Union County College President Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

CRANFORD, NJ — Longtime president of UCNJ Union College of Union County, Dr. Margaret McMenamin, was honored earlier this month with the 2025 Union County Lifetime Achievement Award.

Scouting America gives the annual award to individuals who demonstrate qualities that reflect both the Scout Oath and Law the organization has operated by for more than 115 years. Serving since 2010, Dr. McMenamin was recognized for her leadership and commitment to the community.

Some of the highlights achieved by the school under her leadership include a graduation rate that has more than quintupled, and being honored as one of only 10 finalists for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. In the community, Dr. McMenamin is a part of multiple organizations, including the Boards of RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center and Union County Performing Arts Center.

She was also named the National Marie Y. Martin CEO of the Year in 2020 by the Association of Community College Trustees.

"I believe we have succeeded when everyone who is willing to work for it has an opportunity to go to college and achieve their dreams," Dr. McMenamin said on her goals behind the work that she and her colleagues do.

“President McMenamin’s commitment to student success and improving lives through education is what makes her an exceptional choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award,” said UCNJ Board of Trustees Chairman, Victor M. Richel. “Her visionary leadership has not only transformed UCNJ but has also strengthened the greater Union County community."

In 2010, Dr. McMenamin became the first female leader of UCNJ, which is also the first of New Jersey's 18 community colleges. Before her current role, she was a teacher at Lehigh Carbon Community College and Executive Vice President and Acting President at Brookdale Community College.

Dr. McMenamin is a graduate of Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She also holds a Master of Science from the University of Scranton and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University.

"College changed my life and I want to do that for our students," Dr. McMenamin says.

For Board of Trustees Chairman Richel, he believes she has achieved just that with this award, calling it "a reflection of the lasting impact she has made on countless students and families."