also reaping the benefits of remaining part of the University’s community.

“I still engage with TESU because I am grateful for everything the school has done to help me be where I am today,” she noted. “I completed the Genius Program because I wanted to help other students and recent graduates get their foot in the door or help guide them when applying for jobs. I found it difficult to break into the HR industry in the beginning, so I am passionate about helping fellow students in reaching their career goals.”

Matthews-Marks has worked closely with TESU’s Office of Career Development and has co-presented with the center’s director on topics of resume writing, cover letters and being prepared for employment interviews.

To learn more about TESU’s five-step advocacy-based Genius Program, visit tesu.edu/genius

To connect

Alumni and friends of TESU are invited to join the new Genius Program. Simply complete five steps to be eligible for the prize! See complete details at tesu.edu/genius.

TESU’s 52nd Annual Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, N.J. Check out tesu.edu/current-students/commencement for more information.

Ashleigh Matthews-Marks, BSBA ‘17, left, with her sister at TESU’s 45th Annual Commencement in Sept. 2017.