Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University (MSU) is a leading institution of higher education located in Montclair, New Jersey. Designated as an R2 Research Doctoral University, MSU’s 10 degree-granting schools and colleges serve more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate level programs.

Dr. Jonathan Koppell, the University’s new President understands the unique role that an anchor institution can play in contributing to economic development, future growth, and the overall well-being of local communities. “As a new member, the University seeks to tap into CUMU’s deep knowledge and technical expertise to support institutional transformation efforts and to launch our new  One Square Mile Project, a hyper-local place-based initiative in Paterson, NJ.”

Montclair State’s commitment to engagement beyond the campus is central to its mission and is supported by numerous units. The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) serves as a central hub that connects the campus to local communities. The CCE houses a wide array of programs and projects that foster community engagement and democratic practice. Each year the Center engages over 1000 students in partnership with 200 community partners and 30 faculty members to seek solutions to real issues of public concern.

The CCE’s Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning Fellows program is a two-year professional development program for faculty interested in attaining a deeper knowledge of the pedagogies and processes of community-engaged teaching, learning and research.

The CCE provides many opportunities for students to get involved with local communities. Some opportunities include:

  • The emerging Public Service Academy comprised of the following programs: The Next Generation Service Corps, a Presidential initiative that seeks to prepare undergraduates for careers in public service, the Bonner Leader Program, a college access  program that promotes leadership development and community service of member students, and the New Jersey COVID Service Corps, an AmeriCorps initiative that recruits students in allied health majors to address and ameliorate the devastating health, economic, and educational impacts caused by the COVID health crisis.
  • Initially launched in 1996, the Community-Engaged Learning Program serves as part of the University’s broader commitment to experiential education. Each year the Community-Engaged Learning Program enrolls 200-300 students within 25-30 community-based organizations.
  • The Leadership Development through Civic Engagement Minor is open to all majors and is designed to train students how to engage and lead others in their chosen field. This minor involves students actively participating in their community to facilitate their development as leaders.

Jonathan Koppell, MSU’s ninth president, believes strongly in the power of public universities to make a difference in the world, to create transformational opportunities for students, and to engage closely with communities to solve the most pressing problems of society.

Join us in welcoming Montclair State University to the CUMU membership.