Meet the Senators | Kean University

Mukul Acharya

Mukul is an accomplished academic leader currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Transformational Learning and the Center for Assessment of Learning at Kean University. He leads strategic initiatives at the university to implement best practices and ensure quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. Mukul is passionate about fostering evidence-based decision-making and enhancing educational outcomes through strategic leadership and collaboration in formal and non-formal education. With a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Massachusetts, Mukul brings over two decades of experience in higher education leadership. His expertise in research, evaluation, and data utilization has significantly contributed to program development, student learning assessment, and accreditation efforts at Kean University.

Sucheta Ahlawat

Sucheta joined the faculty of Kean University in 1994 and is a professor in the Department of Marketing, Global Business, and Economics. Sucheta earned her Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including her current service as Chair of the University Senate. As Chair of the university Senate, she has focused on revitalizing Senate committees and strengthening shared governance by fostering collaboration between the Senate, faculty, and administration. Sucheta is committed to working to create a healthy and vibrant university community.

Denise Anderson

Denise’s career as a design educator is rooted in extensive practical experience creating brand strategies and identities for corporations and new business start-ups. Since joining the Michael Graves College faculty in 2013, she has focused her research and teaching efforts on bridging the gap between design education and professional practice to ensure students are equipped to achieve their career goals. At the heart of her scholarly activities are two essential focal points: graphic design portfolio development—developing projects that reflect the skills and passions of students, and interdisciplinary, experiential learning—connecting the classroom experience to professional practice.

Craig Anderson

Billie J. Bailey

Billie is the Director of the Bridge to Success program. Billie earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Montclair State University. She is an alumna of Kean University with Master's degrees in Counseling and Public Administration. She is certified as a substance abuse coordinator. Her counseling theory is person-centered. Her research interests are first-generation, academically underprepared students at risk and economically disadvantaged populations. She is passionate about the work she does. She is a published scholar and has presented at national conferences. She is an Executive Board Member of the New Jersey American Council on Education (NJACE) and a former Executive Board Member of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association (NJEOFPA).

Consuelo (Connie) Bonillas

Consuelo, a resident faculty member since 2003, is a professor of public health and is currently the program coordinator for the Public Health and the Women's & Gender Studies Program. Connie has a Ph.D. in human sexuality education from Widener University, an M.A. in social psychology from Syracuse University, and a B.A. in psychology from Mount St. Mary's University. She has secured over $2.3 million in external funding to support research projects to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes and reduce adolescent pregnancy in New Jersey. Connie was born and raised in Arizona to immigrant parents from Mexico.

Sharon Boyd Jackson

Sharon joined the faculty of Kean University in 1994 and is presently an associate professor in the School of Psychology at Kean University. She earned her doctorate degree from the Adelphi University. She is a licensed psychologist trained in clinical psychology with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Boyd-Jackson’s research interests are in understanding the psychosocial impact of racism, racial identity, and issues related to self-esteem. She has presented and published on topics related to racism and prejudice, domestic violence, peer counseling, and sickle cell disease. Sharon has served in various leadership roles at the university and is interested in community concerns that help promote individuals of African descent.

Dean Casale

Kathleen Curran

Gilda Del Risco

Gilda Del Risco coordinates the undergraduate Elementary Education/Bilingual K-6, Elementary Education/Bilingual K-6/5-8 undergraduate programs, Curriculum, Certification: Bilingual/Bicultural Education, and the M.A. Bilingual/Bicultural Education graduate programs. Gilda also serves on the Department of Bilingual, TESL, and Spanish ARTP Committee, the College of Education Retention & Tenure Committee, and the University Promotion (UPC) Committees. Gilda is also a member of the Bilingual Education Parents Advisory Committee in the Elizabeth Public School District.

Alessandro Dileo

Aaron Gubi

Aaron is an Associate Professor in the Advanced Studies in Psychology Department. His research focuses on child maltreatment/trauma and diversity issues in professional training and practice. He has authored or co-authored over two dozen research papers and presents regularly at local and national conferences. Aaron also maintains a part-time practice as a psychologist. He hopes to work with colleagues within the Senate to promote collegiality at the university and an environment that supports the mentoring and development of early-career faculty, lecturers, and staff.

Nira Gupta-Casale

Matthew Halper

Matthew is a Professor of Music at the Music Conservatory at Kean University. He was awarded the 2006 Presidential Excellence Award for Creative Work and Scholarship and is the Artistic Director of Ars Vitalis: The New Jersey New Music Forum. He received a D.M.A. degree in music composition and theory from the University of Maryland and holds an M.S. degree in applied mathematics, an M.A. degree in composition and theory, and a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. Among the many honors, Matthew received the Whitaker Reading Prize from the American Composers Orchestra for his orchestral work Stalin's Wake. He is also a 2000 and 2006 recipient of a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship.

Craig Konyk

Craig is the Chair and Associate Professor of Architecture at the School of Public Architecture at the Michael Graves College. Craig’s research interests include investigations into new areas of experimental preservation and its impact on architecture and urbanism. Craig has been named an Emerging Voice by the Architectural League of New York and a finalist for the Rome Prize in Urban Design by the American Academy in Rome. He has served on the Boards of the Architectural League of New York, The Architect’s Newspaper, and Artists Space Gallery in New York. Craig currently serves as Secretary of the University Senate and the Chair of the University Appeals Board.

Barbara Lee

Barbara received her Doctor of Education from Temple University. In her years at Kean, Barbara has served in many capacities. She is the Chair of the Department of Special Education and Literacy and serves on the University Senate, Senate Executive Committee, and University Curriculum Committee. Barbara feels her greatest service has been acting as a program coordinator, being involved with several academic program reviews, CAEP accrediting committees, SPA reviews, and three complete academic program revisions. Barbara also served as Senate Chair for three years and a member of the University Planning Council.

Holly Logue

Holly is a Professor of Theatre at the Kean Theatre Conservatory, starting her career at Kean in 1984. She has served as Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Chair of the Theatre Department for nearly three decades. This marks Holly’s third term on the University Senate, where she is also a member of the Executive Committee. She received the Presidential Excellence Award for Service and Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Works. Logue is a member of the National Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Actors Equity Association. Holly recently served as the President of the National Association of Schools of Theatre and Chair of the Accreditation Commission. Her teaching focuses on Acting, directing, dialects, and musical theatre. She received the Kennedy Center Award for Excellence in Directing for her Ragtime and Pirates of Penzance productions.

Luis Martinez

Luis specializes in dance, fitness, and movement arts and education for the Exercise Science and Physical Education programs in the School of Health and Human Performance. As the artistic director of Kean Dance Theatre and the Kean University Dance Ensemble from 1989-2015, he created over 70 works that have been performed nationally and have collaborated with the School of Fine and Performing Arts to choreograph and perform in many programs and events for the Theatre and Music Conservatories for various University sponsored health awareness and fundraising programs. He has assisted students with their interests and pursuits in establishing dance clubs such as Ritmo Latino and the Afro-LatinX Dance Project.

Patrick McManimon

Patrick received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 2000. Previously, he was an administrator and warden at several Illinois and New Jersey institutions. Dr. McManimon is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Kean Criminal Justice and Public Affairs Department in the College of Business and Public Management. He is a certified expert witness in the United States Federal Courts for correctional management and inmate rights. His current research interests are opioid addiction/death avoidance in New Jersey and the Violation of inmate rights in Prisons in the United States.

Matthew Mongelli

Matthew is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics since 2006. In that time, he served twice as the program coordinator and on numerous departmental committees. Dr. Mongelli has served as a member of the University, College, and Department Curriculum Committees, General Education Committee, Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Committee, and the College and Department Retention and Ture Committees. He is currently the Chair of The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology Curriculum Committee and the Department of Chemistry and Physics Grievance Committee. Dr. Mongelli has also been teaching in the Upward Bound Program every summer since 2007 and has been a mentor in the Ronald E. McNair Program at Kean University.

Mahchid Namazi

Judy Pena

As a Kean alumna and now an employee for over nine years, Judy is honored to have the opportunity to serve on the University Senate. Judy worked on the administrative side in the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and most recently, is working on the academic side as a Managing Assistant Director in the Dean’s Office at the College of Liberal Arts. Her knowledge and experience in administrative and academic is an asset to the University Senate.

Raza Rafique

Raza has been an assistant professor at the School of Management at Kean University since 2019. Dr. Rafique holds a Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management and has extensive experience in curriculum development. He is actively involved in various departmental, college, and university committees, including the Department Curriculum Committee and the University Curriculum Committee. As a prolific researcher, Dr. Rafique has published several papers in top-tier journals, including those in the FT50, UTD24, and ABDC lists.

Nicole Rodriguez

Nicole began her career at Kean University in June 2000. During her tenure, she has worked in University Relations, Conference Services, and Disability Services. She currently serves as the Director for Community Standards and Student Conduct, where she investigates, manages, and adjudicates various types of cases, including mental health concerns, harassment, assault, alcohol, and drugs. She is a two-time alum of Kean University, having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Communications. She offers the Senate an experienced administrator capable of demonstrating inclusivity while considering the matters relevant to the Kean University community.

Andrea Rosa

Andrea earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration at Kean University. She has served in various capacities at Kean University for over 22 years. She is the Assistant Director for Curriculum Management in the Office of the Registrar. Her responsibilities include managing the curriculum, program degree audits, university catalogs, the course catalog, and the Curriculum Management System and assisting with other areas as needed. Andrea was extensively involved with the 120-credit state mandate project. Her focus is to serve the Kean community for a better tomorrow.

Dina Rosen

Dina is an Associate Professor in the Early Childhood Education Program and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. She has served as the undergraduate program coordinator and various faculty search committees. She served on the Senate Professional Handbook Committee, Library Committee, and Distance Education Committee. Dina is excited about serving as a Senator and is committed to continuing the Senate's efforts to find new ways to achieve shared governance.

Benito Sanchez

Benito is currently the Accounting and Finance Department Chairperson and an Associate Professor of Finance. His research focuses on economic and financial development, banking efficiency, asset pricing models, and—more recently—economic policy uncertainty and ESG. Sanchez has extensive experience in curriculum and assessment issues at the department, college, and university levels. He has also served on numerous department, college, and university committees.

Dawn Smith-Jeffries

Dawn has 16+ years of service at Kean University, having served in various capacities in the Office of the Registrar in Toms River and Union. She is currently a Graduation Degree Audit Specialist in the Office of the Registrar. As a first-generation graduate, Dawn is proud to have earned her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in College Counseling and Student Services from Kean University. Dawn is passionate about contributing to the University Senate. She serves on the University Senate Executive Committee, General Education Committee, and the KFT Professional Staff Development Committee.

Gail Verdi

Gail is the Chairperson and Professor in the Department of Bilingual, TESOL. Her research interests include literacy development, equity in education, culturally responsive pedagogy, and language acquisition. She is a member of the University Curriculum Committee and the University Appeals Board. She has worked on the CAEP report for the TESOL Advanced Program and is currently a Co-Pi on the NSF-funded Noyce Grant: Culturally Responsive Education of STEM Teachers.

Veysel Yucetepe

Veysel is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Marketing, Global Business, and Economics. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Global Business School and interim Executive Director of the School of Accounting and Finance. Veysel has served on several key committees, including the University Planning Council (UPC), the General Education Committee, the Released Time for Research and Creative Works Committee, the Distance Learning Committee, and various search committees. Previously, he also held the role of Coordinator of Kean-Ocean Business Programs.