By Husniyah Ford—
Assistant Director for special projects and student activities, Renata Moreira has left the NJCU community. Future marital plans have relocated her to San Francisco, California. With her many contributions to NJCU and other local communities, Moreira is recognized as a dynamic educator, activist and mentor.
Though now on the west coast, Moreira plans to continue her pursuit of a PhD degree, never forgetting her decade long career and experiences with NJCU.
“Leaving was a bitter-sweet decision,” Moreira said. “I am excited to start a new phase with my loved one where we can be closer to nature, live a healthier lifestyle and maybe learn to slow down enough to smell the flowers, you know?”
Moreira was welcomed into the NJCU family in 2001 as an academic advisor and testing coordinator. In wasn’t until 2005 that Moreira became the Assistant Director for Special Projects and Student Activities where she coordinated state-wide conferences, advised SGO, chaired the LGBTQ and Ally Taskforce, and co-chaired the Women’s History Month Committee. As an adjunct professor, Moreira also taught first year experience and interdisciplinary courses. Workshops promoting leadership and social justice were also led by Moreira.
“I first started working here to expand my professional experience in student development and to figure out what would be the most suitable graduate program for me,” Moreira said.
She notes that she trusted her NJCU mentors and colleagues in supporting her personal and professional growth. “As many of our Alums who choose, and are lucky enough, to work here after graduation, I ended up falling in love with our student population and stayed much longer than I initially thought I would,” Moreira said.
With a campus community so rich in diversity, one is sure to leave with lasting and perhaps life changing experiences. “I confess that our Women’s History Month events, the Annual LGBT Pride Flag Raisings, and the Great Debates always have a special place in my heart,” said Moreira. She admits there being too many for her to name.
“The LGBT mixer,” said Shayla Cook, 22, Creative Writing Major of Jersey City when asked what she’d miss. “I’ll miss her pulling people forward to enjoy life.”
Considering Moreira’s fearless personality, passion and dedication, her commitment to teach and serve have not gone unrecognized by the NJCU student body.
“It’s a shame that she’s leaving. NJCU is losing someone that really does care about the students,” said Hector Rivera, 22, Education Major from Bayonne.
“She was always active,” said Vanrondall Seabron, 24, Criminal Justice Major from Newark.
As the campus community welcomed Moreira in 2001, NJCU now bids farewell to a remarkable woman that has contributed much to our campus community in more ways than one.
