Gov. Phil Murphy announced his nomination of Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Ed.D., as the next commissioner of education on Oct. 20 in South Orange.
“From day one, I pledged to select a commissioner of education with experience in public education,” Murphy said. “We fulfilled that promise through the nomination of Dr. Repollet and maintain that promise today. A product of New Jersey’s public schools, Angelica has worked at all levels of education and knows exactly what our teachers and students need to succeed.”
Since 2018, Allen-McMillan had served as interim executive county superintendent for Morris County, where she supported and oversaw school districts in the county.
For over 25 years, Allen-McMillan has worked as a teacher and administrator in various school communities throughout New Jersey. From 2017 to 2018, she served as assistant superintendent for secondary education for Newark Public Schools. Prior to holding that position, she served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Irvington School District.
She also served as a middle school life and physical science teacher in the East Orange School District, the executive director of the Marion P. Thomas Charter School in Newark, assistant principal of Clinton Elementary School in Maplewood, and principal of the Marshall School in South Orange.
Allen-McMillan replaced Interim Commissioner Kevin Dehmer, who has held the position since the appointment of former Commissioner Dr. Lamont Repollet as the president of Kean University in July 2020. She will serve as acting commissioner until she is confirmed by the state Senate.
“I am a proud product of New Jersey’s magnificent public education system, and I have dedicated my career to ensuring that the children of this state continue to get the type of education I received,” said Allen-McMillan. “I am extremely proud the governor has put his faith in me to continue New Jersey’s tradition of educational excellence.”
Allen-McMillan is a graduate of Cornell University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in industrial and labor relations. In addition, she received a master’s and a doctorate in education, leadership, management, and policy from Seton Hall University.
“We look forward to working closely with Dr. Allen-McMillan in her new role,” said NJEAs officers, President Marie Blistan, Vice President Sean M. Spiller and Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beatty. “Strong leadership is more important than ever as New Jersey’s public schools continue to navigate this challenging school year. We are committed to working with the new commissioner to ensure that our students are safe, healthy and learning and we look forward to bringing the voices of working educators to the table to ensure that happens.”