Galloway, N.J. – Following her many contributions to Stockton University, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the Stockton Foundation posthumously honored Juanita High in a tree planting ceremony at the Galloway campus on Wednesday, April 30.

A lifelong resident of Atlantic City and longtime English teacher at Atlantic City High School, High also served as Stockton’s first Director of Affirmative Action, and as special assistant and executive assistant to former President Vera King Farris.

In addition, High was a consultant for Stockton’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, an active member of the university’s Foundation Board of Directors and the Council of Black Faculty & Staff and coordinator for a program designed to eliminate prejudice, racism and violence on campus. The 93-year-old died in January 2024.

“Through her leadership and her work with countless organizations, she has truly touched every corner of this campus, and she has helped to shape Stockton's values of inclusion, opportunity and equity,” said Dan Nugent, executive director of the University Foundation. “This tree is a tribute to the roots that Dr. High established here and the countless lives she touched, and just like her work, it will continue to grow, flourish and inspire generations to come.” 

Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center Dianne Stalling and Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn were emotional during the ceremony as colleagues and friends talked about their late friend’s enduring legacy.

When Stalling took the podium, she described a powerful mentor and caring woman who left an “indelible” mark on Stockton and the local community. 

“You opened the door for many and served as a beacon of hope and excellence for those who followed and came after you by taking them under your wings. You saved many with your kind and wise words,” Stalling said. “Dr. Juanita J. High, you touched the hearts of all who had the opportunity to walk alongside you through this journey of academic achievements and your beautiful, down-to-earth life.”

In her remarks, Vaughn recounted the many times she leaned on High as a guiding light and friend, which included introducing her to St. James AME Church as a new professor at Stockton, driving with her to Ohio for both of her parents’ funerals and even renting a room to her for a short time.

Referencing a Bible verse, Vaughn hoped High’s legacy will serve as inspiration for the next generation.

“We can go on and on and on about the things she did, but I want to leave this with you: When it's your turn to have a tree, will they say of you, too, ‘That soror (sister) did not live in vain. She helped somebody, somehow, along the way.’”

High’s commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was displayed throughout the ceremony, as demonstrated by the sea of pink and green that lined the Galloway campus’ College Walk.

In 1966, High and a group of 19 women who pledged the sorority during their collegiate careers decided to organize themselves into the second chartered Alpha Kappa Alpha graduate chapter in New Jersey.

Once they formed the Atlantic City Theta Kappa Omega chapter, High and her sisters devoted themselves to sisterhood, scholarship and service, hosting various programs and initiatives in the city. High served in numerous capacities at both the chapter and regional levels and earned the distinction of “Diamond Soror” for her 75 years of service.

“Her mentorship didn't just shape my path, but it reminded me of the lifelong strength and connection that we shared as sisters,” said Stacey Zacharoff, the president of the Theta Kappa Omega chapter. “From the beginning, Dr. High embraced me, and she showed us a fine example of what an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman is.” 

Stockton Executive Vice President Terricita Sass described how the Theta Kappa Omega chapter reached out to her only 30 minutes after she announced she was joining Stockton’s senior leadership team two years ago. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the chapter immediately embraced her and offered her advice and assistance with her move from Virginia to New Jersey. 

“That is the spirit of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and that is the spirit in which Dr. High handled her business at Stockton: ‘What is the need, and how can I fulfill the need on the campus or in the community?’ I stand on the shoulders of many giants, including Vera King Farris and Juanita J. High,” Sass said.

“To those of you who are still learning and growing, this is so much more than just a tree for the sake of planting a tree,” Sass continued. “It is about how we plant seeds in you, so that you remember the charge of why you are here: To give back.”

– Story by Loukaia Taylor

– Photos by Susan Allen