McNair Scholars Staff

Wendy Alvarado serves as the Director of the McNair Scholars Program. Wendy earned a Bachelor degree in Management Science and a Master degree in Public Administration from Kean University.

Wendy worked at Kean University for the past 17 years in various capacities. Initially, she worked as a Counselor for the GEAR UP and McNair Scholars Program. She also worked in the College of Natural Applied and Health Sciences as an Assistant to the Dean and most recently in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs as the Managing Assistant Director. Currently, she serves as a member for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), Association for Equality and Excellence in Education (AEEE) and McNair Association of Professionals (MAPS).      

Wendy is a strong advocate for first-generation and underrepresented students. She enjoys meeting new people and traveling with family and friends.

Marlene Valdez serves as the Counselor for the McNair Scholars program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Justice Studies and Psychology with a focus on Justice Systems, Paralegal Studies and Justice and Families, from Montclair State University. She also earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, also from Montclair State. 

Prior to her arrival at Kean, Marlene worked as a victim’s advocate for 5 ½ years for a county prosecutor’s office. She is an advocate for education and is passionate about helping underrepresented students attain their academic goals.