Montclair State University Executive and Leadership Team

Benjamin Durant, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration at Montclair State University, directs the financial health and operational infrastructure of the institution. Durant oversees budget allocation, facilities management, and administrative services to ensure the university maintains its competitive edge in the higher education market. By optimizing resource distribution, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration supports the expansion of academic programs and campus development. Benjamin Durant collaborates with the executive team to implement long-term fiscal strategies that sustain growth and operational stability. This leadership position involves managing complex financial portfolios and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Durant secures the necessary capital to fund research and student services. The Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, Finance & Administration drives efficiency across all departments, ensuring that the university remains a premier destination for students and faculty alike.

Keith Barrack, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Montclair State University, manages the strategic priorities and daily operations of the presidential office. Barrack coordinates communication between the president and the board, ensuring alignment on institutional goals and public policy initiatives. By facilitating high-level decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of enables the university to navigate complex academic and administrative challenges. Keith Barrack oversees the implementation of university-wide projects, ensuring that all initiatives support the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This role requires constant engagement with internal and external stakeholders to maintain the university's reputation and market position. Through effective management of the presidential office, Barrack ensures that leadership remains focused on long-term growth and student success. The Chief of Staff & President, Office of drives organizational cohesion, ensuring that every department contributes to the overarching vision of the institution.

Julie Borst, the Member, President's Community Advisory Board at Montclair State University, provides strategic guidance and community perspective to the university leadership. Borst facilitates dialogue between the institution and local stakeholders, ensuring that university initiatives reflect the needs and values of the surrounding region. By offering insights on public engagement and community relations, the Member, President's Community Advisory Board helps the university strengthen its ties with the public. Julie Borst participates in high-level discussions regarding institutional policy and community impact, ensuring that the university remains a responsive and engaged partner. This role involves representing diverse community interests to the president, fostering transparency and collaboration. Through active participation in advisory sessions, Borst supports the university's mission to serve the public good. The Member, President's Community Advisory Board drives community-focused decision-making, ensuring that the university's growth benefits both the campus and the broader New Jersey region.

Krishita Vaghani, the President, Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Operations Club (Ai & Mlops) at Montclair State University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on advanced computing and data science. Vaghani organizes workshops, research projects, and industry collaborations to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. By fostering a community of technical innovation, the President, Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Operations Club (Ai & Mlops) ensures that students gain practical experience with machine learning operations. Krishita Vaghani coordinates with faculty advisors and industry partners to provide resources that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. This leadership role involves managing club operations, promoting technical literacy, and organizing events that showcase student research. Through the development of technical skills, Vaghani supports the university's goal of producing graduates ready for the modern workforce. The President, Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Operations Club (Ai & Mlops) drives student engagement in emerging technologies.

Leila Jones, the President at Montclair State University, directs the academic and administrative vision of the institution. Jones oversees the implementation of strategic plans that enhance the university's reputation for research and teaching excellence. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies, the President secures the resources necessary to expand academic programs and student services. Leila Jones leads the executive team in addressing the challenges of modern higher education, ensuring that the university remains accessible and competitive. This role involves representing the institution to the public, alumni, and donors, while maintaining a focus on student success and faculty development. Through visionary leadership, Jones guides the university toward long-term sustainability and growth. The President drives institutional progress, ensuring that every department aligns with the core mission of providing a transformative educational experience for all students within the public higher education system.

Miriam Awwad, the President at Montclair State University, manages specific student-led organizational initiatives that promote campus culture and student advocacy. Awwad coordinates activities that enhance the student experience, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in university governance and extracurricular programming. By facilitating communication between the student body and administration, the President supports a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Miriam Awwad leads efforts to organize events, manage budgets for student initiatives, and advocate for policies that improve student life. This role involves collaborating with various student organizations to foster a sense of community and belonging. Through effective leadership, Awwad ensures that student concerns are addressed and that the university remains a supportive space for personal and academic growth. The President drives student-centered initiatives, ensuring that the university's commitment to student success is reflected in every aspect of campus life and organizational activity.

Yuma Vidal, the Global President, Medical Brigades at Montclair State University, directs international service initiatives that provide healthcare support to underserved communities. Vidal oversees the planning and execution of medical missions, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience while addressing critical health needs in various regions. By coordinating logistics, fundraising, and volunteer training, the Global President, Medical Brigades ensures that the university's global outreach efforts are impactful and sustainable. Yuma Vidal collaborates with international partners to deliver essential medical services and public health education. This leadership role involves managing complex international operations and ensuring that all activities align with the university's commitment to global citizenship and service. Through the organization of medical brigades, Vidal supports the university's mission to make a positive difference in the world. The Global President, Medical Brigades drives international engagement, ensuring that students contribute to global health solutions while developing professional skills.

Anthony Knowles, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Montclair State University, manages administrative workflows for the human resources division. Knowles coordinates scheduling, documentation, and communication protocols to ensure the department functions efficiently. By streamlining internal processes, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the broader mission of maintaining a high-quality workforce within the public higher education sector. Anthony Knowles facilitates collaboration between HR leadership and various campus departments, ensuring that administrative tasks align with institutional goals. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of university policies. Through effective management of daily operations, Knowles enables the HR team to focus on talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture. The Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer remains a vital link in the operational chain, driving productivity and maintaining professional standards across the university.

Meredith Gatzke, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Montclair State University, architects the talent strategy and organizational development programs for the entire campus. Gatzke oversees recruitment, benefits administration, and employee relations to foster a productive and inclusive work environment. By aligning human capital with the university's academic mission, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that faculty and staff possess the resources needed to excel. Meredith Gatzke collaborates with senior leadership to implement policies that promote professional growth and institutional equity. This role involves managing complex labor relations and ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws. Through strategic workforce planning, Gatzke supports the university's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. The Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational excellence, ensuring that the human resources function remains a cornerstone of the university's success.

Suresh Murugan, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Montclair State University, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives across the campus. Murugan oversees the implementation of secure network systems, data management platforms, and academic software solutions that support student learning and research. By modernizing the university's digital environment, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge tools. Suresh Murugan collaborates with the IT leadership team to mitigate cybersecurity risks and enhance system reliability. This role involves managing large-scale technology projects that improve operational efficiency and user experience. Through the integration of advanced computing resources, Murugan supports the university's commitment to innovation in higher education. The Deputy Chief Information Officer drives the adoption of new technologies, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of digital excellence while maintaining robust data protection standards for the entire university community.