NJEA names faculty, ESP and administrative members of the year
Since 2018, NJEA has honored the work of our higher education members from the faculty, educational support professional (ESP), and administrative branches. These distinguished members are recognized for their remarkable records of union advocacy and service to their association.
At the NJEA Higher Education Conference on April 14, this year’s honorees were announced.
Dr. Matthew Kochis: Higher Education Faculty Member of the Year
Dr. Matthew Kochis from the Mercer County Community College Faculty Association (MCCCFA) is the 2023 NJEA Higher Education Faculty Member of the Year.
NJEA Vice President Steve Beatty and NJEA Higher Education Faculty Member of the Year Dr. Matthew Kochis.
Kochis has been on the faculty at Mercer County Community College for nine years. During that time, he has worked closely with students and helped lead the student newspaper staff to dozens of national awards. He is a scholar of modernist English and Irish novels.
Upon joining the English Department, Kochis joined the Faculty Association Executive Committee and the negotiations team. He created a committee, in collaboration with administration, to address contract issues in between negotiations periods.
In addition, he has been a force for addressing student debt. He helped create and now serves on Mercer County Community College’s Loan Forgiveness Committee, which considers applications from MCCCFA members for one of six $7,500 grants. The unique grant program is now part of the MCCCFA contract.
“When I found out that I was nominated, let alone had been awarded the NJEA Higher Education Faculty Member of the Year, I was beyond touched that anyone would consider me for this honor,” Kochis said. “I find joy in the work itself and don’t seek out attention. There is always so much to do, whether it’s helping a student, negotiating a contract, tackling complicated equity issues, or just supporting the union and its members. Anything I can do to help someone out helps bring meaning to what I do.
“When six of my colleagues showed up at the awards banquet, I was completely overwhelmed. Whatever success I achieve was and is thanks to their unwavering support and leadership.
“This award more than anything demonstrates how lucky I am to have the support of my union, and I truly wish that for everyone. Because without them, I would not be the best version of myself, for either my students or my union. To me, this award means that I have a great union and I am beyond grateful for the support that NJEA provides us.”
Tereke Bell: Higher Education ESP Member of the Year
Tereke Bell from Union County College Public Safety Association (UCCPSA) is the 2023 NJEA Higher Education ESP Member of the Year.
Bell is the longtime president of the UCCPSA. He is a fearless advocate for his members and is highly respected by members as well as the greater college community.
Bell has been a powerful advocate for union engagement and involvement throughout his career.
Noreen Kane: Higher Education Administrative Member of the Year
Noreen Kane from the Brookdale Community College Administrative Association (BCCAA) is the 2023 NJEA Higher Education Administrative Member of the Year.
Kane is the president of the BCCAA. She recently brought the association through contract negotiations and was instrumental in organizing the campus-wide member blitz to engage and motivate greater participation among the membership.
Kane has been a staunch advocate for BCCAA members since joining the college more than 17 years ago. She is passionate about helping employees fight for their rights, particularly when it relates to upholding contract language and advocating for fair and equitable treatment.
NJEA advocates for higher education members
NJEA is proud to represent faculty and staff at 16 of New Jersey’s community colleges and one affiliate at Rutgers School of Health Professions. NJEA is committed to protecting the interests of members and students in higher education. NJEA supports local associations’ efforts to negotiate for improvements in salary, benefits and working conditions.
The safeguarding of academic freedom, tenure, the retirement system, and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program are a major function of NJEA’s Higher Education advocacy.
In addition to representation at the bargaining table and in day-to-day contract enforcement, NJEA holds an annual Higher Education Conference and Collective Bargaining Summit—both of these are usually held in April. At the NJEA Convention, in addition to programs for all members on both days, NJEA has a full day of programming designed specifically for NJEA’s higher education members.
Learn more at njea.org/highered.
Nominate higher education advocacy excellence
Do you know an NJEA member working in higher education who has a distinguished record of service and advocacy? Since 2018, NJEA has recognized the accomplishments of individual higher education members in the faculty, educational support professional and administrative categories.
These members have achieved association accomplishments in such areas as bargaining, communications, research, association finances and budgeting, professional learning, membership, political action, public relations, working conditions, campus or community service, and other issues affecting members and higher education.
Each nominee must be an active professional or ESP member working in higher education or an NJREA member who was previously an NJEA member working in higher education.
Nominees must be or have been an active NJEA member for at least 10 years.
Any NJEA member may nominate a member working in higher education or may nominate themselves if working in higher education. Current members of the NJEA Higher Education Committee are not eligible.
For full nomination criteria and to learn how to make a nomination, go to njea.org/highered.