Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

More than two decades ago, our nation experienced the most devastating attacks on American soil, claiming the lives of thousands in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA. Twenty-two years may seem like a long time, and for many of our students, it represents a lifetime. As we mark the 22^nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we pay tribute to the 2,977 precious lives lost, and to the countless acts of heroism revealed during that dark hour.

In honor of our country and in remembrance of all those who lost their lives, there will be a tolling of the University bells for two minutes at the times below today. We invite you to observe a moment of silence at these times.

8:46 a.m. │ AA Flight 11 was flown into the World Trade Center North Tower.

9:03 a.m. │ AA Flight 175 was flown into the World Trade Center South Tower.

9:43 a.m. │ AA Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon building.

10:10 a.m. │ UA Flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, PA after heroic actions by passengers and crew.

We also encourage you to visit the 9/11 Veterans Memorial between 9:00-11:00 a.m. today, located across from the entrance to the Rebecca Stafford Student Center, to plant a flag in honor of the fallen heroes from this tragic day. An additional moment of silence will take place immediately following the flag planting at 11:00 a.m.

While no words or deeds can ever remove the pain and sense of helplessness caused by the 9/11 attacks, my hope is that we—as a University community—will pause to reflect on the solemn significance of this day by honoring the thousands of lives lost and remembering the brave heroes who responded on that fateful day and in the years that followed. May we never forget.

Sincerely,  

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

As we gather for a new academic year, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all of you—both familiar faces and new members of our extraordinary community.

With our student move-ins complete and classes now officially underway, I am delighted to welcome in a special way all of our incoming students. The 975 first-year members comprising the Class of 2027 represent the finest class in our University’s 90-year history. This newest cohort of first-year students is arriving with the highest grade point average in our institution’s history; an academic profile that is also reflected in the largest number of students matriculating into the Honors School. This, on top of last year’s best-ever class, is a strong mark of our growing reputation for academic quality and distinction.

The Class of 2027 also includes our highest percentage of out-of-state students yet, expanding Monmouth’s reach and global impact. And, our commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere has resulted in an increase in student diversity, enhancing the rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives that make up our University.

As we advance on our ambition for Monmouth to become both more excellent and more accessible, it is gratifying that external rankings continue to recognize these and other strengths of our community. For the 19th straight year, The Princeton Review has named Monmouth one of the nation’s “Best 389 Colleges,” representing the top 15% of four-year colleges nationwide. And, in the most recent rankings released by Washington Monthly, Monmouth climbed an impressive 19 spots on the index for social mobility of graduates.

As we embark on a new year at Monmouth, let us remember that we are all part of a community dedicated to ensuring that every individual member is valued and respected. We all belong to a community that thrives on our collective efforts as well as our individual achievements. Our distinguished faculty bring their expertise to the forefront of learning, our dedicated staff serve our students and ensure the smooth functioning of our operations, and our talented students—undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral—drive the spirit of growth, discovery, connection, and service that has defined our mission since its founding 90 years ago.

Whether you are returning to Monmouth or joining us for your first year, we are so pleased to have you as part our Hawk family. Here’s to a successful and rewarding academic year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:

As we look forward to the beginning of a new academic year, we are stunned and saddened by the gun violence afflicting communities across our nation, in particular recent episodes on and around college and university campuses. 

Our hearts go out to our colleagues at UNC Chapel Hill where a faculty member was killed senselessly while working in a campus building. This follows the recent racially motivated hate crime in Florida, where a larger tragedy was narrowly avoided at Edward Waters University, when the assailant was turned away by alert staff and students. Both of these incidents, among others in recent years, hit close to home for all of us who work on a college campus. 

Monmouth University strives to maintain a safe campus community.  The Monmouth University Police Department and our Department of Student Life work diligently to create a campus that is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty, and staff. We are grateful to all of our colleagues in these areas for their leadership. But, a safe and supportive community is a shared responsibility. We need to stay vigilant and watch out for one another. If you see a problem, please report it to the Monmouth University Police Department at 732-571-4444. We regularly review safety protocols and strive for continuous improvement. These recent incidents underscore the importance of these efforts. 

Our profound sense of community is a defining hallmark of Monmouth University.  Monmouth is a place where each individual is respected and supported, a community where our individual differences are celebrated. As we enter the fall semester, we are confident that our community is strong and growing stronger. 

We wish you all the best with the start of a new semester and thank you for your efforts on behalf of our students.

Sincerely,

President Patrick F. Leahy and Interim Provost Richard Veit

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

I am pleased to share an update on the search for our interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Over the past month, we have engaged in a rigorous internal search for an interim candidate to succeed Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson, who is leaving Monmouth to serve as provost of Spelman College, her undergraduate alma mater, and the institution where she first earned tenure.

Effective July 31, 2023, Dr. Richard (Rich) Veit will assume this critically important role for a two-year term. A 26-year veteran of Monmouth, Dr. Veit is a professor in the department of history and anthropology and associate dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Over the span of his career at Monmouth, Dr. Veit has developed extensive leadership experience, serving as an undergraduate program director, graduate program director, faculty athletic representative, Faculty Council chair, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning director, department chair, and interim dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences. In addition, he is currently co-chair of the Middle States Reaccreditation Steering Committee.

Dr. Veit’s many contributions to Monmouth have been recognized at several points throughout his career. In 2007, he received the Distinguished Teaching Award and in 2019, was named the inaugural recipient of the Eugene Simko Faculty Leadership Award. He is an esteemed educator and respected administrator, and also a notable scholar whose service to Monmouth has enriched our University community in countless ways.

I look forward to Dr. Veit’s continued contributions in his new role as interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and to working alongside Dr. Veit in support of our students towards our goal of being a national leader in the integration of excellence and access. I am also grateful to the members of the search committee who worked diligently over the past month to help narrow a robust and competitive applicant pool.

Please join me in thanking the search committee, and in congratulating Dr. Veit on this well-deserved appointment.

Sincerely,  

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community: 

Recent Supreme Court decisions have undoubtedly raised questions regarding the changing landscape of higher education. Though the Court’s decisions to ban race-conscious affirmative action, limit student loan forgiveness, and allow potential discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community present hurdles, I firmly believe that institutions of higher education will continue to play a vital role in advancing social progress for generations to come.

In particular, some may have questions about how these decisions affect Monmouth’s continuing commitment to cultivating diversity, building an accessible education, and supporting underrepresented communities. I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to the principles of excellence and access, which are bedrock principles of our institution.

First and foremost, diversity remains a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. We recognize that a diverse campus community fosters inclusivity, broadens perspectives, and enriches the educational experience for all. In fact, I believe we cannot truly claim excellence without also being accessible and inclusive. While the specific policies that have been banned in the courts have not been our institutional practice, we will continue to build strategic pipelines into our university, actively recruit from diverse school districts, and ensure equal opportunity for all who choose Monmouth.

And, while the Supreme Court’s ruling on potential LGBTQIA+ discrimination is disheartening, we want to assure you that our commitment to fostering an inclusive and accepting environment remains steadfast. We stand firmly against discrimination in all its forms and believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.  We will actively work to strengthen our support systems, provide critical resources, and promote an environment where acceptance and dignity prevail. 

Our institution was founded on the principles of access, and through our first ninety years our commitment to building a community that reflects the vibrant tapestry of society remains unwavering. As we look to the future, I call upon the entire university community—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—to join in upholding these core values. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive institution that empowers and prepares our students for success in an ever-changing world. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

It is with deep sadness that I write to share news of the passing of Trustee Emeritus and former Board Chair Alfred J. Schiavetti, Jr. ’11HN. An esteemed volunteer leader and supporter for more than 25 years, Al was integral in advancing Monmouth to new levels of financial stability and academic excellence across several decades. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and benefited from his friendship and wise counsel.

First elected to the Board of Trustees in 1997, Al served as chair from 2007 to 2010 and was elected a Life Trustee in 2011 and Trustee Emeritus in 2016. He and his wife, Barbara “Bobbie”, have been active volunteers for many campus activities, and were regularly seen cheering on the Hawks at men’s basketball and football games over the years. They established the Barbara and Alfred Schiavetti Endowed Scholarship in 2008 to support deserving students pursuing studies in medical technology. Passionate supporters of the arts, Al and Bobbie also created the Art Conservation & Preservation Endowed Fund in 2018 to provide support for the curation, conservation, archival and preservation of the Monmouth University Art Collection.

An accomplished businessman and respected leader, Al received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Monmouth University in 2011. And, in December of this year, Al will receive the President’s Medal posthumously for the tremendous impact he made on Monmouth during his lifetime. His deep commitment to progressing Monmouth’s mission and growing the University community both locally and nationally has left an enduring legacy and serves as a key factor for our continued success.

As a tribute to Al’s life and his profound commitment to our university community, the Monmouth University flag will be flown at half-staff.

We extend our deepest condolences to Bobbie, the Schiavetti family, and all those who knew Al. His legacy will live on in the countless ways he contributed to Monmouth’s mission, leaving our University a better place because of his steady leadership and wonderful friendship.

Sincerely,

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:

I hope your first days of summer are off to a great start. As we wind down the 2022-2023 academic year, I write with a few important updates on the senior administrative team, which all go into effect on July 1, the first day of our 91^st academic year here at Monmouth.

We have recently concluded searches for three open positions among my direct reports, and I am pleased to share the following results.

Executive Director for Campus Planning and Facilities Management

Tim Orr, who has served this role in an acting capacity since September 2022, will become the permanent executive director. In this role, Tim will oversee the Division of Campus Planning and Facilities Management, responsible for maintaining all buildings and grounds, as well as planning, coordinating, and overseeing all major site work construction, building construction, and major building renovations on campus. I am confident that Tim’s institutional knowledge coupled with his background in mechanical engineering position him well for continued success in this permanent role.

Vice President and General Counsel

Charlene Diana, who has served in an acting role since September 2022, will become the permanent Vice President and General Counsel. In this capacity, Charlene will oversee the Office of the General Counsel, protecting the University’s legal interests and managing the University’s legal affairs. Charlene will also be responsible for managing the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Office of Internal Audit, and the Office of Compliance. I am so pleased that Charlene—a first-generation college graduate who understands the importance of access and the value of a college degree—will be the first female in our University’s history to serve in this important leadership role.

Vice President for Student Life

James (Jim) Pillar, who first joined Monmouth in 1995, will succeed Mary Anne Nagy as Vice President for Student Life. Jim will oversee the areas of campus safety, counseling and prevention services, crisis management, fraternity and sorority life, health services, judicial affairs, off campus and commuter services, residential life, student activities and student operations, transitions and leadership programs, and veteran services. I am grateful to have such a seasoned and well-respected leader as Jim to take on this important role at the university and look forward to working together to enhance the student experience outside of the classroom. As part of planning for this division, the Office of Conference Services and Special Events will be moving to the Division of University Advancement, also effective July 1.

I am grateful to the individuals who served on the search committees for these three positions, and appreciate the time, energy, and recommendations they so graciously shared in service to the university community. Please join me in congratulating Tim, Charlene, and Jim on these appointments. I am confident that they will bring invaluable perspectives and leadership experience to the senior administrative team. I look forward to working alongside them and building on their combined 73 years of institutional knowledge and experience at Monmouth.

Likewise, I am pleased to share my plans for the Division of Finance and the Athletics Department in light of the recently announced retirements of their respective division heads, Bill Craig and Jeff Stapleton.

Vice President for Finance

In the near term, Associate Vice President for Finance & Controller, Mary Byrne, and Associate Vice President for Finance & Budgets, Joseph (Joe) Pingitore, will report directly to me and the Vice President for Finance position will remain vacant. Mary and Joe have each served the University very successfully since they first joined the Monmouth community, and will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Division of Finance. I look forward to working more closely with Mary and Joe in the coming months, and will share future plans for the Division as they become available. Please join me in thanking Mary and Joe for helping to ensure a seamless transition for this important university function.

Director of Athletics

I have decided to name Jennifer (Jen) Sansevero the Acting Director of Athletics. Since first joining Monmouth in 2021, Jen has served the University and the athletics program as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Development/SWA, and the sport administrator for women’s basketball, women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s tennis. Jen is an experienced athletics administrator, deeply committed to student success—both on the field of play and in the classroom. Jen’s impressive experience, her background in law and compliance, and her enduring commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus will position her nicely for success in this new role. Please join me in congratulating Jen on her new role at the University.

In addition to the appointments outlined above, the internal search for the Interim Provost continues in earnest, with the aim to have the newly appointed provost in place by July 31. I have established a search committee that will soon be reviewing the application materials from all eligible candidates, which are due to me by end of day on Friday, June 30. Until then, please continue to submit nominations directly to me at Patrick.Leahy@monmouth.edu.

Thank you in advance for your support of these transitions. As always, if you have questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Sincerely,
Pat

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the death of one of our students, Dennis Andrew Vaccaro. Dennis was a third-year student expecting to complete his computer science degree at the end of the fall 2024 semester. He died on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic motorcycle accident in Ocean Township.

Dennis was one of our student veterans, having served his country as an airborne combat medic in the United States Army. He served for five years, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan, and left the army at the rank of sergeant. Continuing his legacy of service, Dennis’s organ donations will now provide life to countless others.

The University mourns the tragic and untimely death of a member of our community and extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow student veterans at this most difficult time. Flags on campus have been lowered in Dennis’s honor.

As the Monmouth University family mourns Dennis’s passing, support services are available for students, faculty and staff at Counseling and Prevention Services (732-571-7517) or the Office of Student Life at 732-571-3417.

Visitation will be held today, June 19^th, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Long Branch.

Please take a moment today, in your own way, to think of Dennis and his family.  If you have any further questions or need further information, please contact the Office of Student Life.

Thank you.

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy

President

Dear Members of the Monmouth University Community:

I write today with an important update on the senior administrative team here at Monmouth. Effective June 30, 2023, Dr. Pamela Scott-Johnson, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, will be leaving Monmouth to serve as provost at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

While I am reluctant for Dr. Scott-Johnson to depart Monmouth later this month, I am delighted that she will be returning to her alma mater—and the institution where she first earned tenure early in her academic career. Spelman College is one of the nation’s premier historically Black liberal arts colleges, and a global leader in the education of women of African descent. Spelman is quite fortunate to be adding Dr. Scott-Johnson to their leadership team, where she will no doubt have a positive impact on the faculty and women students at the college.

Since first arriving at Monmouth, Dr. Scott-Johnson has demonstrated a deep commitment to our students, and has made several noteworthy enhancements to our academic enterprise. Among them, the early rollout of EAB—an interactive information and communication platform designed to strengthen academic advising and interactions related to student support at all levels. Similarly, Dr. Scott-Johnson’s commitment to excellence in teaching has been evident through her investment in the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) Certificate in Effective College Instruction, available to Monmouth faculty members who wish to engage in a yearlong program with the ultimate goal of enhancing their teaching through evidence-based practices.

I am grateful to Dr. Scott-Johnson for bringing these and so many other enhancements to our university community. Under her thoughtful leadership, Monmouth is a better place than it was two years ago, and I am quite confident that Dr. Scott-Johnson’s positive impact on our university will be felt for years to come. Please join me in thanking Dr. Scott-Johnson for her service to Monmouth, and wishing her well as the new provost of Spelman College.

I will be working with Faculty Council in the coming days to discuss a process for identifying Dr. Scott-Johnson’s replacement, both in the short- and long-term. Please expect more information in the near future. Until then, the senior team in Academic Affairs will continue their normal operations to ensure a seamless transition.

Sincerely,  

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President

Dear Colleagues:  

I write today with important information on two significant administrative changes here at Monmouth. Effective June 30, 2023, Bill Craig, vice president for finance, and Jeff Stapleton, director of athletics, will be retiring after long and influential careers at Monmouth. While I am reluctant for these colleagues to depart in June after a collective 75 years of service to the University, I am delighted for them to reap the benefits and enjoyments of a well-earned retirement.

William “Bill” Craig joined Monmouth as controller in 1981 and was promoted to vice president for finance in 1988. In this capacity, he has led the Division of Finance, which includes the accounting, investment and treasury functions of the University including budgets, grants fiscal management, the mailroom, the University Store, the Central Box Office, the Digital Print Center, and the Office of Purchasing. Bill is also the administrative liaison to the Audit, Finance and Budgets, and Investment committees of the Board of Trustees. In a 2021 report by “The Record” on the fiscal viability of private colleges and universities in New Jersey, Monmouth ranked second only to Princeton in financial strength. This acknowledgment represents the culmination of more than four decades of careful financial stewardship. During his tenure, Monmouth grew from a college to a university that today offers 33 bachelor’s, 24 master’s, and four doctoral programs, and is the fifth largest employer in Monmouth County. Guided by Bill’s financial acumen, the University has completed nearly $300 million in new construction under his watch, and today, as he retires, the University has virtually no debt, an accomplishment recently touted in Inside Higher Ed.

Jeff Stapleton has been an active and integral part of the success and advancement of the Monmouth University Department of Athletics for the last 33 years, most recently as the University’s seventh director of Athletics. In that role, he led Monmouth’s transition into the Colonial Athletic Association, and stewarded the addition of women’s rowing to Monmouth’s athletic programs. His leadership of the department follows a tenure of 31 years as deputy director of Athletics, where one of his key responsibilities was overseeing the development and construction of some of the top fields and facilities in mid-major Division I athletics. Over the past 20 years Jeff has been a key figure in the construction of the $57 million OceanFirst Bank Center, the $16 million Kessler Stadium and renovations to all of Monmouth’s athletic facilities, including renovations to the varsity weight room, the field hockey facility, Boylan Gymnasium and the eight-lane outdoor track. And, the new Student Wellness Center, on which we hope to break ground in 2024, is possible due to Jeff’s leadership.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside Bill and Jeff during my time as president at Monmouth. They are exceptional administrators whose commitment to our University cannot be overstated, and whose contributions to our financial strength and athletic success will endure.

I look forward to celebrating their dedication to Monmouth at our Awards and Recognition ceremony this morning, and in other special ways throughout the coming month. I will share our plans for filling these significant positions in the very near future. Please join me in thanking Bill and Jeff for the lasting mark that each has made at Monmouth University.  

Thank you.  

Pat  

Dr. Patrick F. Leahy
President