I Do Declare!

For this episode’s guest, Cory Murphy , Montclair State University has been a lasting presence. With a mother who worked in admissions for thirty years, the campus felt more than just familiar – it felt like home. Though MSU was a welcoming environment where Cory thrived through extracurriculars like radio and on-campus concerts, life (as it sometimes does) got in the way. Fifteen years later, Cor...

While college can come with its own difficulties, students are often wrestling with outside problems – whether they be from their past, or present. Dr. Tamara Massay-Trotz comes on the podcast to share her journey, and how her own story has prepared her for her career as Senior Director of Student Services at Bloomfield College. From East Orange to Miami and up to Montclair State, Dr. Massay-Trotz...

While often an unseen aspect, finances are a deeply important aspect of keeping college life running smoothly. After all, money makes the world go ‘round – a sentiment Dr. Stephanie Mayer knows well. An adjunct professor and jazz musician by trade, Dr. Mayer also works full-time as Montclair’s budget analyst, converting numbers to easily understandable data that can then be used to improve MSU. Sh...

The second season of Adulting for Real starts off strong! Returning host Jane Sanchez-Swain interviews Chris Taite, a writer and poet who returned to Montclair State. His first round of education ended after he left for the workforce, which is where he spent most of his early life. Spurred on by his father’s request and one perfectly timed email later, Chris decided to take the plunge and finish w...

This episode’s title is the main message Sunovia Scudder wants listeners to take from her work on campus. After graduating from Rowan University, Sunovia wanted to go into mechanical engineering but, after a temporary setback, explored law and justice. This turned out to be the best decision of her life, as her career path instantly clicked into place. From there she became an accomplished and dri...

While many may think communication and health majors have little in common, today’s episode of I Do Declare! shows otherwise. With an early interest in media, Dr. Chris McKinley went from undeclared to a communications undergrad on the West Coast, spending his early years in San Diego and considering internships in Los Angeles. When his path crossed with a professor studying the effects of adverti...

“Luck, love, perseverance” is how Serena Kenney describes how she got her credit union job. However, anyone tuning into this episode can agree that these three words are the pillars for not only her job, but her college degree journey as well! In this illuminating and empowering discussion between Serena and Alicia Tucker, they discuss the role intuition plays in discovering what you really want i...

After five years of working in banking and call centers, Dr. Ashante S. Connor decided she wanted more. Her story starts, like so many others, with community college and developing her skills and strengths, and ends with her graduating with a doctorate in 2021. What did she learn in between? How can this knowledge help other students on their own paths? Host Natalie Lopez walks listeners through D...

Jane Sanchez-Swain returns to the MSU podcasting world to interview Liliana Berrocal and Rey Harris, a married couple returning to higher education together. Their perspectives in this unique situation will provide a wealth of information for those in similar set-ups – whether it’s supporting your partner on their academic journey, or finding balance between a couple’s load of classwork! Rey and L...

When students enter the college world, many times they’re not sure what to do. The question of what major to pursue can be daunting, but Mariam Ibrahim’s story shows that it doesn’t have to be. A current graduate student in MSU’s Business Analytics / MBA Dual Degree Program, Mariam started in Nigeria studying History and Strategic Studies of Diplomacy – a path her school picked for her, but one sh...

In the first episode of Adulting for Real, Mariam Ibrahim sits down with Levi Clain to discuss returning to college. A Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BLS) student at Montclair State, Levi shares insights and information regarding the unique challenges of getting a bachelor’s degree as an adult learner – including health issues and their undeniable impact on academic performance. Other topics...

Discussions of diversity, equality, and inclusivity take center stage in the forty-seventh episode of I Do Declare – topics that are important, not only in higher education, but in the world at large. Nowhere is this more apparent than in this interview between host Tabitha Riley and guest Darius Edwards , the current Assistant Director of Advocacy and Outreach for MSU’s Office of Student Belongin...

History is an often misunderstood major within the academic community, one that should be discussed more. After all, the connections to the past can be helpful in deciding what to do moving forward. That’s the reason why Jessica Pichardo chose History as her major, and why she began working in nonprofits and government sectors. After a decade in Child Protective Services, she moved into a higher-e...

Indecision is a common obstacle for college students trying to find out what they truly want to accomplish with their degree. Thomas Barbara, Employer Relations Specialist at Montclair State University, knows this better than anyone. Through his interview with Natalie Lopez, Barbara discusses how a chance conversation with a roommate set him on the right course, and how transferable skills helped...

For those interested in Psychology, look no further! Nadeen Obeidallah sits down with host Rob Schneider to discuss her early interest in the medical field. Through the influence of a high school teacher during her senior year, Nadeen realized she not only enjoyed Psychology , but wanted to pursue it as a career. They discuss higher education programs like Master’s and Doctorate programs, the diff...

I Do Declare! welcomes host Jane Sanchez Swain, in this wonderful double interview between Dr. Maria José García Vizcaíno and Melanie Lopez. As Chair of Spanish and Latino Studies at Montclair State University, Vizcaíno shares her experiences at Universidad de Granada in Spain, where she discovered her passion for languages and translation, leading to her eventual move to the United States. Melani...

Those interested in psychology and disability advocacy might want to give this episode a listen! Host Tabitha Reilly sits down with Kathryn “Kat” Leonard, Director of the Certificate in General Education Studies Program at Montclair State University, to discuss her work in psychology. While pursuing that major (as well as a double minor in disability studies and cognitive sciences), one class she...

Figuring out your college path isn’t always straightforward, but unexpected turns can lead to exciting discoveries. Corey Pinto shares his journey from an education background to teaching music and, ultimately, Speech Langauge Pathology in this discussion with host Alicia Tucker. As both a teacher and student, Pinto offers unique insights into the traits suited for SLP and how to take charge of yo...

The Office of Student Belongings’ Director, Jonnine DeLoatch, stops by the podcast for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Interviewed by hosts Tabitha Riley and Natalie López, Jonnine shares her fascinating transition from dramatic arts major to leading figure in Higher Education, along with the best advice for freshmen.   Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English Produced and...

Mark Hauser, MSU School of Business alumnus stops by the podcast to share his considerable experience, including what it’s like working for Ford and Meta. He goes on to share some invaluable tips for job seekers from a Recruiter’s perspective –not to be missed!   Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English Produced and edited by Skyler Merchant, BA in Communication and Media Studies

Those that lend a helping hand are very rich in spirit. In this case, Rob Schneider, Academic Advisor for University College, is the richest man alive. Led by host Natalie López, they discuss changing career paths, the benefits of taking time between undergrad and graduate school, and how to handle mentorship and networking as an introvert.   Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English P...

Dr. Tim White, Director of International Academic Initiatives, expresses the underappreciated nuances of a History degree and the detective work that comes with being an examiner of knowledge. His path deftly reveals the threads between being an author, Professor, and higher education Administrator.   Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English Produced and edited by Alex Pavljuk, BA in...

Aniya Butler, MBA student and Graduate Assistant for University College , stops by the podcast to showcase her college experience at Montclair. Alongside host, Natalie Lopez, Butler reveals how to successfully manage several roles and responsibilities, from Presidential Scholar to HR aspirations to helpful tips for incoming freshmen.    Episode summary by Domenick Castellano, MA in English Produce...

Montclair State University is proud to have its own police department on campus. Led by Chief Kieran Barrett , the department provides law enforcement and security services 24/7. Chief Barrett takes time out of his day to join us on the podcast to share his educational path, balancing adjunct professorship and the importance of building community.   Produced and edited by Grace Keane, Film and TV...

Dr. Chantelle Wright, Executive Director for Experiential Education and Career Connections , joins host Tabitha Riley for a discussion on all things– growing up in the Caribbean, determining career direction, and the powerful combination of empathy and intuition. Dr. Wright thoughtfully shares her perspective on the pandemic as well, and how focus can be developed amid chaos.   Edited by Anthony C...