Montez Swartz Elected Graduate Trustee: A Student Leader’s Vision for Brookdale’s Future

Brookdale Community College proudly announces the election of Montez Swartz as the new Graduate Trustee to the Board of Trustees. This role reflects both his deep commitment to public service and his transformative journey as a student leader on campus.

A Political Science Honors student, Swartz has made it his mission to amplify student voices and shape policies that will benefit current and future generations of Brookdale students. “Brookdale has provided me with invaluable opportunities for academic and professional growth,” said Swartz. “As a student who has thrived because of these opportunities, I feel a strong responsibility to give back and help shape the institution that shaped me.”

Swartz’s leadership portfolio is as impressive as it is impactful. He served as President of both the Student Life Board, Brookdale’s student government and programming board, and the Honors Association, where he mentored fellow high-achieving students. In addition, he volunteered as a student officer on the Code of Conduct Board, ensuring fairness and integrity in the academic conduct process. His approach to leadership is rooted in inclusion, advocacy, and meaningful action.

With internships at every level, from the Monmouth Museum to the Office of Government Affairs and Community Relations on campus, Swartz has developed a strong understanding of both policy and people. “Whether I’m teaching kids about science on weekends or researching public affairs initiatives during the week, it all comes down to communication, service, and making knowledge accessible,” he said.

As Graduate Trustee, Swartz plans to prioritize three major initiatives:

1. Advancing AI Policy for Future-Ready Students
   Recognizing that artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry, Swartz seeks to ensure that Brookdale students are equipped for a rapidly evolving workforce. He plans to advocate for the integration of AI literacy across academic programs and build partnerships with tech leaders to place Brookdale at the forefront of educational innovation.
2. Enhancing Campus Sustainability
   In line with Brookdale’s responsibility to model sustainable practices, Swartz aims to expand the use of renewable energy, promote waste reduction, and implement eco-conscious policies that will not only save costs but also benefit future students.
3. Expanding Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
   Recognizing the life-changing impact of experiential learning, Swartz will champion initiatives to strengthen Brookdale’s partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses. “Internships are where classroom learning meets real-world application,” he said. “We need to make those experiences more accessible for every student.”

Swartz’s advocacy is grounded not only in policy but in personal experience. He credits Brookdale’s vibrant student life and academic support as the foundation of his success. From creating and hosting his on-campus talk show to serving on the executive boards of the Film & TV Club and Fashion Club, Swartz has consistently taken full advantage of the college’s opportunity-rich environment. “I’m not listing these experiences to brag,” he once told a group of prospective students. “I share them because they show just how much Brookdale offers, especially when you say yes to student life.”

He has been waitlisted at Princeton and accepted at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), but Swartz says his experience at Brookdale has already defined his future. “Brookdale is where I found my voice. And now, as a Graduate Trustee, I’m ready to use that voice to help others find theirs.”

With his election, Montez Swartz brings energy, innovation, and a student-centered perspective to Brookdale’s Board of Trustees, ensuring that the next chapter of Brookdale’s story is one written with students, for students.