Perth Amboy and New Brunswick Centers Leadership Take on New Heights 

Over the past year, the Middlesex College New Brunswick and Perth Amboy Centers have strengthened a growing portfolio of community initiatives focused on access, engagement, and long-term impact. Through a people-first approach, the Centers continue to meet students and families where they are—across schools, neighborhoods, and community events—while reducing barriers to higher education and building pathways to success. 

These efforts are thanks to the work of new Center leadership: Gillyam Suazo, director of the New Brunswick Center; Robert Munoz, director of the Perth Amboy Center; and Angelo Abreu, dean of Satellite Centers and Community Initiatives. 

“This academic year has brought new energy and momentum to the work happening at our Centers,” said Abreu. “We have continued to invest in innovative programs and partnerships that support students at every stage. It is exciting to see our Centers growing in ways that make opportunities more visible, accessible, and connected to the communities we serve.” 

The Centers participated in more than 50 outreach events across New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Edison, and surrounding areas, connecting with hundreds of prospective students and families. In addition, staff delivered presentations and hosted virtual sessions at local high schools, expanding awareness of admissions, financial aid, ESL programs, and academic opportunities. 

Suazo, who joined Middlesex College in the Fall 2025 semester, oversees day-to-day operations of the New Brunswick Center with a strong focus on growing enrollment, expanding programs, and supporting student success. 

“I wear many hats, but everything I do is rooted in creating opportunities and making a lasting, positive impact on our students and community,” said Suazo. 

She hopes that in this role she can continue to “help make opportunities that are accessible, support that is intentional, and every student to feel seen, valued, and empowered to build a future they are proud of,” Suazo said. 

Munoz, who began his career at Middlesex College working as an assistant for the Business and Computer Science department in 2019, leads with a strong sense of purpose and gratitude recognizing the Center is a vital cornerstone of the greater Perth Amboy region. 

“I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished so far and excited for what lies ahead,” said Munoz. “I look forward to the challenge and opportunity of growing the Perth Amboy Center to the point of expansion into a larger facility, allowing us to provide even more resources and support to both the Middlesex College community and the residents of Perth Amboy.” 

In the Spring 2026 semester, both Centers launched a Student Satisfaction and Needs Assessment Survey, an initiative designed to capture meaningful feedback from students and faculty. These surveys will provide critical insight to enable the Centers to make data-driven decisions in enhancing programs, strengthening services, and improving the educational environment.

As Munoz puts it, both Centers have the primary focus on ERE: Enrollment, Retention, and Environment. Each Center continues to build upon existing outreach programs, community partnerships, and support services to provide students with the tools for success. Some notable collaborations this year resulted in SNAP food assistance for students, free tax preparation services, entrepreneurship education, and financial literacy workshops. The Centers also collaborated with Central New Jersey Medical Center to help expand healthcare access in the community with the introduction of dental clinic vans that serve all three Middlesex College locations. 

These initiatives reflect a comprehensive, community-centered strategy that continues to expand access to education, strengthen partnerships, and support student success across Middlesex County.