Meet the Senators
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.
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
Craig Anderson is a full-time Academic Reference Librarian at Kean University in Union, NJ. Since working at Kean, Craig has had to wear many "hats" in the library. Primarily hired for Reference, Craig soon learned that he had a knack for library instruction and began teaching classes in how to use the library's online resources and search techniques. Craig's social media presence is fairly strong, and he has incorporated much of these media technology skills into developing the Nancy Thompson Library's social media profile. In his spare time, Craig enjoys video games, role-playing games, going to comic-book conventions, and talking about himself in the third person on social media platforms.
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).
Norma Bowe
Dr. Norma Bowe is a tenured professor at Kean University with a background in nursing, community health, and public health education. She created the acclaimed course Death in Perspective, featured in The Death Class: A True Story About Life. A published author and international speaker, Dr. Bowe has dedicated her career to advancing mental health, end-of-life education, and social justice. She is also the founder of Be the Change NJ, a nonprofit focused on community service and activism inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy.
Dean Casale
Dr. Dean Casale, Associate Professor of English, earned his Ph.D. from SUNY Stony Brook. His research focuses on 19th- and 20th-century American literature, literary theory, continental philosophy, and poetry.
Dr. Casale is highly regarded by his students for his engaging teaching style, deep passion for literature, and genuine care for their success. Known for making his lectures dynamic—often incorporating music and lively discussion—he fosters a welcoming, intellectually stimulating environment. Students frequently praise his thoughtful feedback, accessibility, and dedication to helping them grow as writers and thinkers.
Kathleen Curran
Kathleen Curran is an expert in Prehospital Emergency Medical Services and healthcare education. She teaches courses such as First Aid and Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Medical Responder, Instructor First Aid/CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and Introduction to Public Health.
Committed to student success, Kathleen focuses on hands-on learning and practical EMS training while reinforcing the theoretical foundations needed for professional growth. Her goal is to help students develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to excel in real-world healthcare and emergency settings.
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.
Adam Eckart
Dr. Adam Eckart holds a Doctor of Health Science from A.T. Still University and a Master of Science from Kean University. With more than 12 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry, he specializes in health behavior coaching, exercise testing and prescription, sport performance training, neuromuscular training, and exercise for disease management.
He teaches courses including Exercise Physiology, Statistics in Exercise Science, Exercise Testing and Interpretation, Prescriptive Exercise, and Organization and Administration of Exercise Science Programs. Dr. Eckart is also the author of Best Practices in Personal Training: The Client Process Manual (Kendall Hunt Publishing, 2021).
Guided by a leadership-driven teaching philosophy, Dr. Eckart aims to empower students to apply knowledge, empathy, and discipline to real-world health challenges while fostering a sense of responsibility to serve the greater good.
Edward Farnum
Edward Farnum, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics in the IST. Dr. Farnum’s research interests include differential equations, mathematical physics, asymptotic analysis, numerical methods, and scientific computing. He applies all of these approaches to models in nonlinear optical science. In particular, he is interested in constructing and analyzing nonlinear wave models for ultra-short pulse propagation, which may be especially useful in all-optical computing and improved fiber optic communications. His teaching interests have a similar applied and computational flavor.
Dr. Farnum’s courses feature mathematical modeling, scientific computation, asymptotic analysis, and spectral methods. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Washington in 2005.
Gabriel Fuentes
Gabriel Fuentes is an Assistant Professor at the School of Public Architecture at Kean University’s Michael Graves College where he is launching and coordinating the new Master of Architecture program. His research interests are at the intersection of architecture, aesthetics, and politics, especially as these participate in world-making projects (e.g. heritage, utopias, modernities, imaginaries, revolutions, etc.). Along these lines, his teaching and writing focuses on ways in which architecture reconfigures scales and territories of power, identity, and culture. His recent scholarship examines relationships between heritage, architecture, and urbanism in UNESCO-designated Havana, Cuba. He has also written about the environmental aesthetic dimensions of architecture in/of the Anthropocene, referencing sources in science and technology studies, philosophy (political, aesthetic, and eco-ethical), and cultural theory. His writing has appeared in Thresholds, Future Anterior, Log, The Journal of Space Syntax, and e-flux Architecture.
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.
Will Heyniger
Will Heyniger, M.A. in Environmental Studies (2011), teaches a range of courses in environmental and sustainability sciences, including Introduction to Meteorology, Introduction to Environmental Science (lecture and lab), Observing the Earth, and Introduction to Sustainability. His academic interests span atmospheric science, ecological restoration, environmental management, and food composting.
Guided by an engaging teaching philosophy, Will is passionate about introducing students to new areas of science and inspiring curiosity through connection and enthusiasm. He believes that when students are excited to attend class because of their professor, real learning happens—and he embraces the challenge of connecting with learners from diverse backgrounds to spark a lifelong interest in environmental stewardship.
Ipek Kocoglu
Dr. Ipek Kocoglu is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Management at Stevens Institute of Technology, with a Ph.D. in Management, an M.S. in Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Management, and a B.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. She teaches courses including Principles of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Behavior.
Her research explores strategy and organization theory, with a focus on gender diversity and sustainability. Through both her teaching and scholarship, Dr. Kocoglu integrates management theory with practical applications that promote innovation, inclusion, and sustainable business practices.
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.
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.
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.
Brenna Levine
Dr. Brenna Levine earned her B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Arkansas. She went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in urban evolution and entomology at The University of Tulsa before joining Kean University, where she is now an Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Levine’s research focuses on the ecology and evolution of reproduction and invasion, with particular emphasis on how reproductive strategies and ecological pressures shape the success of invasive species.
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
Mahchid Namazi earned her PhD from McGill University in 2010 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Kean University in Union, NJ. Her areas of expertise include developmental language disorders in multilingual children, Autism, and interprofessional practice/education. Mahchid has 27 years of experience as a speech language pathologist in a variety of clinical settings and 3 different countries. In 2019, she established MENA: Middle East North Africa constituency group and is particularly invested in empowering clinicians and advocating for this population. Her research has been published in various peer reviewed journals, and she is an established expert in developmental language disorders and cultural-linguistic diversity as evidenced by her publication record, the development of programs at Kean, invited speaking engagements, and frequent requests for peer review. As a multilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist, she has worked for over 27 years in a variety of urban settings, in three different countries, and with many different clinical populations. Dr. Namazi is currently serving as a language editor for the Journal of Speech Language Hearing Research and is a coordinating committee member of ASHA’s SIG 14. The overarching goal of all her research, teaching, and scholarship is to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion through interprofessional collaborations.
Julia Nevarez
Julia Nevarez is Associate Professor in Sociology at Kean University. Her research focuses on urban theory, urban development, and public space from an interdisciplinary perspective. In 2009 she edited the book "On Global Grounds: Urban Change and Globalization" followed by her latest book "The Urban Library: Creative City Branding in Spaces for All” (2021) and "Governing Disaster in Urban Environments: Climate Change Preparation and Adaption After Hurricane Sandy"(2018).
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.
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.
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.
Galia Shokry
Galia Shokry, Ph.D., is an interdisciplinary social scientist with a focus on community and neighborhood (re)development issues pertaining to equitable climate adaptation and green infrastructure planning. Galia’s research combines qualitative and geospatial techniques to identify and shed light on systemic barriers and solutions to realizing socially and environmentally just cities in the context of the climate emergency. She also applies these approaches to uncover less visible community-led practices of resilience in historically marginalized neighborhoods facing gentrification and displacement. Galia was previously a researcher with the Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability, and several European projects, including GreenLULUs and DIVERCITIES. She also directed international educational programs aimed at fostering critical thinking, belonging, and civic engagement in schools in divided communities. Galia seeks to bring these experiences to her teaching and continue developing her research agenda to uncover alternative and just approaches to protecting socially vulnerable residents from climate and other compounding risks.
Zakeeyah Speight
Zakeeyah Speight serves as the Recruitment/Admissions Counselor and Internship Coordinator in the Educational Opportunity Fund program. Zakeeyah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Substance Abuse and Women's Studies from Ramapo College and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Financial Aid and Admissions from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Prior to her arrival at Kean University, Zakeeyah was the Job Developer/Recruiter at Union County College for the Nursing and Allied Health/TAACCCT NJ-Prep Grant program, where she provided externship development and worked cooperatively with academic advisors, faculty, and staff to serve students with career and program placement.
Zakeeyah is an EOF alumnus and has a passion for giving back to the community by serving on numerous committees. Zakeeyah enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves traveling with her daughter.
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.