Joy Gallagher

Hometown: Nanuet, NY
College Major: English with Adolescence Education 7-12 – Graduation 2012; Masters in Public Administration – Graduation 2020

Joy serves all transfer and graduate students. If you want to know anything about St. Thomas Aquinas College, ask Joy Gallagher. Not only did she earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at STAC, she has also worked at her alma mater since 2014. Her many contributions as a staff member include serving as director of academic support and as associate director of academic services. Recently she returned to the admissions team, where her STAC career began.

Joy has supervised staff teams and mentored and advised undergraduate students. She has served as a special advisor to students in the Higher Education Opportunity Program, taught seminars, and created student-centered programs to guide students along on their college journeys. Today, she interviews prospective transfer and graduate students, helps them navigate the entire admissions process and make smooth transitions into college life at STAC. In short, she provides one-on-one support, start to finish.

When she was a STAC student, Joy was a member of Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society and played on the Women’s Softball Team for four years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and adolescent education and in 2020, she was awarded a master’s in public administration.

Joy says that when she was first choosing a college, the most important considerations were small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty. She found both at STAC and more, including a wide circle of friends. “I enjoyed the sense of community at STAC through academics and athletics,” she says.

About her return to the admissions office in 2022, Joy says that she most enjoys meeting with future students and sharing her passion for her alma mater. “I have had such a positive experience at STAC and I love to offer the same opportunity of higher education in a friendly, welcoming place. The most rewarding part of my job is watching students graduate and reach the finish line!”

In her free time, Joy spends time with her family, and enjoys watching her two children play sports. She is an avid car enthusiast and self-proclaimed “foodie” who showcases local restaurants on Instagram.