University honors four alumni; Gov. Murphy presents proclamation honoring Cole’s 23 years of service

Read the full story: https://www.montclair.edu/newscenter/2021/05/23/annual-fundraiser-honors-president-cole-raises-money-for-student-scholarships

Presidential Scholars represent the top of their class, with less than 10 percent of incoming freshmen invited to become a Presidential Scholar.      

There were 1,269 students enrolled as Presidential Scholars as of fall 2020, with an average GPA of 3.7. 

Find out what it means to be a Presidential Scholar.

Watch Dr. Cole's announcement to the campus community about her upcoming retirement:

“The people of New Jersey owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dr. Susan Cole for her extraordinary contributions to our state,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “She believes deeply in the power of higher education to transform lives and open doors of opportunity. Dr. Cole has been a tireless advocate for the students she serves, and I have great respect and admiration for her and wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on this next chapter.”

“Susan Cole has led the University through a remarkable period of growth and transformation,” said Francis Cuss, MD, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The Board greatly admires her leadership abilities and deeply appreciates that she has agreed to remain as president to lead the University through this very challenging year, until a national search for her successor is completed and a new president appointed. Since President Cole is so deeply identified with the University’s many achievements, it is hard to envisage Montclair State University without her, however the Board is confident that thanks to her vision, her leadership and her tireless efforts over the past two decades, the University is well prepared for continuing academic progress and a bright future.”