Current job title: Adjunct professor, Mercer County Community College
Local: 2222 / United Adjunct Faculty of New Jersey
Union positions: AFTNJ Higher Education Vice President
Mercer County Community College Chapter President, Local 2222 (2017-present)
MCCC Chapter President, Local 2222 (2011-17)
Treasurer, AFT Adjunct/Contingent Caucus
My union story: I was a member of the AAUP at both Rutgers University and Rider University. I realized that union membership for a faculty member is essential if we are to receive recognition for our professional status in college decision-making regarding both academic and administrative operations. When I came to Mercer, I found that adjunct faculty were not involved in any aspect of the shared governance structure and have spent the past seven years building union membership and recognition. Today, adjunct faculty serve on all college faculty committees and senior administration/faculty task force committees. Furthermore, we have expanded both the status and improved the compensation for our members.
Looking ahead: My goals for our union chapter are to continue to enlist new members, negotiate for salary and shared governance equity, and to focus on expanding full-time faculty career opportunities for adjunct faculty members.