NEWS

Rutgers–Camden MPA student earns award scholarship from EWNJ

A student in the Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) program at Rutgers University–Camden has been selected for the Executive Women of New Jersey’s 2010 Graduate Merit Award Scholarship. 

Nicol Brodie, a second-year student in the MPA–Educational Policy & Leadership Concentration, is one of 23 female graduate students in New Jersey to receive the award.

“I am extremely grateful and honored to have been selected,” says Nicol, who will share this year’s award with four other students from Rutgers. 

She and her fellow award winners were selected based on their academic performance, financial need, and leadership, with an emphasis on service in the community, according to the EWNJ. 

“I think it’s great that EWNJ supports grad students who work hard to make a difference in our communities,” adds Nicol, who began her Master’s last year after working for eleven years with the Camden City Board of Education; she currently works as a Math coach at Sumner Elementary.  “I think it’s an opportunity for them to inspire future leaders.”  

The EWNJ established the Graduate Merit Award Program in 1986 in order to provide encouragement and a strong foundation of leadership development for the next generation of female executives, according to its website. 

“We are very pleased that EWNJ is advancing leadership in New Jersey and supporting women in the graduate field of public policy, which is essential to the continuation of effective government,” says Dr. Robyne Turner, chairperson of the Department of Public Policy & Administration at Rutgers–Camden. 

“Not only does this award recognize one of our outstanding students, but confirms the value of a Rutgers–Camden MPA,” adds Dr. Turner. 

Nicol and her fellow award winners will receive at least $2,000 in tuition assistance to support their graduate studies in architecture, toxicology, business, psychology, medicine, law, and the arts, according to the EWNJ. 

“EWNJ’s support for female graduate students is critical for the leadership development of women in New Jersey—especially in the areas of education and public policy, which the state desperately needs,” says Dr. Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, a Distinguished Service Professor of Public Policy & Administration at Rutgers–Camden and Coordinator of the MPA–Educational Policy and Leadership concentration.

Nicol plans to complete her MPA degree next year and follow a career in educational leadership.  She will be presented with her award at the EWNJ’s Annual Graduate Merit Award Dinner on October 21 in Somerset, New Jersey. 

THE 2010 EWNJ GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

• Stephanie Arena, M.S. in Chemistry candidate, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Heidi Bramson, J.D. candidate, Rutgers School of Law–Newark
• Nicol Brodie, MPA in Public Policy & Administration candidate, Rutgers University–Camden
• Phoebe DelBoccio, M.S. in Professional & Technical Communications candidate, NJIT
• Fabiana DiSanzo, Ph.D. in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics candidate, UMDNJ
• Marien Elizabeth, M.A. in Diplomacy & Int'l Relations candidate, Seton Hall University
• Erika Enriquez, MBA in Finance & M.S. in Accounting candidate, St. Peter's College
• Syrita Farrow, D.O. candidate, UMDNJ School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Kathy Foster, MBA in Concentration Accounting candidate, Caldwell College
• Bonnie Gordic, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Candidate, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
• Jenifer Hashem, M.D. candidate, UMDNJ
• Jennifer Jones, Psy.D. in School Psychology candidate, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
• Cassandra Kahn, D.M.D. candidate, UMDNJ
• Melissa Kibbe, Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology candidate, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
• Margie Marken, MBA candidate, Montclair State University
• Gina Miranda-Diaz, D.N.P. candidate, UMDNJ School of Nursing
• Felicia Miller, M.A. in Education Counseling candidate, Kean University
• Lisamarie Moore, Ph.D. in Neuroscience candidate, UMDNJ
• Michelle Neidleman, Sc.D. in Audiology candidate, Montclair State University
• Delina Parkhurst, Doctor of Dental Medicine candidate, UMDNJ
• Demis Ros, M.D. candidate, UMDNJ
• Mirvetk Tonuzi, M.A. in Teaching and M.A. in Educational Leadership candidate, Fairleigh Dickinson and Seton Hall universities
• Kahyun Yoon-Flannery, D.O. candidate, UMDNJ School of Osteopathic Medicine