Student Spotlight: Samantha Quigley

October 2, 2025

When Samantha Quigley chose Kean University, she couldn’t pinpoint exactly why, but she felt drawn to it. The beautiful campus and standout education program were part of it, but as she looks back now as a senior, she knows it was the promise of community, support and opportunities she hadn’t yet imagined that made Kean the right choice. 

Samantha’s time at Kean has been, in her words, “nothing short of amazing.” Her professors have been mentors who guided her journey, encouraged her to share her work and opened doors for her to grow. That encouragement pushed her to climb higher in her writing, her confidence and her career goals. She recalls how the staff and faculty have shown a level of care for students that she hadn’t experienced anywhere else, creating a campus environment rooted in belonging and gratitude. 

Her involvement on campus began with intramural basketball during her freshman year, an early introduction to the vibrant student life at Kean. By her sophomore year, Samantha began working at the Miron Student Center, which she fondly calls “the heart of campus.” She quickly discovered that the Student Center wasn’t just a workplace. It was the hub where friendships grew, leadership skills were built and the Cougar spirit came alive. Through these connections, she joined the Muslim Student Association, further deepening her sense of community. 

For Samantha, her best moments at Kean are tied to the relationships she has built with peers, mentors and colleagues who have become some of her closest friends. “There always seems to be a smiling and friendly face close by,” she says. 

Among her many impactful professors, Dr. Abrianna Jette stands out most. Over the past three years, Samantha has taken six of Dr. Jette’s classes, describing how her professor has helped her grow as a scholar and writer, and encouraged her to publish and share her work. Her relationship with Dr. Jette reflects what makes Kean distinctive; professors who don’t just teach, but champion their students to take risks and share their voices. With Dr. Jette’s support, Samantha performed her poetry at the Spring 2025 English Department Convocation, something she never would have imagined doing when she first arrived at Kean. Inspired by her professor, Samantha now plans to continue her writing journey alongside her future career in education. 

She also recalls moments of support beyond the classroom. When facing financial struggles, Samantha turned to L. George Thomas, CPA, MBA, Director of Scholarship Services. His kindness and commitment made a lasting impact, and she hopes to carry that same spirit into her future classroom. Support like this, made possible through Kean’s scholarships and services, was instrumental to her success. “As a future teacher, I am determined to provide my students with the same level of support and encouragement that I received here at Kean University,” she says. 

As she prepares to graduate, Samantha reflects with gratitude on a journey that began with uncertainty but unfolded into a life-changing experience. What started as a feeling she couldn’t quite explain has grown into a deep connection with a community that has shaped her both personally and professionally. She carries with her not just a degree, but a community that has prepared her to help the next generation climb higher.