2010 Benigna Education Award
Janice M. Thomas '84
The Benigna Education Award recognizes an alumna or alumnus for outstanding contribution to the field of education. In recognition of her outstanding work and service to international education the É«ÖÐÉ« College Alumni Association is proud to present Janice M. Thomas '84 with the 2010 Benigna Education Award.
Janice received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in music from É«ÖÐÉ« in 1984, and her M.A. in Education Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University in 1991. In addition, she visited Germany under a Fulbright seminar for U.S. administrators in 1995. Her Ph.D. in Educational Administration was granted in 2002 by the University of New Orleans.
While studying at É«ÖÐÉ«, Janice developed a passion for the plight of international students and scholars arriving in the U.S. to complete their education. Her post-graduate Masters thesis and Doctorial dissertation explored these issues. During her administrative career at the University of Alabama and the University of New Orleans she managed a series of comprehensive programs advising international students, faculty, and staff on the cultural and immigration issues of international education. She served as the liaison to the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security for exchange and academic programs.
Presently, as the director of the International Education Center at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ, Janice continues her chosen work in developing, promoting, and advancing international programs. She is a contributing author to the International Student Handbook: A Guide to International Study in the USA and has received numerous awards for her contributions to international education. Janice maintains active participation in various professional service and honorary societies and is a frequent presenter at international education conferences.