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UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School Administrator
Named Treasurer of Northeast Group on Student Affairs

NEWARK – Mercedes Rivero, Director of Admissions at UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, has been elected treasurer to the Executive Committee of the Northeast Group on Student Affairs of the Association of American Medical Colleges. NEGSA represents the interests of medical schools and medical students within the northeast region in the areas of admissions, student affairs, preparation for graduate medical education, student records, financial aid, and diversity and inclusion.

Along with her extensive experience in higher education, Rivero recently completed a three-year term as the Northeast Representative to the AAMC National Committee on Admissions, and in 2010 was selected as an AAMC Holistic Review workshop facilitator. One of four candidates considered for the NEGSA position, the West Orange resident has begun her two-year term as treasurer. Rivero’s election win puts her in line to become the chair of NEGSA. After completing her stint as treasurer, she will serve as the group’s secretary before taking over the position of vice chair. Afterward, she will assume the role of NEGSA’s chair in 2017. Each position carries a term of two years.

“Mercedes’ achievement is quite impressive and laudable,” said Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP, The Sharon and Joseph L. Muscarelle Endowed Dean at NJMS. “NJMS is a place where leaders are cultivated and Mercedes’ election to this lofty role is proof of that.”

Rivero’s election to this post reflects the recent accomplishments of two other members of the NJMS community. Dr. Peter W. Carmel, a pediatric neurosurgeon who served as professor and chair of the Neurological Surgery Department at NJMS, assumed the post of American Medical Association president in June after spending a year as its president-elect. And last month, fourth year NJMS student LeAnne Roberts was named chair-elect of the American Medical Association – Medical Student Section.

Committed to addressing issues impacting student services, institutional planning, support systems, development, retention as well as several other educational initiatives, Rivero says she will represent the northeast region in a thoughtful and inclusive manner. “My paramount goal is to work collaboratively to enhance the success of each of our institutions.” Rivero added, “I am most appreciative and feel quite fortunate to have the full support, leadership and encouragement of Dr. Maria Soto-Greene, Vice Dean at NJMS and Dr. George Heinrich, Associate Dean for Admissions at NJMS.”