As a first-generation college student, Melissa Cosgrove knows the unique challenges of navigating university life. Currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership in Higher Education in Rowan’s College of Education, Melissa has a personal mission: to ensure future students have the resources and support needed for a smooth college transition.

In addition to her studies, Melissa works as the STEAM Academy Coordinator in the College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Office, where she’s already making an impact on student success. Her role allows her to blend her passion for educational leadership with hands-on experience, connecting students with valuable resources in the sciences and beyond.

Melissa aims to become a Dean of Students, advocating for all students and supporting them academically and personally. She is committed to removing barriers and creating a supportive environment, so every student feels empowered to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Esian Caldwell, a first-generation college student at Rowan, stands as a beacon of resilience and ambition. Born in Ghana, Esian draws inspiration from a family deeply rooted in education and achievement. Her grandfather, the first African American to earn a pilot's license in Toledo, and her mother, a saxophone player and Cornell alumna, instilled in her a passion for knowledge and a drive to excel. Majoring in Psychology as an online freshman, Esian navigates the challenges of virtual learning while harboring dreams of a career in the entertainment industry. She hopes to one day gain a business law degree, and align her passion for the arts with a practical understanding of the business world. Despite the isolating nature of online learning, she emphasizes the importance of finding personal support systems. Her advice to fellow students includes self-reflection, perseverance, and staying true to one's identity. Esian is not just a Psychology student; she is a musician, a performer, and a wise advocate for embracing individuality in the face of challenges.

Saira Ahmad earned her degree in Applied Professional Communication from RCBC's Mt. Laurel campus, in their 3+1 program. Her coursework was in the hybrid format. She chose the program for its flexibility since she was working full-time while taking slasses, and this program offered courses at night, as well as online. Highlights from her time at Rowan include the faculty and friends shes met, as well as the knowledge she gained along the way. She'd like students to stay focused and not give up, along with being as organized as possible, and talking with advisors and professors if needed. Since graduating, she was hired by the New Jersey Department of Transportation as a Personnel Trainee in their HR Divison.

Natalie Alcott is a current student at Rowan University, working towards an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis. She attended our Mt. Laurel campus at RCBC, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in the 3+1 program. Her father attended Rowan, and for this reason she was drawn to the University, and chose 3+1 for its financial convenience when compared to a more traditional college experience. Her favorite moment at Rowan was her chance to walk in the Psychology program’s graduation ceremony, even in the middle of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She urges current students to strive for greatness and actively seek ways to further their education, and says she’s just trying her best to be successful in her career while taking care of 10 pets.

Diane Duncan is currently enrolled in Rowan University's M.A. in Higher Education: Academic Advising Track program. She is a student worker at Rowan's College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS) as an Academic Advising Assistant.  She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) in the 3+1 program. Her course structure was a hybrid format, in which courses were split between online and RCBC’s Mount Laurel campus. She says she enrolled in the program for its affordability, accessibility, and flexibility. A highlight from her time at the institution has been building relationships with peers and faculty and obtaining her degree in a timely fashion. She stated that students should follow their passion, as well as create and maintain connections and relationships throughout their academic career. Lastly, she says there are always opportunities for students to grow personally and professionally.

Faith Orozco received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the 3+1 program at Rowan College at Burlington County. She’s currently studying Mental Health Counseling at Holy Family University. Faith chose a Rowan Global program because the school was close to family and she’d hear good things about the program, like its affordability. She says that students should form relationships with their advisors and professors because they are always there to help. Faith’s favorite moment in RCBC’s 3+1 program was being able to graduate, because it meant the next in her career towards becoming a doctor.