PROFessionals of the Month

The focus of the PROFessionals of the Month program is to recognize, on a monthly basis, exemplary Rowan employees as nominated by fellow members of the University community.

The program is for faculty, staff, or employee groups at any level across all University campuses. The monthly recipient(s), chosen by the PROF of the Month Committee, will receive a special visit by the committee, a group of professionals dedicated to recognizing—and celebrating—outstanding work by Rowan employees.

Nominations can be submitted for individual employees, work groups or project teams. The ideal candidate will have played a major role in a recent, exceptional accomplishment, preferably in the month they have been nominated for (Examples: Completion of a high impact task or project, successful organization of an event, receipt of an award for an outstanding accomplishment, etc.).  

To nominate faculty, staff, or a team of professionals for the PROFessional(s) of the Month, fill out the PROF of the Month Nomination Form by the end of the calendar month to explain why your nominee(s) should be recognized. Feel free to resubmit nominations that were previously submitted!

Which Rowan professional or team of professionals has gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving the University community? Who in the past month exhibited terrific student engagement, customer service, and teamwork, exemplifying all that is terrific about Rowan professionals?  

In short, who should be Rowan’s PROFessional(s) of the Month?

 

  

September 2026

Julianna Gligor, Kianna DelValle, and Katarina Kawash

 

Congratulations to Julianna Gligor, Marketing Campaign Strategist; Kianna DelValle, Managing Administration Assistant; and Katarina Kawash, Associate Director of Budget and Operations, for being selected as the September PROFessionals of the Month!

Julianna, Kianna, and Katarina play important roles in advancing Rowan's brand and supporting the Division of Marketing & Communication's initiatives. Through their combined expertise in campaign strategy, administration, logistics, budgeting, and operations, they help transform ideas into successful projects, partnerships, and experiences that engage students, employees, and members of the broader community.

Since the launch of Defy Definition LIVE, the trio has gone above and beyond their normal responsibilities to support activations and partnerships across campus and beyond. Their work has contributed to initiatives involving the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, Rally House, and numerous community events. Working collaboratively, they help coordinate the planning, purchasing, budgeting, vendor relationships, logistics, and operational details necessary to bring these initiatives to life.

This month, their efforts helped support the University's first full semester with Defy Definition fully integrated across campus. One of the most visible examples was the Welcome Week bucket hat initiative, which placed reversible Defy Definition bucket hats and postcards in residence hall rooms for incoming students. Behind this effort was extensive planning, budgeting, purchasing, vendor coordination, organization, and distribution. They also supported a variety of other brand activations and events, including the Presidents Picnic, Rally House Grand Opening, Glassboro Italian Festival, and Glassboro Car Show, helping create meaningful opportunities for engagement with both the Rowan and Glassboro communities.

While many of their contributions occur behind the scenes, their teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to execution have played a key role in sustaining the momentum of the Defy Definition campaign and creating experiences that bring the Rowan brand to life.

For their exceptional collaboration, dedication, and contributions to advancing Rowan's Defy Definition initiatives, we proudly recognize Julianna Gligor, Kianna DelValle, and Katarina Kawash as the September PROFessionals of the Month.

August 2026

Bismah Qureshi - Office of Institutional Data & Analytics

 

Congratulations to Bismah Qureshi for being selected as the August PROFessional of the Month!

Bismah plays an important role in supporting data-informed decision-making across the University by developing dashboards, reports, and analytics solutions that help departments better understand student outcomes, enrollment trends, and program performance. Through her dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to customer service, she helps campus partners access the information they need to make informed decisions and advance institutional goals.

Her impact extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. Bismah consistently takes initiative in addressing user needs, proactively works through challenges, and delivers high-quality solutions that support the University's mission. She is also committed to continuous learning and regularly explores new technologies that enhance reporting and analytics capabilities. In addition, she shares her knowledge with colleagues and mentors interns in reporting, dashboard development, and ETL technologies, helping strengthen the overall effectiveness of the team.

This month, Bismah made several significant contributions through the development of high-impact dashboards that support academic planning and student success. She designed and developed the ENT Dashboard for the College of Education, created the Entrepreneurship Student Progress Dashboard to help monitor progress toward Certificates of Undergraduate Study and minors, and developed the Rowan Online Dropped Student Dashboard to provide greater insight into student retention and withdrawal trends. These tools equip stakeholders with meaningful data and actionable information to better support students and programs across the University.

Bismah's willingness to assist others, quickly understand customer needs, share knowledge, and consistently deliver exceptional work has made a meaningful difference to both the Office of Institutional Data & Analytics and the broader Rowan community.

For her outstanding dedication, initiative, customer service, and contributions to advancing data-informed decision-making across the University, we proudly recognize Bismah Qureshi as the August PROFessional of the Month.

July 2026

Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Team

Natalie Kautz, Carla Sbrana, and Lizabeth Roth

 

Congratulations to the Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Team for being selected as the July PROFessionals of the Month!

Natalie Kautz, Assistant Director, Carla Sbrana, Educational Technologist, and Lizabeth Roth, Administrative Assistant, provide essential support to faculty, staff, and campus partners across the University. Through their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence, they help deliver key Faculty Center services, coordinate important faculty initiatives, and ensure that resources, programs, and support systems remain accessible and effective for the Rowan community.

The team’s impact extends across many areas of the University. Faculty members rely on them for professional development opportunities, educational technology support, faculty recognition programs, student evaluation processes, and access to important resources and information. Through flexibility, collaboration, and a strong commitment to service, Natalie, Carla, and Lizabeth help ensure these important programs and services remain effective and accessible for the Rowan community.

This month, the team has demonstrated outstanding engagement, customer service, and teamwork. Natalie has continued coordinating New Faculty Orientation and managing the current Student Evaluation of Teaching system while preparing for a future transition. Carla has engaged faculty through professional development programs, maintained the Faculty Center website, and supported educational technology initiatives. Lizabeth has provided essential administrative and logistical support, managing communications, records, purchasing, scheduling, award processes, and year-end budget responsibilities. Together, they have worked closely to ensure New Faculty Orientation is well organized and welcoming for incoming faculty.

Many of the team’s contributions take place behind the scenes, but their work plays a vital role in supporting faculty success and strengthening University operations. Through their resilience, professionalism, collaboration, and commitment to service, Natalie, Carla, and Lizabeth have made a meaningful difference across the Rowan community.

For their exceptional teamwork, dedication, and sustained contributions to faculty development and University operations, we proudly recognize the Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Team as the July PROFessionals of the Month.

June 2026

Rowan Online Student Success Coaching Team

Jason Salvatore, Mary Jean (MJ) Schultes, Jenni Matthews, Kristin Bennett, Hannah DeWoody

 

Congratulations to the Rowan Online Student Success Coaching Team for being selected as the June PROFessionals of the Month!

As a new division, the Rowan Online Student Success Coaching Team has quickly become an invaluable asset to the University community by setting a high standard for student support and engagement. Despite being newly established, the team has proactively identified gaps in online student services and responded with innovative solutions that address both academic and personal challenges. They have worked diligently to build relationships with students, create a welcoming virtual environment, and ensure every learner feels seen and supported.

The team’s commitment is evident in their hands-on approach—reaching out to at-risk students, developing customized action plans, and collaborating with faculty and campus partners to advocate for student needs. Their new initiatives, including virtual workshops and individualized coaching sessions, have already shown measurable improvements in student retention and satisfaction. Through these efforts, the division is not only helping individual students succeed but also strengthening the overall sense of community within Rowan’s online programs.

This month, the Rowan Online Student Success Coaching Team has demonstrated exceptional engagement and teamwork. They maintain frequent, proactive communication with students, respond quickly to concerns, and provide personalized support that goes well beyond routine check-ins. Their commitment to customer service is reflected in their flexibility, evening and weekend availability, and consistent follow-up to ensure no student falls through the cracks.

Internally, the team has shown remarkable collaboration—sharing best practices, coordinating with faculty, IT, and other departments, and working together to solve complex student issues efficiently. Their positive attitude, reliability, and dedication to the University’s mission have created a welcoming and solution-focused environment for all.

For their exceptional student support, outstanding teamwork, and dedication to student success, we proudly recognize the Rowan Online Student Success Coaching Team as the June PROFessionals of the Month.

May 2026

Jillian Itri – Human Resources

 

Congratulations to Jillian Itri for being selected as the May PROFessional of the Month! 

Jill serves as a Pensions and Benefits Specialist and is a trusted resource for employees and colleagues across the University. With more than 20 years of university and retirement expertise, she provides guidance on retirement and benefits matters, helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and stays current on changing pension regulations. Her expertise, responsiveness, and commitment to supporting the University community have made her an invaluable resource to both employees and colleagues.

This month, Jill demonstrated exceptional dedication during the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP). Amid high volume and tight deadlines, she offered thoughtful, thorough guidance to employees considering participation, ensuring they fully understood their retirement options and benefits. When the deadline was extended, she expanded her availability and remained highly responsive, meeting with a surge of employees seeking clarity and support.

Jill’s commitment extended beyond employee consultations. She was a key resource for her team—advising, training, and sharing her deep retirement expertise to strengthen team knowledge and confidence. She also took on the critical responsibility of reviewing high‑volume reports to ensure accuracy and compliance, reinforcing her reliability and attention to detail.

Her role in the successful execution of the VSIP stands out as a major accomplishment. Jill’s ability to manage increased demand while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and exceptional customer service was instrumental to the program’s success and reflects her unwavering dedication to the University community.

Jill consistently brings depth, steadiness, and a team‑first mindset to her work. She is always willing to step in, provide guidance, and ensure her colleagues feel supported—never allowing anyone to feel overwhelmed or alone in navigating complex processes. Her reliability, knowledge, and genuine investment in both her team and the broader University community make her highly deserving of recognition.

For her dedication, responsiveness, and exceptional service to employees and colleagues, we proudly recognize Jillian Itri as the May PROFessional of the Month.

April 2026

Emmalee Holaday - Center for Belonging and Student Engagement 

Congratulations to Emmalee Holaday for being selected as the April PROFessional of the Month!

Emmalee Holaday is the Assistant Director for Gender and Sexuality within the Center for Belonging & Student Engagement, a unit of the broader Center for Well‑Being. In this role, she creates and leads high‑impact programming that advances gender and sexual inclusivity through belonging and student engagement initiatives.

On April 16, 2026, Rowan University hosted Pride Fest—an event dedicated to celebrating the wide range of gender identities and expressions represented across the campus community. Emmalee has been persistent and consistent in maintaining the visibility of inclusivity while centering the voices of individuals with both traditional and non‑traditional gender identities and expressions.

Through Emmalee’s leadership, faculty and staff came together to support Pride Fest through tabling, food, and live entertainment. More than 200 campus community members attended, reflecting the strong engagement and sense of belonging fostered by her work.

Emmalee has demonstrated outstanding student engagement, community engagement, and teamwork through her cross‑campus collaborations with faculty, staff, and students. These partnerships highlight her commitment to belonging and the importance of mattering—regardless of one’s gender identity or expression.

Emmalee has also maintained a posture of steadfastness and advocacy, helping the University remain compliant with federal regulations while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. She is actively learning and practicing the intersection of belonging and well‑being, and her creative and innovative ideas will continue to shape the campus experience in the years ahead.

For her leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to belonging, we proudly recognize Emmalee Holaday as the April PROFessional of the Month.

March 2026

John Hagen - Mail Room

 

Congratulations to John Hagen for being selected as the March PROFessional of the Month!

John Hagen, Mail Room Supervisor, demonstrated exceptional service and partnership in supporting the Department of Psychology in conducting high‑volume, federally funded human subjects studies. These studies rely entirely on remote procedures, requiring activity‑monitoring devices to be mailed to participants with prepaid return postage. Because participants volunteer their time for minimal compensation, a smooth and reliable mailing process is essential to maintaining trust and protecting the team’s—and the University’s—reputation.

John collaborated with the research team to identify a streamlined, efficient approach for managing device shipments across multiple ongoing studies. His early involvement strengthened a process that directly affects community participants who generously contribute to scientific research.

More recently, the team encountered a significant issue: some U.S. Post Office branches were not accepting the prepaid postage, resulting in participants being asked to pay out of pocket to return the devices. This unexpected burden caused confusion and frustration for participants and created disruption for the internal research team.

John immediately stepped in and went above and beyond over several days to determine why the postage issue occurred, establish a system to prevent the problem from happening again, and ensure the team received a refund so they could reimburse affected participants.

Throughout the process, John listened carefully, understood the team’s concerns, and worked collaboratively to resolve the issue quickly. His actions restored the team’s reputation with participants and exemplified outstanding customer and university service. John’s accomplishments in this situation were exceptional, and the Department of Psychology research team is deeply grateful for his partnership.

For his dedication, responsiveness, and commitment to service, we proudly recognize John Hagen as the March PROFessional of the Month!

February 2026

Jenene Thomas - Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)

 

Congratulations to Jenene Thomas for being selected as the February PROFessional of the Month!

Jenene Thomas is a program specialist at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU). In this role, she works closely with the Student Government Association (SGA) to support daily operations, budget operations and event planning. 

Jenene recently supported the planning of CMSRU’s annual Med Ball event and was “absolutely phenomenal in helping the younger SGA members plan the event.” She helped to guide students through the event planning process and she was critical to the overall success of the event. 

Here’s what one of Jenene’s colleagues had to say about Jenene’s contributions to her work and team: 

• “I have personally worked with Jenene in Student Government over the past four years and I sincerely feel that she should be recognized for all of her hard work and dedication. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with someone that is just so incredibly good at their job and I believe that deserves some recognition.”

December 2025

Angelique Gonzalez - College of the Arts

 

Congratulations to Angelique Gonzalez for being selected as the December PROFessional of the Month!

Angelique Gonzalez is an administrative staff member in the College of the Arts at Rowan University. In this role, Angelique coordinates all admissions efforts and organizes large scale projects in the College of the Arts. 

Here’s what some of Angelique’s colleagues had to say about Angelique’s contributions to her work and team: 

• “Angelique is always a source of positivity, determination, focus, organization and energy that is a pivotal reason for the success of the college.” 
• “Angelique never hesitates to offer her support and doesn’t quit until she has found a solution for every issue brought to her attention.”
• “Angelique has taken on a clear leadership role in streamlining essential processes, particularly those related to recruitment and admissions. Her work integrating Slate has been instrumental in improving how we engage prospective students and track data to measure the effectiveness of our outreach. These improvements directly support our enrollment goals and have enhanced the clarity and efficiency of our workflow. Angelique’s efforts ensure that admissions can accurately track prospective students while giving our department the tools to evaluate what recruitment strategies are most successful.”

For her positivity and sense of determination, we celebrate Angelique Gonzalez as the December PROFessional of the Month!

November 2025

Ben Hyman - Institutional Data & Analytics

 

Congratulations to Ben Hyman for being selected as the November PROFessional of the Month!

Ben is a Senior Data Analyst in the Office of Institutional Data & Analytics at Rowan University. In this role, Ben builds powerful, data-driven dashboards that support the entire university. These dashboards are used by everyone, from departmental administrators to the President’s Office. These dashboards also help individuals make informed, key decisions across campus. The insights drawn from Ben’s work have a meaningful impact on many departments and the choices they make every day. 

Ben recently worked on supporting the development of the Faculty Load Dashboard. According to one of Ben’s colleagues, “His technical skill and determination, paired with his ability to understand the data itself, made this dashboard not only functional but incredibly useful. Thanks to his work, we were able to make data-informed decisions that simply weren’t possible before.” 

Here’s what some of Ben’s colleagues had to say about Ben’s contributions to his work and team:

• “Beyond his technical skills, Ben is just a great person to work with. These projects involve many people with big ideas and strong opinions, and he handles it all with patience, humor, and professionalism. Even when projects grow more complicated or new requests pop up late in the process, Ben never loses his cool. That kind of calm under pressure is rare—and so appreciated.”
• “This month, the nominee [Ben] demonstrated outstanding teamwork and service by maintaining a positive, solutions-focused approach in every interaction. They actively collaborated with colleagues across departments to address complex data and reporting needs, ensuring that all stakeholders received clear and timely support. Their approachable manner and willingness to assist others fostered a sense of trust and reliability among both employees and students. Whether resolving technical issues, streamlining workflows, or sharing knowledge to strengthen the team’s capacity, they consistently exemplified professionalism, collaboration, and genuine commitment to the University’s mission.”

For his strength in collaboration and teamwork, we celebrate Ben Hyman as the November PROFessional of the Month!

October 2025

Marium Waqar - Division of University Advancement

 

Congratulations to Marium Waqar for being selected as the October PROFessional of the Month!

Marium is the Assistant Director of Annual Giving in the Division of University Advancement. In this role, Marium is responsible for leading the student engagement program where she hires and manages a team of students while they call, email and text Rowan alumni and donor communities. Marium teaches the basics of fundraising, phone etiquette and how to deal with complicated conversations. 

In September, the Division of University Advancement launched their “Forging Forward” campaign. There was a large amount of work associated with launching this campaign and it was truly a team effort. Marium stood out as going above and beyond in helping to prepare for this. One example of this was that Marium planned an interactive trail at the campaign launch event. The purpose of the trail was to have attendees learn about Henry Rowan and his story, reflect on their “why” for giving back and explore various ways that we can all show gratitude. 

Here’s what one of Marium’s colleagues had to say about Marium’s dedication and commitment to serving in her role as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving:

“Marium is an amazing colleague and truly puts so much time and effort into everything she does. She goes the extra mile to think of unique ideas that will add something extra to an event or to anything she is working on. She’s a pleasure to work with and be around.” 

For her dedication and commitment to going above and beyond in her role, we celebrate Marium Waqar as the October PROFessional of the Month!