March 7, 2025

by Liz Mendicino ’26

A Women’s HerStory Month Q&A with Regina Clark, associate professor of journalism

What has been your favorite memory as a professor at Ramapo?

Oh, you’re making me think now…so many. My fondest memories, after 20 years here (wow!), will almost always involve bringing people together. So, one, as a writer, would be hearing the late-yet-awesome Toni Morrison speak live at Commencement on campus. She was and is one of my writing sheroes. Another, in my very early days at Ramapo, would be joining students from a writing class at a diner at the end of a semester. It was just fun to get together off campus in a very casual environment. I could take my “Prof” cap off and enjoy. And there are many more…like hugging and shaking hands with students at Commencement over the years.

Why did you choose to become a professor at Ramapo?

I wanted to teach at a place where I felt like I could be there and make a difference for students. Teaching at a smaller state college offered that. Plus, I am a Ramapo baby surrounded by former Ramapo students–my parents and my husband. I have slight memories of running around campus as a little girl, so there’s some nostalgia there for me also.

What is your area of interest in terms of research & teaching?

Anything connected to writing is an area of interest for me. I want students to feel comfortable with and confident in their writing ability. So, it’s exciting to share that passion with others. In terms of research, I’ve been involved with issues of local NJ history and social justice in recent years.

February 19, 2025: “Visions of Social Justice” in the Multicultural Center, during which Professor Clark introduced Lester Mayers, Artist in Residence and School of Contemporary Arts Scholar

How do you think being a woman in your field helps to empower your students?

Good question. Fortunately, the communication arts major includes a good number of students for all genders. And, honestly, I hope that I’m not just empowering to female students. I want all of my students to feel more empowered as they find their voices as writers and as leaders of the future here in the U.S. and, possibly, abroad. I hope that seeing me shows all of them that you can find your niche as well as your passion and then walk in confidence through life, empowering others all along the way.

What does Women’s Herstory Month mean to you?

Funny, I just posted about that on LinkedIn. It means everything. I was honored to have been asked to speak as part of a group yesterday for Women’s HerStory month that was offered by the Women’s Center and CSI. To me, Women’s HerStory month means that I matter. That my female-identifying students and colleagues matter. We can see ourselves as a valued part of this Ramapo community, and we can support one another on campus and outside of campus. As I shared and wrote, ” I see education as the great equalizer. And this year’s theme highlights how women can inspire future generations to create positive change.”

What is your favorite thing about Ramapo students?

I like that our students are open and down to earth.They care about the Ramapo community and the world that they will be the leaders of in the near future. I appreciate their compassion for me also, as when my family dealt with a deep loss last spring. They, like my own children at home, are my inspiration. And I am always, always routing for them to have success.

Is there anything that you would like to share that I have not asked you?

Well, I am also a wife of a Ramapo alum and a mother of four teens. We have a sophomore in college, and our twins are now high school juniors, just beginning their college search. To me, we’re all Roadrunners at heart.