Cheickna Sylla, a professor in the NJIT School of Management (SOM) has been selected to receive the "Excellence in Service Award" at NJIT's University Convocation. Convocation at NJIT traditionally honors select faculty and staff members who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence over a sustained period.
For the past two decades, Sylla has demonstrated a sustained record of service to NJIT and the School of Management communities in multiple roles with endless, productive energy. Not only has he made extraordinary contributions in his role as an associate professor in SOM, but he has always shared his talents and expertise.
His involvement in many university committees, including Faculty Council, Sabbatical Committee, Provost and School of Management Dean Search Committees, as well as his contributions on both Middle States and AACSB accreditation teams, has been outstanding. It is commendable that Sylla served simultaneously on the Faculty Council and as chair of the Provost Search Committee. His dedication has been proven often among his peers and co-workers.
Campus-wide, Sylla has earned a reputation for integrity, respect, generosity, and patience. Of significant note is his single-handed effort to save and revitalize the pre-college Financial Literacy Program. The unqualified success of this program and the service he gave to the young urban participants of the program is to be applauded. His leadership style, expertise, and never-ending passion have resulted in his recommendation for this award.
NJIT, New Jersey's science and technology university, enrolls more than 8,900 students pursuing bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in 120 programs. The university consists of six colleges: Newark College of Engineering, College of Architecture and Design, College of Science and Liberal Arts, School of Management, College of Computing Sciences and Albert Dorman Honors College. U.S. News & World Report's 2010 Annual Guide to America's Best Colleges ranked NJIT in the top tier of national research universities. NJIT is internationally recognized for being at the edge in knowledge in architecture, applied mathematics, wireless communications and networking, solar physics, advanced engineered particulate materials, nanotechnology, neural engineering and e-learning. Many courses and certificate programs, as well as graduate degrees, are available online through the Office of Continuing Professional Education.