Contact Admissions

Freshman Admissions

Transfer Admissions

Graduate, Online and Adult Education Admissions

Kean Ocean Admissions

Name: Carlos Nazario, Senior Director of Admissions

Hometown: North Brunswick, New Jersey

Degrees: B.A. in sociology, M.A.Ed. in supervision and administration

Alma Mater: St. Peter’s University

Hobbies/Interests: My interests are coaching Little League baseball and football, playing golf on the weekends and developing in my spiritual life. A longtime fanatic of the Baltimore Orioles and Tennessee Titans (Oilers). 

Contact me: (908) 737-7111, canazari@kean.edu

The professional atmosphere here at Kean University is welcoming and exciting to everyone who visits. Students get a glimpse of the real world at a university with global reach, and this sets Kean University apart from the rest.

Name: Sandra Mazara-Wheeler, Director of Freshman Recruitment

Hometown: South Orange, New Jersey

Degree: B.A. in sociology, minor in business

Alma Mater: Rutgers University - Newark

Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, reading and spending time with my family.

Specialties: EPIC Program

Contact me: (908) 737-7113, smazaraw@kean.edu

I've always had a passion for access to education; to me, it's the great equalizer. Throughout my career I've been fortunate to work at institutions that are committed to diversity and serving their community, and Kean University is no exception. Kean enrolls a significant number of first-generation college students, thereby providing a transformational educational experience for students and their families. 

Name: Ryan Alston, Admissions Counselor

Hometown: Neptune, New Jersey

Degree: B.S. in mass communication/media studies, M.S. in industrial and organizational psychology

Alma Mater: Wilkes University (B.S.), Grand Canyon University (M.S.)

Hobbies/Interests: Youth sports coaching, exercising and Yankees baseball.

Recruitment Territory: Essex and Mercer Counties

Specialties:  EOF and Passport

Contact me: (908) 737-7107, ryalston@kean.edu

I love the close-knit, family feel of Kean University. We're able to create personal connections with our students and their families that are unique to higher education, and truly make Kean feel like home away from home. Further, the proximity of our main campus in Union to New York City creates boundless opportunities for internships and careers, and our connection to the Jersey shore at Kean Ocean further expands our reach.  

Name: Daniel Flores, Admissions Counselor

Hometown: Hillside, New Jersey

Degree: A.A. in computer information systems, B.S. in management information systems, MBA in management

Alma Mater: Union County College (A.A.), Bloomfield College (B.S.), Felician University (MBA)

Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, basketball and gaming.

Recruitment Territory: Lower Passaic and Union Counties

Specialties:  Supera (Spanish Speaking Program)

Contact me: (908) 737-7121, floresda@kean.edu

Growing up in Elizabeth, and now residing in Hillside, I've always been drawn to Kean University. Not only because of its proximity to my house, but for the excellent reputation it has developed in my community throughout the years. It has become a special place, where young minds are set free in pursuit of their goals and aspirations. I am happy to contribute to our unique atmosphere, and hope to help students leave an everlasting legacy at our University.

Name: Keri Brozyna, Admissions Counselor

Hometown: Jackson, New Jersey

Degree: Business Administration, concentration in Management

Alma Mater: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Hobbies/Interests: Going to the beach, riding my bike, being  outdoors, shopping, and spending time with my family. 

Recruitment Territory: Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Burlington Counties, and Southern New Jersey (Atlantic, Cape May, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland Counties)

Contact me: (908) 737-7147, kbrozyna@kean.edu

Deciding where to spend your next four years can be a tough decision. Once you visit our campus, you will feel a sense of community and experience what it is like to find your new home. I am grateful to help students build their legacy here at Kean. We are dedicated to academic excellence for everyone. You will find there are many ways to get involved, whether you are catching the train to New York City, joining one of our 160 clubs and organizations, or landing a top internship within your field. The possibilities are endless, and your journey has just begun! 

Name: Kirsten Bowens, Admissions Counselor

Hometown: Mahwah, New Jersey

Degree: B.S. in Sport Management, M.A. in Education (Higher Education) 

Alma Mater: Saint Augustine’s University (B.S.), Saint Peter’s University (M.A.)

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, coaching youth Track & Field, cooking, soul/Gospel music, poetry books, and hiking.

Recruitment Territory: Hudson, Bergen, Morris and Upper Passaic Counties, and Northern New Jersey (Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex Counties)

Contact me: (908) 737-7126, kbowens@kean.edu

Being a first-generation student from a historically black college, I feel right at home at Kean University. Kean provides a commitment to diversity and equitable treatment of all members of its community in every facet of campus life. As an admissions counselor, my job is more than counseling families in the application process. It's about getting students excited to turn their dreams into a reality! 

Name: Erin FitzGerald

Hometown: Boston, Massachusettes

Degree: B.A. Sociology and Psychology, with a minor in Theatre

Alma Mater: Lafayette College

Hobbies/Interests: Watching the New England Patriots, listening to podcasts, baking, spending time outside

Recruitment Territory: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Camden County (New Jersey)

Contact Phone/Email: (908) 884-4647, efitzger@kean.edu

I love Kean because the Kean community is so inclusive, and there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re passionate about Theatre, sports, painting, the environment, or giving back to the community, it’s so easy to get involved and find your niche. The students support and push each other, all coming together to work toward the same goal: Climb Higher! 

Name: Marijana Ljutic, Undergraduate Regional Admissions Counselor

Hometown: Yonkers, New York

Degree: B.A.: Initial Teacher NYS Certification Program Social Studies (Grades 7-12), MSEd: Graduate School of Education

Alma Mater: Fordham University (B.A. and MSEd)

Recruitment Territory: New York, Connecticut and New England

Specialities: NRCCUA-declared students

Contact me: (908) 377-9872, mljutic@kean.edu

Kean University is best known for graduating the most teachers in the state of New Jersey annually! Like Kean University, I am a huge supporter of educators. I started my career in education as a high school history teacher in New York City's Department of Education for 5 years. I taught Global I & II Regents History classes to freshman & sophomore students in the South Bronx, right across the street from my alma mater Fordham University at the Rose Hill Campus. I am now proud to recruit high school students, who live in New York, to attend Kean! 

Name: John Van Brunt, Director of Transfer Recruitment

Hometown: Roxbury, New Jersey

Degree: B.S. in Business Management, MBA in Management

Alma Mater: Monmouth University

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends. Playing and watching sports. 

Specialties: All Community College Partnerships and Articulation Agreements

Contact me: (908) 737-7134, vanbrunt@kean.edu

Name: Amy Clark

Contact me: (908) 737-7136, hajdusea@kean.edu

Hometown: Sayreville, New Jersey

Degree: B.A. in Communication Disorders & Deafness

Alma Mater: Kean University

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family and Disney. 

Recruitment Territory: Middlesex College & Hudson County Community College

Transfer Credit Evaluations: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology

As an alumna, I have experienced, first-hand, the connected and comprehensive learning environment that exists at Kean University.   Whether within the classroom or out on campus, Kean’s tight-knit atmosphere is apparent. You can witness student camaraderie when you walk through the halls the Miron Student Center, Nancy Thompson Library, or even along Cougar Walk. You will always see students gathering to study or socialize wherever you are on campus. Kean students are also able to learn from highly regarded professors who are experts in their field. The faculty is always willing to help and available for their students. The faculty expertise and accessibility are what sets Kean apart from other Universities. While attending Kean University to obtain my Bachelor’s degree, I learned not only the material in the classroom, but life lessons that have remained with me long after graduation. Kean University students are fortunate to have the opportunity to study on a picturesque, intimate campus while receiving a World-Class Education. 

Name: Pamela de Leon

Hometown: Jersey City, NJ

Degrees: B.A. in Social Sciences, M.A. in Education (School Counseling)

Alma Mater: St. Peter's University

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, sports, and board games

Transfer Credit Evaluations: Michael Graves College & Nursing

Contact Phone/Email: (908)737-7179, pdeleon@kean.edu

My experience as a transfer student has helped me to identify with the needs of transfer students and to help them find their second "home" on campus. I love being able to meet their needs and expectations with all the great things Kean University has to offer, including diversity and a world-class education. 

Name: Emiley Candido

Hometown: Hillside, NJ

Degrees: A.A.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing, B.A. Elementary Education K-5 (Academic Major: Mathematics)

Alma Mater: Berkeley College (A.A.S.), Kean University (B.A.)

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Beach lover, Spending time with family and friends.

Recruitment Territory: Brookdale Community College & Raritan Valley Community College

Transfer Credit Evaluations: College of Education & Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

Contact Phone/Email: (908) 737-7100, transfer@kean.edu

Kean University's commitment to student success and world-class education makes our institution a multi-ethnic hub of global learning and academic practice. I am proud to be a part of such a thriving, diverse campus community and aid our students, staff, and faculty in their highest pursuits.

Name: James Miller

Hometown: Newark, NJ

Degrees: B.A. Communication

Alma Mater: Bloomfield College

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling and watching sports

Recruitment Territory: Union County College, Essex County College, & Passaic County Community College

Transfer Credit Evaluations: College of Business and Public Management

Contact Phone/Email: 908-737-7127, Jmillerj@Kean.edu

What I love about Kean is its diversity and  mission  to provide an affordable, accessible and world-class education.

Name: Lauren Sachs  

Hometown: Westwood, NJ

Degrees: B.A. in English and M.A. in Educational Leadership (Concentration in Higher Education) 

Alma Mater: Seton Hall University, Montclair State University

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, fashion, coffee, music, and dogs 

Recruitment Territory: Bergen Community College, County College of Morris, Sussex County Community College, & Warren County Community College

Transfer Credit Evaluations: College of Liberal Arts

Contact Phone/Email: (908)737-7106, lsachs@kean.edu

I love working with transfer students and assisting them with their unique needs in the transfer process. I have dedicated my career in Higher Education so far to working in Admissions and specifically with transfer students. 

Name: Michael Villanella, Associate Director 

Hometown:  Berkeley Heights, NJ

Degree: B.A. in Psychology, M.Ed. in Adult Education

Alma Mater: Monmouth University, University of Phoenix

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends. Watching sports, walking through nature, swimming, fishing, 

Specialties: Helping students, organizations and companies.  Whether with Online students, Graduate students or partnerships.

Contact me: (908) 737-7137, mvillane@kean.edu

Name: Anisah Abdul-Baasit 

Hometown: Irvington, NJ

Degrees: B.F.A Visual Communications-Graphic Design

Alma Mater: Kean University

Hobbies/Interests: Travel and Food

Contact Phone/Email: 908-737-7116, baasita@kean.edu

I have grown so much through my degree programs and experiences throughout the campus as a student, as well as a professional. I have the privilege to work on career goals of my own at the school I call home -- and without my world-class Kean education , my story might be completely different! I love Kean University because it allows students the opportunity to grow into the professional individuals of their dreams. The connections made along the way just make the experience that much stronger and can provide students with endless possibilities!

Name: Alexis Wallace

Contact me: (908) 737-7132, alwallac@kean.edu

Hometown: Bridgewater, New Jersey

Degree: B.S. Social Behavioral Sciences; Minor: Allied Health

Alma Mater: Seton Hall University

Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, helping animals, painting, drawing, and enjoying good food with family and friends.

Kean University’s beautiful, inviting campus is complemented by its diverse student body and dedicated faculty and staff. It provides students with a place where they can grow not only academically, but personally, socially and culturally. Receiving a world-class education so close to NYC also provides opportunities to obtain internships and real-world experiences. More than just a school, Kean provides its students with a culturally inclusive learning environment where anything is possible and everyone is valued. 

Name: Pedro Lopes

Contact me: (908) 737-7119, plopes@kean.edu

Hometown: North Brunswick, New Jersey

Degree: B.S. in sociology, minor in communications

Alma Mater: Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Hobbies/Interests: Coaching soccer

The welcoming campus community, friendly student body, and the continuous and positive facility enhancements. Key advantages Kean offers to its students/graduates: Kean University offers our students an affordable education. Our small class size will create an atmosphere where our students and professors will interact with each other in a personal way — you’ll know your professors. Our location with easy and quick access to New York City will ensure our students have the world (every industry) at their fingertips. Kean’s commitment to a world-class education by continuously building state-of-the-art facilities will allow our students access to the newest technology and best educational spaces. Lastly, Kean University will give you a diverse educational community, beautiful and inviting campus, and an arena where you will grow into a global citizen.

Name: Carl Wiltsee 

Hometown: Wenonah, NJ

Degrees: B.A. in History, minor in Theater Arts. Certificate in Technical Filmmaking

Alma Mater: Rutgers University(New Brunswick), New York University.

Hobbies/Interests: Film, Theater, Podcasts, Cooking, camping, spending time with family and friends.

Contact Phone/Email: 908-737-7138, cwiltsee@kean.edu

Working at Kean University inspires me every single day.  As one of the most affordable public universities in New Jersey and one of the most diverse in the nation, Kean embraces what I’ve always considered to be the true mission of education - to open the doors of learning to all who desire it and help them find the path from who they are to who they want to become.  As the KEANetwork Representative, I help achieve this goal by forming partnerships with businesses and organizations and ensuring that their members have an open door into all that Kean offers.   

Name: Christina Vazquez, Acting Associate Director, Kean Ocean Admissions

Hometown: Union, New Jersey

Degree: B.S. in theatre, M.A. in sociology/social justice

Alma Mater: Kean University

Hobbies/Interests: Yoga, Pilates/Barre, Crossfit, reading and volunteering with animal rescue groups.

Contact me: (908) 737-7110, vazquezc@kean.edu

The faculty at Kean are inspirational. They are all practicing professionals in their career fields. Kean is a large public institution yet maintains the intimate and personal experience of a small private school. Kean students receive a world-class education, with access to an abundance of internship opportunities and a preparedness for the real world.

Name: Richard Harrell

Hometown: Toms River, NJ

Degree: BA, Elementary Education/ English

Alma Mater: Kean University

Hobbies/Interests: Drawing, Writing, Cooking/Baking, Playing Basketball

Contact Phone/Email: (732) 535-1712, harrellr@kean.edu

Kean University is not only a place of higher education; but is a place where students can grow personally, socially and culturally. As a proud alumnus, Kean not only yielded me my Bachelor's degree but exposed me to cultures, languages and people that I would have never met. Diversity is the cornerstone of the University. From our faculty and staff, to the academic majors and extra curricular opportunities; the university prepares its students for life beyond their degree.  

Thank you for your interest in Kean. Hopefully, you’ve had some time to explore our website and have started to discover some of the many advantages Kean University has to offer.

We invite you to explore our campus and learn about the world-class academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a wide range of resources available to support the success of our students. Kean offers quality academic programs, the most affordable tuition in the state of New Jersey and a vibrant campus life. See where a world-class education takes you.

We encourage you to connect with your admissions counselor from the menu above. Please also check our Recruitment Calendar to see when your admissions counselor will be visiting your area, or click here to schedule your next campus visit. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,
Marsha McCarthy
Vice President for Enrollment Services