Rate My Professor Marilyn Kralik

Professor Marilyn Kralik is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of History at Kean University, contributing her expertise in historical and cultural studies to students across its campuses, including the Ocean County location in partnership with Ocean County College. She holds a B.A. from Marywood University and earned both her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, with her doctoral dissertation titled Buying Barnegat Bay: The Pine Barrens and the Rise of Ocean County, New Jersey, which examines local historical development in the Pine Barrens region. At Ocean County College, Dr. Kralik serves as Professor of Humanities and Fine Arts, specifically recognized as professor of art history, aligning with the Arts and Culture faculty domain. Her teaching encompasses art history, Renaissance studies, Islamic art and architecture, and historical surveys of Islam, fostering deep engagement with cultural heritage and preservation.

Dr. Kralik's career reflects significant commitment to academic service and community impact within arts and culture. She has been a GAHTC grant-funded member of the Historic Preservation team, advancing access to cultural heritage materials. She served on the advisory board of the John F. Peto Museum, highlighting her influence in local art history, and was a member of the Island Heights Environmental Commission and Cultural and Heritage Commission. Her contributions extend to educational outreach through the Displaced Homemakers program, EOF Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society, Safe Space LGBTQ program, Helping Hands initiative, and the 100 Women Project at Ocean County College. In October 2024, Dr. Kralik was one of twelve panelists selected for the inaugural national gathering of community college humanities faculty dedicated to supporting the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing communities. She has organized related events and continues advocacy in this area. Additionally, as Co-Chair of the Ocean County College Foundation Art Committee, she facilitates donations and supports artistic endeavors. Scholarships bearing her name, such as the Marilyn Kralik Named Honorarium Scholarship and awards for biliteracy and cultural advocacy, underscore her lasting impact on students pursuing arts and cultural studies. Dr. Kralik participated in the 2015 institute 'The Alhambra and Spain's Islamic Past' and collaborated with Michael May on the script for an architectural multimedia slide program showcasing Ocean County's historic sites. Earlier, she presented at the 2007 Technology Showcase at Montgomery County Community College.