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Galloway, N.J. – Following her many contributions to �鶹��ý����, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the �鶹��ý���� Foundation posthumously honored Juanita High in a tree planting ceremony at the Galloway campus on Wednesday, April 30.

A lifelong resident of Atlantic City and longtime English teacher at Atlantic City High School, High also served as �鶹��ý����’s first Director of Affirmative Action, and as special assistant and executive assistant to former President Vera King Farris.

In addition, High was a consultant for �鶹��ý����’s Office of , an active member of the university’s Foundation Board of Directors and the Council of Black Faculty & Staff and coordinator for a program designed to eliminate prejudice, racism and violence on campus. The 93-year-old died in January 2024.

“Through her leadership and her work with countless organizations, she has truly touched every corner of this campus, and she has helped to shape �鶹��ý����'s values of inclusion, opportunity and equity,” said Dan Nugent, executive director of the University Foundation. “This tree is a tribute to the roots that Dr. High established here and the countless lives she touched, and just like her work, it will continue to grow, flourish and inspire generations to come.” 

Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center Dianne Stalling and Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn were emotional during the ceremony as colleagues and friends talked about their late friend’s enduring legacy.

When Stalling took the podium, she described a powerful mentor and caring woman who left an “indelible” mark on �鶹��ý���� and the local community.