Edison Sound Stage

Episode 18: From "Too Late" to Student Trustee: Pamela Tucker's Inspiring Return to Education

"You will be 60 with or without a degree." These nine words changed everything for Pamela Tucker, who returned to college after several years and is now Thomas Edison State University's newest student trustee. In episode 18 of the Edison Sound Stage podcast, Pamela shares her journey from administrative professional to student leader—all while working full-time at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Drawing strength from her blue-collar parents' dreams and discovering she already had 33 transferable credits, Pamela proves it's never too late to pursue your education. She offers practical wisdom on balancing marriage, work, and coursework, finding support systems, and why starting with just one class can change your life. This conversation is essential for anyone who's ever thought "maybe I'm too old" or "it's been too long since I was in school."

Episode 17: The AI Arms Race: Creative Minds vs. Machine-Speed Attacks

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing cybersecurity—but not always in the ways you'd expect. In this episode, and in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we sit down with Dr. Henry Collier, Dean of the School of Science and Technology, to explore how AI is transforming both cyber attacks and defenses.

Episode 16: Strength Behind the Service

In honor of Military Appreciation Month and in recognition of Memorial Day, we celebrate the resilience and sacrifices made not just by our service members, but by the families who support them. In episode 16 of Edison Sound Stage, Maja Mendez, TESU’s Associate Director of Military and Veteran Recruitment and Outreach; Jonathan Sloan, BSBA ’22; and Sherri Hamm, BSOL ’22, MSHRM ’24, discuss the challenges and joys of being military spouses and dependents for a new appreciation of those who serve through their own commitment and responsibilities at home.

Episode 15: Navigating the Changing Landscape in Educational Leadership

Today's schools are evolving at a pace unprecedented in history, shaped by forces distinct from those just a decade ago and forever altered by the recent global pandemic. Speaking to Edison Sound Stage, Dr. Scott Rocco, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators 2022 Superintendent of the Year and Superintendent of Schools for Hamilton Township School District, tackles some of the big questions about what it means to be an educational leader or administrator today, sharing his fresh perspectives about emerging issues, school law, visionary leadership, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools. This podcast has been produced by Thomas Edison State University.

Episode 14: Leading the Way: The Path to Effective Educational Leadership

Educational administrators are crucial to serving as agents of change while building equitable and just communities in schools. They must be able to articulate a clear vision, strategize, and drive purposeful and sustained change in educationally diverse environments. But if you are aspiring to a school administrator or supervisor position, are you ready to do that? In episode fourteen of Edison Sound Stage, a panel of today’s educational leaders discuss their experiences and insights for those seeking a successful transition into effective school leadership.

Episode 13: An Insider’s Guide to Job Hunting

In the thirteenth episode of Edison Sound Stage, Ceceilia "Ceil" M. O'Callaghan, Director of TESU's Office of Career Development, and guest co-presenter and professional staffing recruiter, Caitlin Heymann, Vice President and Recruiting Manager at Robert Half International discuss successful job-hunting strategies and how you can develop your interview skills with hands-on advice. 

Episode 12: Shining a Light on Our Community During National Volunteer Week

In in the twelfth episode of Edison Sound Stage, TESU President Merodie A. Hancock joins students, staff and alumni who share the University’s strong commitment to the community in recognition of National Volunteer Week. Panelists Jennifer Hutchinson, Gabriela Mendoza, DJ Weltch and Melody Ward discuss the importance of volunteerism and giving back to their communities in their professional and personal lives.

Episode 11: 2nd Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Charles Boyer, pastor of Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Trenton and the founder of Salvation and Social Justice, a non-partisan Black faith-rooted organization, joins President Merodie Hancock, PhD, in TESU’s 2^nd Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. This virtual discussion touches on topics such as health equity, DEI issues, the pandemic’s effect on Trenton residents and MLK’s mission as it relates to the Trenton community.

Episode 10: The Benefits of Prior Learning Assessment for Graduate Studies

In this episode, Ann Prime Monaghan, associate dean, and Dr. Malcolm Oliver, dean, discuss opportunities for Graduate-Level Prior Learning Assessment (Grad PLA) in the John S. Watson School of Public Service with Dr. Christine M. Willard, TESU mentor and Professor of Education, Director of Childhood & Childhood Special Education at Nyack College; and students Joel Heller (BS ‘94, currently pursuing MSM.Public and Municipal Fundraising and GCERT.Fundraising and Development) and Gerard Cardenas (MSM ‘21, currently pursing DBA), both of whom earned Grad PLA credits as part of their degree pursuits.

Episode 9: Leveraging America’s Talent to Meet the Needs of an Evolving Workforce

In this episode, Dr. Merodie Hancock, president of Thomas Edison State University, speaks with Maurice Jones, CEO, OneTen.org; Dr. Lillian Lowery, Vice President, ETS and former Delaware Secretary of Education; and Michele Siekerka, president and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) to explore the innovative ways top employers are identifying, preparing and retaining diverse talent for the workforce of today and tomorrow.