How does a private grant help Fairleigh Dickinson University?

Private grants from corporations, foundations and associations are essential in supporting the University's mission. Whether it is a seed grant to start a new project, money for a capital project or program support, or an in-kind donation of computer equipment, these grants are all part of FDU's greater partnership with the corporate, foundation and association communities. FDU can be a resource to these same organizations by providing access to the next generation's workforce, customizing professional development packages for employees, providing subject matter experts in a variety of areas of study, and by assisting organizations in meeting their unique needs by making available the University's many resources.

Pfizer: Supporting Science Programs at the Becton College of Arts and Sciences

Pfizer generously provides funding for FDU's Becton College of Arts and Sciences, home to the University's life science disciplines, such as biology and chemistry. Pfizer's on-going financial support has made possible the implementation of an undergraduate student summer research program, where students engage directly with a faculty mentor to complete research in marine biology and microbiology. Under this initiative, Pfizer provides funds for student research stipends along with the purchase of the supplies needed to conduct the research. In addition, the funding from Pfizer has allowed the College to develop a new Science Scholars Program, which will begin in the fall of 2004.

Johnson & Johnson: Supporting Healthcare Studies at FDU

J&J is a long standing supporter of the Minority Doctoral Fellowships in Clinical Psychology and the Executive MBA in Health Systems Management.

Johnson & Johnson Scholars Syreeta Washington, left; Anna Rivera, second from right; and Mario Ponce, right, are pictured with Neil Massoth, professor of psychology.

FDU's doctoral program in clinical psychology prepares skilled psychologists who are capable of appreciating and conducting sound research, and is one of only two programs offered in NJ. The difficulty of attracting academically strong minority candidates into doctoral programs is recognized nationally. The problems generally stem from a lack of role models in the doctoral professions, and the high costs associated with a graduate education. The J&J Fellowship Program has made it possible for students who may not otherwise be able to cover the costs of a graduate education, to attend and complete their studies at FDU. The fellowships are especially effective in keeping clinical psychology students in the NJ region, and their ability and decision to study at FDU increases the availability of mental health service professionals who are sensitive to multicultural factors in treatment.

The Executive MBA program in Health Systems Management is an AACSB-accredited curriculum designed exclusively for clinicians, healthcare managers and administrators. Each student makes a commitment to participate fully in classroom instruction, teamwork and discussion. In addition to the course schedule, the program includes an international seminar on comparative health issues, guest speakers, seminars, and workshops relevant to the development of each student leader's potential. The program is designed to prepare managers and clinicians for executive leadership positions in a highly dynamic and competitive healthcare marketplace. The program's focus on health systems creates a perspective that goes beyond the student's specific healthcare experience to a broader understanding of the forces and relationships that define the business of healthcare now, and in the future.