New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz to Receive Honorary Degree from Montclair State University

New Jersey State Senator and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Montclair State University at its Winter Commencement on Monday, January 13 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

A fearless advocate for equity and justice, Ruiz became the first Puerto Rican elected to the state Senate in 2007. As Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ruiz is the highest-ranking Latina legislator in state history, and has also previously served as chair of the Senate Education Committee.

“Education is the foundation that shapes our future. A college education has the power to connect and inspire, unlock doors to transformative opportunities, and leave our communities better than how we found them. I am deeply honored to receive this honorary degree from Montclair State University, an institution that recognizes its important role in empowering the next generation to lead and make a difference,” says Ruiz. “Thank you for the opportunity to share in this celebration and for the work you do every day to support our future trailblazers.”

Throughout her career, Senator Ruiz has championed for the rights, protections and advancement of families and children and has led statewide efforts to address the inequalities that persist in our society.

She was a prime sponsor of the 2013 law making undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition rates at New Jersey public colleges and universities. She also sponsored the 2017 law requiring the Commissioner of Education to develop guidelines for school districts to ensure a supportive and nondiscriminatory environment for transgender students.

In 2016, Senator Ruiz authored a law which requires college loans granted by the state to be forgiven in the event of a student borrower’s death. She also sponsored a law to limit the suspension and expulsion of students in preschool through second grade, and another to provide stronger academic support to students with reading difficulty. She also spearheaded efforts to move New Jersey toward universal preschool, and championed the inclusion of $25 million in the 2018 budget to expand pre-k to more New Jersey students.

In 2010, Senator Ruiz was awarded an Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellowship, and was one of 24 individuals identified by the program’s leadership as America’s emerging political leaders with reputations for intellect, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to civil dialogue. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Drew University, and is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

“Senator Ruiz embodies Montclair’s mission of serving the public good,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “Her dedication to tackling New Jersey’s pressing challenges and to making an impact in her community have made her an integral contributor in our state. We are honored that she will address our graduates at Commencement and show them what is possible when you embark on a life of public service.”

Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. on January 13. For more information on Montclair’s 2025 Winter Commencement, visit montclair.edu/commencement.