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Dr. Melissa A. Jones

Director of EOF

Dr. Melissa Jones serves as the Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund. Dr. Jones earned her doctorate degree from Caldwell University, Master’s degree from University of New Haven, and undergraduate degree from University at Albany. Prior to accepting her new role, Dr. Jones was an administrator, educator, and team leader for the East Orange public school system for 20 years focusing on quantitative and qualitative data to  affect improvement and retention. Resulting in improved student outcomes. 

As a first-generation learner and EOP alumna, she believes in education and the importance of developing and implementing a community mission, vision, and strategic plan. Dr. Jones provides leadership training on a variety of topics such as academic success,  service learning, leadership development, data informed decision making, health and safety, and programming.

As a lifelong educator and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dr. Jones believes in service to all mankind. Her objective is to always inspire learners to apply new ideas to problem-solving. As a former adjunct, Dr. Jones has practical experience with the application of educational philosophy, the integration of student development theory analysis, and the evaluation of specific learning targets. Additionally, Dr. Jones has  exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships among a  diverse population of students, alumni and community partners.

When not at work, Dr. Jones loves spending time with her family and friends. She can be found in Newark at NJPAC, the Prudential Center, Symphony Hall, and the Newark Museum of Arts.

 

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Jorge Cariga

Assistant Director of EOF

Jorge first joined ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in 2018 as an EOF Counselor. He then transitioned to Senior EOF Counselor in 2020 and he has been our Assistant Director of EOF since 2023. Jorge has the passion and dedication to empower students to strive to their best potential. His ability to relate and motivate students enhances the EOF family environment.

Jorge is an EOF alumnus who has spent the last 16 years in the education system advocating and guiding students from high school to the college level. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed his Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in School Counseling from Saint Peter’s University. He is also an active member of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. Jorge is committed to moving our university forward while continuing to build on the successes of our EOF program.

 

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Tyron Odom 

Interim Senior EOF Counselor

Tyron Odom as our new Interim EOF Counselor. A proud ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ alum, Tyron’s journey began through the EOF Summer Program, which laid the foundation for his academic and personal growth. He earned dual degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, followed by a Master’s in Justice Administration and Public Service. As a student, he was a trailblazer, serving on ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿â€™s first men’s soccer and tennis teams, and today he continues to exemplify leadership and service as a member of the United States Navy Reserve.

In addition to his new role, Tyron serves as an Assistant Track and Field/Cross Country Coach, giving back to the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ community that shaped him. His dedication, resilience, and mentorship embody the spirit of EOF, and we are thrilled to have him back supporting our students’ success.

 

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Mihalka Joseph

Interim EOF Coordinator

Mihalka Joseph is a proud ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ alumna who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. As a student, she was deeply involved in campus life, serving as a Resident Assistant and holding leadership positions in the Student Government Association, Campus Ministry, and Commuter Council. Her commitment to service, leadership, and community building made a lasting impact on the university.

In her role as Interim EOF Coordinator, she will support students' academic, personal, and professional growth while helping advance the mission of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. We are excited to have Mihalka on the EOF team and look forward to the positive impact she will make in the lives of our students.

 

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Alyssa Clauss

EOF Counselor

Alyssa earned a Master of Education in Leadership in Education from the University of Cincinnati and bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Spanish from Susquehanna University. Her background in education and leadership supports her approach to individualized student guidance. Alyssa Clauss joins ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿â€™s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) team with eight years of experience as an educator, instructional leader, and mentor.

Throughout her career, Alyssa has worked with students, families, and educators to address barriers to success and connect students with resources. She is especially committed to creating a welcoming environment where first-generation students and learners from diverse backgrounds feel supported and connected.

 

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Malamin Kaba

EOF Counselor

A ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ alumnus, Malamin earned a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿. He also holds an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Passaic County Community College and graduated from the Cicely L. Tyson Community School in East Orange. Malamin Kaba brings experience in higher education, athletics, recruitment, and mentoring to his role as an EOF counselor.

Malamin also serves as an assistant coach for ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿â€™s men’s basketball team, supporting student-athlete development and recruitment. His experience as a student, coach, and mentor gives him a strong connection to the ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ community and the scholars he serves.

 

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Mas’Zhane Dean Muse

Interim EOF Counselor

Mas’Zhane earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in 2025 and is pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿. As an undergraduate, she was a three-time EOF Honor Society member and earned recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List. Mas’Zhane Dean-Muse brings experience in education, residential life, mentoring, and student support to her role as Interim EOF Counselor. As a former EOF scholar, she understands the program’s impact firsthand and is committed to helping students achieve their goals.

Since 2022, Mas’Zhane has served as a Resident Assistant/Coordinator, mentoring students, responding to concerns, and creating programs that build community and support wellness. She has also worked as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in New Jersey schools. She is proud to return to EOF as a counselor and support the next generation of scholars.