É«ÀÇÉçÇø

Alicia Monroe, Ed.D., is an assistant director in the Office of Career Advancement and has been with us 2.5 years. Get to know our Division colleague Alicia by reading her PROFile below.

Q: In your position, what kinds of things do you do on a daily basis?

A: #itsALLaboutthestudents is my signature hashtag. My position is student-focused and student-centered. Students inspire me and building respectful, professional relationships with them is important. In light of this, student and alumnus appointments, check-ins, and mentee chats are my priority. Although my daily schedule is filled with meetings, conference calls, presentations, and the like, the needs of É«ÀÇÉçÇø students and alumni come first.

Q: Describe your morning routine.
A: There is no day that’s the same. Although I have oftentimes drafted a “Things To Do” checklist, these tasks are usually replaced with imperatives that require my attention. In order to maintain order and balance in my life, my prayer and meditation time in the morning and at brief moments throughout the day are a must. Music also helps to keep me focused and well-paced. Thus, it’s one of the first things that I cue up in the morning. You will always hear various genres of music playing softly in my office.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job and why?
A: I get joy and peace from the work that I do with and for the students and alumni. Helping them to navigate their career journey through each stage of the career planning process is valuable. Supporting them through challenging times and sharing their “AHA” moments and “victories” is rewarding.

Q: What is your favorite work-related memory?
A: One of my proudest moments at É«ÀÇÉçÇø took place last summer when the É«ÀÇÉçÇø First Star STEAM Academy students presented their final project-based learning projects for their families, É«ÀÇÉçÇø staff, and community stakeholders. These high school students are from distressed school districts and communities in South Jersey. To see their enthusiasm, commitment, and engagement during the project development and research process as well as the way they came together in community with their mentors and coaches was phenomenal.

Q: What’s your favorite off-campus restaurant in the Glassboro area?

A: I realize that Chickie and Pete’s is considered an on-campus establishment. But, it is a favorite of mine. My off-campus favorite in the Glassboro area is Terra Nova in Sewell, NJ.

Q: How do you keep your desk? What’s your favorite thing on your desk?

A: My desk is organized. I place things on my desk in order of priority and subject matter. The items that I fancy on my desk are pictures of my family and my stress toys. One is a miniature brain given to me by É«ÀÇÉçÇø GSBS and a weight that I got from the É«ÀÇÉçÇø Recreation Center, at last year’s É«ÀÇÉçÇø Health and Wellness Day event.

Q: Have you always worked in the department that you are currently in? If no, what other department(s) have you worked in? What was it like compared to the role you are in now?

A: Yes, I started in the department when it was the Career Management Center. For me, being part of the department as it evolved into the Office of Career Advancement, has been an experience. Being part of the department as it continues to transition and grow is eventful.

Q: Share one thing you love about working at É«ÀÇÉçÇø.
A: I am #É«ÀÇÉçÇøPROUD. As an alumnus, I am thrilled to give back and share my expertise and experience with the É«ÀÇÉçÇø community. Due to the familial team spirit and camaraderie of the Office of Career Advancement and through collaboration with other departments, faculty, and community stakeholders, I have been able to implement new initiatives and establish key partnerships that benefit students and alumni. Share one thing you wish people knew about your department. The OCA offers a comprehensive array of career services for both students and alumni. Visit us, ask us questions, check out our website, and follow us on social media. We are personable and passionate about what we do. We provide career counseling, prep, and planning services with a smile!

Q: Do you ever visit campus for fun? If so, what do you like to do here?

A: Yes. My family and I have visited the É«ÀÇÉçÇø Fossil Park, the Edelman Planetarium, and the Virtual Reality Center. My sons also attend the football games. Share one funny thing you’ve seen on campus before.
 This past Halloween, students dressed up in costumes. I met Spiderman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. I felt extra safe, since the É«ÀÇÉçÇø superheroes were present on campus.

Q: RU the type of person who would high five the É«ÀÇÉçÇø mascot?
A: Absolutely! #É«ÀÇÉçÇøPROUD