Alumni Spotlight Janelle C. Hall, MPA'13

Dr. Janelle Hall refers to herself as a “people geek.” Her educational and professional journey has positioned her to take on her passion for empowering people by making it her livelihood.

After earning a master’s degree in public administration at FDU, Hall went on to receive her doctorate in Public Policy and Administration with a focus on non-profit organizations. After working seven years at Berkeley College, she doubled down on her community focus by forming her own LLC, Beyond Inspired – providing special counseling services – and in October of 2021 became named the CEO of United Passaic Organization in her hometown.

Hall remains connected to FDU to this day through her volunteer work on the Board of Governors.

Learn more about Janelle:

Name: Dr. Janelle C. Hall

FDU Graduation Year(s) & Major: 2013 – MPA Public Administration

Campus(es) where you studied: Teaneck

Current occupation and volunteer work: Chief Executive Officer at United Passaic Organization – A Community Action Agency

Hobbies & Interests: Family time, Beach-bumming, Traveling, Sorority life (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.), eating out/fine-dining, and self-care.

What is your favorite memory of FDU? Making lifelong relationships with my classmates!

Activities you were involved in at FDU: Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society 

What was your favorite place on campus and why? In my advisor’s office. This was the place where I received wise counsel on how to navigate my FDU educational journey and beyond. 

Who was the most influential person in your FDU Experience: Dr. Edwards was very influential with my FDU journey. He ensured I took the necessary classes at the right time for a timely graduation. My Research and Methods professor ignited a fire under me. She stated at one of our class sessions, it was possible to complete our MPA program in one year (a master’s program is typically a 2-year program). From that moment, I was unstoppable! I had the end goal in mind and plowed through my MPA program in one year and four months! All of my FDU professors were encouraging to all of the non-traditional students’ efforts to make a better life for themselves and their families.

What keeps you connected to FDU? As a new Board of Governor (BOG) of the FDU Alumni Association, I am able to give back through service and be an example to current and potential students. 

One piece of advice for current FDU students? Don’t give up! You may be delayed never denied. 

Where you can find me on social media: Facebook and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-c-hall-phd-73a35646/