Seton Hall University Office of Admissions

What Great Minds Can Do: Conor Murtagh  

Conor Murtagh

English, Secondary Education majors; Creative Writing, Writing minors

Long Valley, New Jersey

Conor Murtagh

"Every time I went to a school to do a teaching practicum," Conor says, "I met so many people — principals, superintendents and teachers — who all thought highly of Seton Hall because of its great reputation. All of them wanted to hire Seton Hall graduates."

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Conor Murtagh pursued his dream of becoming a teacher. He began his journey at a local community college, then transferred to Seton Hall.

"It was great that, even though I transferred in, I was still able to do four field placements before my student-teaching assignment in my senior year. I was exposed to so many different school settings and learning styles — it gave me confidence and made me feel very prepared to enter the teaching profession."

Seton Hall is well known for providing extensive, hands-on teaching experiences in a variety of school settings, making sure students are thoroughly prepared to manage a classroom when they graduate. This sets Seton Hall apart.

"Every time I went to a school to do a teaching practicum," Conor says, "I met so many people — principals, superintendents and teachers — who all thought highly of Seton Hall because of its great reputation. All of them wanted to hire Seton Hall graduates."

Conor appreciated the challenge, support and feedback he received from his professors at Seton Hall. "The faculty are always willing to help. They nurture you, but they don't baby you. They push you to do your best and give you the tools to succeed. This kind of interaction has motivated me and pushed me to do my best. It has also given me great role models for becoming a teacher."

After graduation, Conor will head to Malaysia for a year on a Fulbright grant to teach English. "I never dreamed I would have this opportunity, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support and help I got from Seton Hall. The faculty worked with me through every step of the application process. I am so excited to visit a new part of the world and experience such a different culture."

Seton Hall Career Highlights

  • Fulbright scholar
  • Classroom field placements, Columbia High School, South Orange Middle School, West Morris Central High School and West Morris Mendham High School
  • Student teaching, West Morris Mendham High School
  • Vice president, Student Veterans' Association
  • Organizer, Operation Chillout clothing drive for homeless veterans
  • Volunteer, Don Bosco Youth Center