What Great Minds Can Do: Devon Mancini  

Devon Mancini, M.A. '21 came to Seton Hall looking to advance her career in the museum field, and she is doing just that. Advancing from her role as a graduate assistant and student in the M.A. in Museum Professions program, Mancini graduated and earned a role as a museum educator at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. She has also had the opportunity to present at the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Meeting with museum colleagues. 

Mancini connects her passion in her role in the museum field to her passion for early childhood education. While studying at the University, Mancini's first museum role was at Montclair History Center, where she led tours for children and curated an exhibit for the Montclair Library. 

A former student of history, Russian Interdisciplinary Studies, and International Studies, Mancini came to Seton Hall to expand her career in museum professions. Commenting on her success since attending Seton Hall, Mancini states, "Seton Hall provided me with a well-rounded education in many aspects of museum work which I am now using every day. I'm also learning new skills from my experience at the Please Touch Museum."

This October, Mancini presented at the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Meeting with several Seton Hall students and alumni. Moderated by Professor Gregory Stevens, program director of the M.A. in Museum Professions program, the MAAM conference provided several alumni with the opportunity to present to fellow museum professionals.

The theme of Mancini's presentation focused on the question of "How Do We Center People in Museums?" Mancini noted that being involved with the conference helped her realize that she officially became a museum professional as she presented as a colleague, rather than as a student. 

Her presentation "Propaganda or Persuasion: A Multisite Case Study Analysis of the Impact of Museum Communications on American Public Trust" can be read at Seton Hall University Libraries.

Mancini credits her success to her experiences as both a student and graduate assistant at Seton Hall. Commenting on her career after graduate school, Mancini noted, "In graduate school, you learn a lot of theory and practice, but to see it come to life is so much more rewarding!" The best things Mancini learned came from her overall experience at the University with her professors, advisor, and fellow colleagues in the Museum Professions program.

This profile was written by Laila Melhem, a Graduate Assistant within the College of Human Development Culture and Media, Graduate Studies.