Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson Receives Essex County’s Coretta Scott King Leadership Award 

Rutgers University–Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson was honored with the Essex County Coretta Scott King Award at the county African American History Month celebration, hosted by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

New Jersey Lt. Governor Dale G. Caldwell was presented with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.

“African American History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact African American leaders have had in shaping our communities, institutions, and future,” said DiVincenzo. “We are proud to recognize Dr. Dale Caldwell and Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson for their unwavering commitment to public service, educational excellence, and equity. Through their leadership, they continue to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve the quality of life for residents throughout Essex County and New Jersey.”

Said Smith-Jackson, “As a member of the NAACP, I have been in this fight for justice and equality for a long time. Where we are now is because of people like Coretta Scott King. We stand on her shoulders because she was an agent of change. Thank you so much for this; it is a real honor.”

Smith-Jackson and Caldwell were each presented with plaques, along with an Essex County-embossed basketball, giving Smith-Jackson, a former high school athlete, a surprise chance to show off her skills. The crowd applauded as she briefly dribbled the ball.

Smith-Jackson was lauded as a nationally recognized industrial and systems engineer with extensive experience in academic leadership, research, and public service. In her role as chancellor, she was commended for her commitment to advancing student success, research excellence, and community-engaged scholarship, while strengthening the university’s role as a driver of innovation, equity, and opportunity.

Prior to her appointment at Rutgers-Newark, Smith-Jackson served as Provost at North Carolina A&T State University. Her career spans leadership roles in higher education, industry, and government, including service with the National Science Foundation, as well as appointments at universities and community colleges in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Germany.

A Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Dr. Smith-Jackson has led research laboratories and centers focused on human factors in human-computer interaction and human-systems design. Her work advances accessibility and usability across a wide range of sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, construction, transportation, and communication technologies.

Lt. Governor Caldwell was honored for dedicating his life to serving the people of New Jersey through leadership roles in public service, higher education, the private sector, and faith-based community work. He was elected with Governor Mikie Sherrill in November 2025 and sworn into office in January 2026..

“It is an honor to be getting an award in front of so many people that I know. I am pleased to be home with this amazing county,” Caldwell said. “As your lieutenant governor, with Governor Mikie Sherrill, we are committed to build on what Essex has been doing for so many years,” he added.

The awards were presented by Teresa Ruiz, NJ Senate Majority Leader/Deputy Chief of Staff. Also speaking at the ceremony were Robert Jackson, County Administrator; Carlos Pomares, Commissioner President; Amir Jones, County Sheriff; Ted Stephens County Prosecutor; and Jacqueline Jones, Chief of Staff and Human Resource Director.

At the ceremony, held earlier this week, Essex County Newark Tech Choir performed the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.’’Choir members were Colissa Dover, Samessa Spence, and Chinomoso Ikwecheghe. Pastor Wayne Osborne from Victory Outreach Church gave the invocation.

The African American History Month Celebration is the part of a year-long cultural series created by County Executive DiVincenzo to highlight Essex County’s diversity. Other cultural celebrations highlight Irish, Italian, Jewish, Latino and Portuguese heritage, and Women’s history.