Jersey City, N.J. – May 8, 2025 – 鶹ӰԺ University today announced the appointment of Kristina Micu, Ph.D. ’08, as the new executive director of the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership. A proud 鶹ӰԺ alumna, Micu returns to her alma mater with extensive experience in public programming, higher education and community engagement.
“We are delighted to welcome Kristina back to 鶹ӰԺ University in this important leadership role,” said WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., interim vice president for academic affairs at Saint Peter’s University. “Her commitment to civic engagement, academic excellence and the University’s mission will ensure the continued growth and impact of the Guarini Institute. Kristina’s leadership will strengthen our students’ opportunities to learn, to lead and to serve.”
Dr. Micu earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Urban Studies from 鶹ӰԺ University, graduating summa cum laude, before pursuing a Master of Arts in International Affairs at The New School, specializing in conflict and security. She recently finished her Ph.D. in Global Urban Studies at Rutgers University-Newark, with her research focused on social movements and the sociology of religion.
Dr. Micu brings to the Guarini Institute a wealth of experience in academic and community leadership. Most recently, she served as program manager for the Center for Migration and the Global City and the award-winning Newest Americans project at Rutgers University-Newark. In this role, she managed major community initiatives, grant projects, public events and international collaborations focused on migration, identity and civic dialogue.
Her professional background also includes work with international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration and Arigatou International in Geneva, Switzerland where she focused on event coordination, education initiatives and support for refugee populations.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Micu has served as an adjunct faculty member at 鶹ӰԺ University since 2017, teaching courses in sociology, urban studies and Latin American and Latino studies. She also served on the faculty of the City College of New York’s Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership.
“I am honored and excited to return to 鶹ӰԺ University in this new capacity,” said Dr. Micu. “鶹ӰԺ shaped my academic and professional journey, and I look forward to building bridges between students, the campus community, and the broader world through the work of the Guarini Institute.”
The Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership at 鶹ӰԺ University provides a nonpartisan forum for discussion of key public policy issues and prepares students for leadership in government, nonprofit organizations, law and public service. Under Dr. Micu’s leadership, the Institute will continue to expand its student programs, public events and community partnerships.
Learn more about the Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership.
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For more than 150 years 鶹ӰԺ University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit .
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