The Division of Student Affairs has been organized into five portfolios: Athletics, Health and Wellness/Dean of Students, Student Development, and Auxiliary and Contract Services. While departments are organized in this way, the Vice President for Student Affairs ensures that there are formal and informal opportunities to develop web-like connections throughout the organization. This structure allows for efficiencies and advocacy, supports collaboration and communication, and reflects the interconnection of Student Affairs work.
Vice President for Student Affairs
With nearly 25 years of progressively responsible senior level leadership in Student Affairs at The College of New Jersey, Dr. Stallings is TCNJ’s Vice President for Student Affairs. Prior to his appointment, he served TCNJ as the Interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, and Executive Director of Residential Education and Housing to name a few.
Dr. Stallings oversees a comprehensive division of major units: Athletics, Auxiliary Services, Dean of Students, and Student Development. He leads the division’s strategic planning direction with oversight of a $63M budget, approximately 100 staff across 17 units supporting student success. He has managed the programming aspect of several key building renovations including the award-winning renovations of the Atrium at Eickhoff Dining Hall and Brower Student Center and the construction of two new apartments.
It is Dr. Stallings’ belief that the environment in which Student Affairs work is the laboratory for life where students have the opportunity to transform education into knowledge. The leading priorities for Dr. Stallings and his leadership colleagues are leadership, student resilience, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, and operational excellence.
With a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning and a master’s degree in Social Work Administration, Policy, and Planning from Rutgers University, Dr. Stallings also holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Stallings is Executive Producer for the DEI themed TCNJ DocuStory, a 2x Emmy nominated production. He maintains professional memberships in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) authoring a chapter in AVP: Leading from the Unique Role of Associate/Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (2016), Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I), Association of College Unions International (ACUI). Dr. Stallings has spent time away from TCNJ serving on the Board of Trustees at Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School in Philadelphia, PA., as well as coaching his kids’ youth sport teams when they were younger.
His research interests include leadership and soft skill development for employability which explains his passion that every TCNJ Lion should leave their Paw Print
Health and Wellness/Dean of Students
Jordan Draper, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
At The College of New Jersey, we believe that student wellbeing is the foundation of their academic achievement and personal growth. My role, and the mission of the entire Dean of Students & Health and Wellness Portfolio, is to ensure students feel supported, empowered, and connected throughout their TCNJ journey. My team is deeply committed to fostering a community of care where every student can thrive and truly have an amazing TCNJ experience.
To that end, our portfolio oversees essential resources dedicated to the safety, health, and success of our students. The Dean of Students area includes the CARE Team (the central resource for navigating any challenge, whether academic, financial, or personal); the Office of Student Conduct (which educates students on community standards and restorative practices); and our Title IX Office (which works tirelessly to ensure an educational environment free from discrimination and gender-based harm). Housed within this area is also our campus food pantry, The Shop, and access to the TCNJ Emergency Fund.
Furthermore, our comprehensive Health and Wellness area provides holistic support for student’s intellectual, emotional, social, financial, physical, environmental, and spiritual needs. This integrated network is dedicated to proactive education, prevention, and responsive care, empowering you to build and sustain healthy lifelong habits. This area includes Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS), Student Health Services (SHS), Alcohol and Other Drug Support Services (AODSS), Anti-Violence Initiatives (AVI), Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP), and Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL), all of which are staffed by amazing professionals who work tirelessly to support each of our students.
My door is always open. I encourage you to explore these resources, reach out when you need guidance, and actively engage in building a campus culture rooted in mutual respect and wellbeing. Together, we can make your time at TCNJ not only successful, but transformative.
Student Development
Kelly Hennessy, EdD
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Development
Kelly S. Hennessy, Ed.D. leads the Division’s Student Services Portfolio, which includes Co-Curricular & :Leadership Development, Conference & Event Services, Residential Education, Housing, & Dining, and Student Life. Together, these areas focus on creating intentional, student-centered experiences that foster growth, belonging, and community, while also providing high-quality services and exceptional events for both internal and external clients.
Prior to serving as the Assistant Vice President for Student Services, Dr. Hennessy was the Associate Dean of Students at The College of New Jersey. In that role, she oversaw the Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP), Anti-Violence Initiatives (AVI), the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, the Collegiate Recovery Community, Crisis Management Response & the Care Team/BIT Team, Residential Education, Welcome Week, and Religious & Spiritual Life. She has also served as Director of Residential Education at TCNJ, Assistant Director for Training and Personnel at Rutgers University, Educational Opportunity Fund Counselor at Rutgers University, and began her career at the University at Buffalo in Residence Life and Housing.
Dr. Hennessy earned her doctorate in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education at Rutgers University, where her dissertation focused on cultivating social capital among low-income, first-generation college students. She received both her Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and her Master of Education in Learning Administration and Instruction from the University at Buffalo.
Dr. Hennessy currently resides in East Brunswick, New Jersey, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three sons, who are often found on the soccer and lacrosse fields.
Athletics
Liz Shatkus
Executive Director of Athletics
Read Liz’s bio
The Department of Athletics at The College of New Jersey strives to achieve national excellence by consistently ranking among the top institutions in the Director’s Cup poll. As educators, we value diversity and seek to foster an inclusive environment to further enrich the academic, athletics, and leadership experiences of our student-athletes. The Department encourages lifelong learning for all members of our community and views it as a vital component of our ethos. By accomplishing these objectives we believe our athletics program better prepares our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators for leadership in a global society.
Financial Affairs
Sharmaine Stevenson
Executive Director of Financial Affairs
Read Sharmaine’s bio
The Executive Director for Financial Affairs at TCNJ oversees the financial and operational functions for key areas within the Division of Student Affairs, including Athletics, Student Development, Dean of Students, and Auxiliary Services. Reporting to the Vice President, this role manages budgets, ensures compliance, and provides strategic guidance on financial and personnel matters. The Director works closely with senior leaders to improve operational efficiency, develops financial reports for decision-making, and fosters cross-departmental collaboration. This position ensures that units within Student Affairs meet their goals while adhering to University policies and supporting a diverse, inclusive work environment.