Our Team
Dedicated professionals and student leaders who bring every event to life — with precision, pride, and purpose.
The Events & Conference Services team is a group of professionals committed to creating exceptional experiences across Rutgers University–Newark.
Together, our staff oversee thousands of events each year, supporting clients, partners, and students with the same goal: Exceptional Service, in an Exceptional Way.
Director Ben McCardell has been with Rutgers University–Newark since 2016. Under his leadership, Events & Conference Services was created as a brand new department set to manage events at the Paul Robeson Campus Center, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall, Express Newark, and the wider RUN campus.
With almost 15 years of student support and over 20 years of event planning, Talisha brings care for our students, creativity for events and concern for the RU-N community. This profession merges all the aspects of the areas that are dear to her: helping people, creating/making space for others and cultivating spaces into places of learning, growth and laughter.
Andrew joined ECS in 2022, bringing with him a rich background in theater and facility management. He enjoys collaborating with students and finds great satisfaction in working together to reach shared goals.
Camille Pride is the Assistant Manager of Events and Conference Services at Rutgers University Newark, where she oversees the planning and execution of thousands of student-led and external events throughout the academic year. She supports students and clients in delivering seamless, welcoming experiences across multiple venues on the RUN campus. Camille is passionate about creating well-organized, meaningful events that bring people together.
Joyce Beighley has been with Rutgers since August of 2024. Joyce joined the team with a hospitality background coming from the Hotel and Restaurant industries. Spring of 2025 Joyce took on the running of the PRCC game room and works with and oversees the student staff.
Monica Coleman joined Rutgers University in 2016, bringing over 20 years of experience and a deep passion for supporting student success. In her role with Events & Conference Services, she plays a key role in setting event goals, bringing client visions to life, building lasting relationships, and demonstrating a strong commitment to ECS and the greater Newark community.
Student Roles
Student employees play an essential role in the success of ECS.
From event setup and logistics to client support and leadership development, our student team members gain hands-on experience that extends far beyond the classroom.
Learn more about our student roles below — and how to join our team during the next recruitment cycle.
Operations Managers serve as the primary student leadership tier within Events & Conference Services, overseeing facility maintenance, equipment inventory, and the supervision of the Operations Crew and Technicians. This role ensures professional standards are maintained across all managed venues at Rutgers University–Newark.
The 'engine room' of campus events, the Operations Crew is responsible for the physical setup, breakdown, and technical support of meetings and programs across ECS managed spaces. This active, hands-on role is perfect for students interested in event production and facility logistics.
As the face of the PRCC’s premier recreation space, R-Zone Crew members manage guest relations, gaming equipment inventory, and daily game room operations. This role is ideal for students who excel in customer service and want to maintain a welcoming environment for the RU–N community.
Operations Specialists provide vital administrative support and guest services for the RU–N community, utilizing the Event Management System (EMS) and staffing key service points like the PRCC Information Desk. This role is ideal for students looking to develop professional skills in office coordination and facility operations.
The Graduate Coordinator serves as a senior leader within ECS, providing high-level oversight for both administrative event planning and physical facility operations. This role includes supervising diverse student teams, managing shift schedules in UKG, and leading event logistics for a major urban campus.
