NJDOE/New Jersey Superior Court Judge Robert Loughy, left, swears in Stockton University Interim Vice Provost Claudine Keenan, right, as the newest member of the New Jersey State Board of Education during the board’s meeting Wednesday in Trenton. At center is Jack Keenan, Claudine’s husband.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Stockton University Interim Vice Provost Claudine Keenan was sworn in Wednesday as the newest member of the New Jersey State Board of Education.
Keenan served as dean of Stockton’s School of Education from 2012 until transitioning to the interim vice provost position earlier this year. Gov. Phil Murphy nominated Keenan to the 13-member board, and she was approved by the NJ Senate on June 28. Her term will expire on June 30, 2027.
“I’ve spent my entire career dedicated to improving education, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with all of the stakeholders statewide to continue that work,” Keenan said.
The State Board adopts the education administrative code, establishing regulations to implement state education law. These regulations cover the supervision and governance of the state’s 2,500 public schools, which serve nearly 1.4 million students. In addition, the State Board advises on educational policies proposed by the Commissioner of Education and confirms Department of Education staff appointments.
“It’s been my experience as an advocate appearing before this board, that collectively the board always reaches better decisions the more the stakeholders engage,” Keenan said. “For me, it’s like coming full circle. Being able to participate in facilitating the stakeholders coming to us is very exciting for me.”
As Stockton’s dean of education, Keenan oversaw bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs for more than 1,000 students. Prior to her role as dean, Keenan worked as the Chief Planning and Budget Officer for Stockton, where she was responsible for the supervision of institutional research and institutional assessment and accreditation.
“State Board of Education members serve selflessly and without remuneration to advance public education in New Jersey,” Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said. “Each State Board member brings a unique perspective and their personal expertise to the table. I look forward to a positive, collaborative relationship with Dr. Keenan, the State Board’s newest member.”
Keenan received her bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Adelphi University, her master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition from California State University, and her Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts.
