William J. Mulkeen, J.D.

After successful careers as a senior manager at a large bank, general counsel for a college and an attorney in private practice, teaching always beckoned.

Eventually, he would leave private practice altogether for a career in higher education. Mulkeen, a mentor at Thomas Edison State College since 1992, said teaching adult students is immensely gratifying.

“Thomas Edison State College students are serious, mature and very dedicated,” he said. “They’re very grateful for the opportunity to finish their degrees.”

Mulkeen has a unique perspective and connection to adult learners. He earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, N.J., while working full time as a senior manager at Chemical Bank in New York.

He got his first taste of teaching when he was asked to cover for a business law professor at Union County College in Cranford, N.J., where Mulkeen was general counsel. He also
served for seven years as director of program and curriculum development, and transfer and articulation at Essex County College in Newark, N.J. 

Mulkeen brings abundant legal and educational experience to Thomas Edison State College, where he serves as chairman of the Academic Council and program director of the new online Paralegal Certificate program, which he developed.