Admissions Counselors
Admission Counselors for High School Students
We work hard to be the most-accessible admissions team there is. Find your admissions counselor to ask about the college application process, how you can pursue what you love at FDU, and what to look forward to as a future FDU Knight or Devil. We’ll provide you with the information you need to confidently navigate one of the most important decisions in your life!
Danielle Balsamo
Territory: California, Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania
dbalsamo@fdu.edu
973-443-8902
Favorite Place on Campus: Walking up Mansion Mall towards Hennessy Hall. I love imagining what it must have looked like in its heyday with horse drawn carriages arriving.
Personal Fun Fact: Traveling is my favorite past time. I love learning new languages, exploring new cultures and immersing myself in each new place’s history.
Samantha Bell
Territory: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Middlesex County (NJ), Somerset County (NJ)
smbell@fdu.edu
201-692-7323
Favorite Place on Campus: The World Peace Sculpture in front of Robison Hall. It reminds me to stop, take a moment to myself, and inspires me to always try to do better!
Personal Fun Fact: I’m obsessed with podcasts about music and politics. During my free time on campus, I’ll put my ear buds in and go for a walk by the river and catch up with all of my favorite podcasts!
Maura Fox
Territory: Atlantic County (NJ), Cape May County (NJ), Hudson County (NJ), Monmouth County (NJ), Ocean County (NJ)
mfox@fdu.edu
973-443-8907
Favorite Place on Campus: The benches in front of the Ulysses statue. It’s so nice to be able to look at the trees in the sunshine and the vast landscape of Florham. It’s a great way to relax!
Personal Fun Fact: I love going to the beach! I call it my second home, growing up only 15 minutes away from it. You’ll find me there every weekend during the summer – and even during the offseason just to watch the waves.
Karina Pedraza
Territory: Essex County (NJ), Passaic County (NJ), EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) Admission Coordinator
kpedraza@fdu.edu
973-443-8904
Favorite Place on Campus: Outside the Zen Building next to the original columns. It offers great campus views and a relaxing environment to enjoy.
Personal Fun Fact: I love to read! My favorite genre is young adult fiction. I am also a part of a book club and love discussing all the great stories that we have read.
Alexa Perez
Territory: Bergen County (NJ), Bronx County (NY), Kings County (NY), Nassau County (NY), Queens County (NY), Suffolk County (NY), Richmond County (NY)
pereza@fdu.edu
201-692-7304
Favorite Place on Campus: The Student Union Building (“SUB” for short). This building has everything a student would need – the cafeteria, information desk, game room, and much more! Whenever I go inside the SUB, I always see a Student Ambassador on tour sharing their love for FDU!
Personal Fun Fact: My favorite thing to do is travel! I love visiting new places, meeting new people, and learning new cultures. So far, I’ve visited 35 states and 3 continents, but my favorite place (by far) has been New Zealand!
Megan Troy
Territory: Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
mtroy@fdu.edu
201-561-2951
Favorite Place on Campus: Along the Hackensack River. Whether I’m just walking the path next to the river or eating my lunch on a warm day on one of the benches, it’s peaceful and really pretty, especially during the fall and spring.
Personal Fun Fact: I was born in Hackensack, NJ, and while I didn’t grow up in NJ, I think it’s pretty cool that I work for a university with a campus in Hackensack. It’s a “come full circle” moment!
Admission counselors for both transfer and freshman students
James Brennan
Territory: Connecticut, Westchester County (NY), Rockland County (NY), New York County (NY), Upstate NY and all other states. Transfer Counselor for Metropolitan Campus
brennanj@fdu.edu
201-692-2519
Favorite Place on Campus: The newly renovated footbridge. There are benches and tables on the bridge that allow you to do some work with a view of the Hackensack River.
Personal Fun Fact: I am a diehard New York Yankees fan and I try to go to as many games as possible during the season. Being so close to New York City, I usually get the chance to go to about 20 games a year! My all-time favorite player is Bernie Williams.
Nicole Longo
Territory: Burlington County (NJ), Camden County (NJ), Cumberland County (NJ), Gloucester County (NJ), Mercer County (NJ), Salem County (NJ)
nlongo1@fdu.edu
973-443-8909
Favorite Place on Campus: The back of the Mansion. It’s a beautiful place to sit and look at all of the leaves changing colors on the trees!
Personal Fun Fact: I love the beach and spend most of my time there during the summer months. I also enjoy playing tennis, and played it all through high school! Chat with Nicole
Jordan Westcott
Territory: Union County (NJ), Hunterdon County (NJ), Morris County (NJ), Sussex County (NJ), Warren County (NJ), Transfer Counselor for Florham Campus
jordanw@fdu.edu
973-443-8911
Favorite Place on Campus: The Rec Center. Whether I’m catching a workout or watching a game, it helps me unwind and clear my mind.
Personal Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling and hiking and I’m always looking for a new adventure!
We are here to help answer your questions about the application process, available scholarships, and how to make your mark at FDU.