County College of Morris’ Dr. Maria Isaza named recipient of 2025 Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network award
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Dr. Maria Isaza, dean of the School of Health Professions and Natural Sciences at County College of Morris, has been awarded the “Excellence in Community Engagement Award” by the Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network.
The national honor, which recognizes a Sloan Scholar alum who demonstrates outstanding commitment to public service and community impact, highlights Dr. Isaza’s decades-long dedication to education, leadership, and outreach in Morris County.
“Receiving this honor is deeply humbling,” said Isaza. “As an immigrant and a first-generation college student, my journey has not always been easy. But I’ve been fortunate to have the support of mentors, colleagues and community members who believed in me. I carry that spirit forward in everything I do — in the classroom, in leadership and in service.”
Born in Colombia, Isaza immigrated to the United States at age 21 and began her academic career at CCM. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Saint Elizabeth and a Ph.D. in biomedical science from Rutgers University, where she was a Sloan Scholar.
Isaza began her career at CCM as an adjunct faculty member and steadily advanced through academic ranks to become chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry before her appointment as dean in 2021.
In addition to her leadership on campus, Isaza has served her community in multiple roles. A longtime resident of Dover, she has been a board member of the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs since 2015 and board chair since 2020, expanding the organization’s services to reach more than 20,000 individuals annually.
She also serves on the Advocacy Committee of Employment Horizons and the Morris Area Paratransit System Citizens Advisory Committee.
Isaza’s work has earned her numerous accolades in recent years, including the SHINE Award from Child & Family Resources and the Impact Award from the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2024. She was named the 2025 Honoree of the Hispanic Resource and Information Center of the Newark Public Library.
“Dr. Isaza embodies the mission of CCM in transforming lives through education and strengthening communities,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of the college. “Her story is one of perseverance and purpose… She is a highly regarded scholar, a leader, a role model and a true force for good in our community.”
The Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network supports scholars from underrepresented backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
