The College of Education and Human Services’ Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy has been through a series of faculty changes over the past few years. This has created opportunities to reset several graduate programs. The Department offers graduate programs in higher education leadership and law enforcement leaderhsip. It also offers K-12 administration at the school level.
Reid, now in his fifth year at Seton Hall says that although it was difficult to see senior faculty members leave, the shift allowed CEHS “develop a really amazing group of junior faculty members.”
Reid acknowledges that ELMP, like other academic departments at the University, has had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. This included shifting between in-class instruction and remote instruction. He says that the programs have been kept moving forward by the flexibility and competence of the faculty. “The faculty have really stepped forward and made the most out of the experience, which was especially great for the students in this program.”
The ELMP Roster
Hillary Morgan, Ph.D. is a graduate of Seton Hall’s Higher Education doctoral program. She brings a unique perspective as the program’s director. Morgan, who holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Clemson University, is also a qualified teacher. Morgan, who earned an M.A. in Economics from Clemson University in Economics, is well-versed in College culture and understands what students want from the program. Morgan said that she has received lots of support from her faculty colleagues, despite the extra burden placed on everyone by the pandemic. Morgan expressed gratitude to Katie Smith (Ph.D.), a fellow ELMP colleague. She shared teaching tips with Morgan and offered mentorship for her dissertation.
Morgan teaches courses on program evaluation, institution research, and organization and governance of higher educational institutions. Her research interests are in enrollment management, financial aid and test optional admissions. She has published in Economics of Education Review as well as Economic Inquiry.
Assistant Professor Katie Smith, Ph.D., is in her third year at ELMP. “I came from research to Seton Hall and wanted to work at a school that would allow me to continue my research. I also wanted to be able to give back to the students.Smith previously worked at Elon University and Duke University in a variety student affairs capacities. Smith says that Seton Hall is a strong university with a strong teaching mission.
Her research is mainly focused on college student experiences, career development, and especially the financial and social influences on students’career exploration, options, and post-graduate outcomes. Smith’s latest research is a study of women’s internship experiences in engineering and computing science. Smith was awarded a $50,000 grant that will allow her to expand her research.
Assistant Professor Manuel Gonzalez (Ph.D.) is currently in his second semester at Seton Hall. He brings his experience in organizational psychology to both teaching and research. Gonzalez, who teaches courses in education leadership as well as police studies, earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the City University of New York. Gonzalez feels his job is more interesting because of the variety of subjects he covers. “There has been cross-pollination with my interests despite my diverse background, which was definitely cool,” Gonzalez says.
In the fall of 2020, Assistant Professor Jennifer Timmer, Ph.D., joined the department. Timmer earned her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Educational Psychology, and then completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University. Timmer enjoys mentoring students as they go through their dissertations. Timmer has a keen interest in issues of gender equality and racial equity in education leadership positions. She was recently awarded a grant to study New Jersey’s education labor market superintendents. She has enjoyed her time here and working with her fellow faculty members. Timmer said, “I really enjoy being part of such an supportive group of junior faculty that are always willing to answer questions and share ideas.” It’s a great community of people who encourage and support each other.
Timmer and Gonzalez will be joined in 2020 by Assistant Professor Jason Burns (Ph.D.). Burns began his career as a high-school studies teacher. He decided to pursue his Ph.D. education policy. He has since returned to Seton Hall to teach classes. Burns is currently involved in several research projects. One of these projects involves an examination of the decision-making process students use when choosing Advanced Placement courses for high school students in New Jersey. Burns is a part of a group which includes researchers and instructors who truly care about each other. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of colleagues. Burns states that they have been a great sounding board and supporter.
Paul Garton, Ph.D., Visiting Professor of Quantitative methods, is the newest member of the department. His primary research interests are in higher education and economic development. Garton also has several projects in the pipeline. Garton is currently studying the impact of degree saturation on income inequality. Garton, who is just beginning his second semester at Seton Hall reports that the transition to his new position has been easy. “I was impressed by how friendly and collegial everyone has been. It creates a warm work environment. I’m also impressed by how student-centric the curriculum is and the faculty.
Reid stated that he wants everyone to know how thankful everyone is for the Ed Leadership family’s newer faculty members. He is excited for the next chapter. “They’re doing a really great job, so the future is in really good hands.”
