University Hall clocktower with cherry blossom blooms framed in the foreground.

Director’s Welcome

Welcome to the Honors EDGE–a vibrant and forward-thinking learning community where creativity and community engagement are the foundational pillars shaping tomorrow’s leaders. At Montclair State University, the Honors EDGE fosters an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds explore big ideas, address real-world problems, and make meaningful contributions to society—guided by the principles of design thinking, creative exploration, and active community involvement.

As the director of the Honors EDGE Program and a professor of history, I have dedicated my career to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. My research focuses on the history of race and ethnicity in the United States, and I am passionate about identifying the historical roots of contemporary issues. Throughout my time at Montclair State University, I have been committed to promoting public history, digital literacy and interdisciplinary learning. I believe that education is most powerful when it challenges students to think creatively, engage meaningfully with their communities and address real-world problems. I am excited to guide you on this journey and look forward to seeing how you will contribute to and shape our innovative Honors EDGE community.

Our curriculum goes beyond academic excellence, placing creativity and community engagement at its core, alongside interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving. We empower students to push the boundaries of conventional learning, collaborate across disciplines, and immerse themselves in transformative experiences that equip them to lead with vision, empathy, and a deep commitment to societal impact.

Whether you’re a prospective student, a current member of our program, or a supporter of our mission, we invite you to explore what makes the Honors EDGE truly distinctive. Join us in our pursuit of academic excellence through the lens of creativity and community engagement, and discover how the Honors EDGE can help you reach your full potential.

Welcome to a community where your journey toward making a meaningful difference begins.

Jeff Strickland profile photo

Jeff Strickland

Professor & Program Director, The Honors EDGE, History

Email
stricklandj@montclair.edu