Alumni Spotlight:
Jessica Garcia, Ed.D., ’23
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Concentration in Special Education
Class of: 2023
The Journey Continues…
Superintendent & Director of Special Services, Belvidere School District
For Jessica Garcia, Ed.D., ’23, educational leadership is about more than guiding schools and programs. It is about recognizing potential, creating opportunities, and helping the next generation of educators grow into leaders themselves.
A resident of Dover, New Jersey, Garcia earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Special Education from Centenary University in 2023. Garcia earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Jones International University, her bachelor’s degree in Special Education from William Paterson University, and her associate degree in Early Childhood Education from the County College of Morris.
“Centenary’s professors were instrumental in providing the foundation for who I am as an educational leader,” Garcia said. “They didn’t just teach theory—they immersed me in real-world learning experiences that prepared me to lead with confidence and purpose.”
Garcia said one of the most meaningful aspects of her Centenary experience was the way faculty recognized and encouraged her passion for education, with a central focus on creating meaningful inclusionary experiences.

“What made the difference was how the faculty invested in me as a person and recognized and nurtured my passion for special education, giving me the tools to turn my passion into meaningful action in my career,” Garcia said. “They believed in my potential, supported my growth during pivotal moments, opened doors I didn’t know existed, and continue to provide mentorship and partnership in my personal and career growth.”
Garcia’s professional accomplishments reflect a career focused on leadership, equity, and educational improvement. In 2023, she received Centenary University’s Alyce Hunter Dissertation Award and was selected as a commencement speaker for the University’s graduation ceremony.
She has also remained closely connected to Centenary following graduation; Garcia was a dissertation committee member for doctoral candidates and returned as a guest speaker for graduate courses and the University’s Educational Radio Hour.
Her broader professional leadership includes serving as president and an officer of the Warren County Curriculum Consortium and presenting for the Sussex-Warren Directors, Supervisors & Coordinators of Special Services Association.
Looking ahead, Garcia said she is “eager to hone my craft and expand my professional experiences so I can support and lead future educators and graduates as they grow in their own careers. Centenary didn’t just prepare me for a career; it gave me a community that continues to support and inspire me long after graduation.”
Garcia encourages today’s Centenary students to remain grounded in the purpose that first inspired them to pursue their education:
“Stay focused and remember why you chose your path. Never lose sight of the impact you can make on this world. Remain open to new ideas, embrace different perspectives, and take time to reflect on the magic that is education.”
