“Knowledge Isn’t a Luxury, but a Lifeline”: Professor Honors Grandmother’s Legacy Through Education

As an assistant professor of human resources and organizational behavior at the Rutgers School of Business–Camden (RSBC), Jose Beltran strives to inspire his students just as his family and mentors inspired him throughout his own education.

“I know firsthand the self-doubt I faced during my educational journey,” Beltran said. “Support and guidance from mentors are critical to pushing through and achieving your goals. To students dreaming of a degree but feeling overwhelmed or doubting it’s possible: Reach out and seek mentorship.”

Beltran joined Rutgers–Camden in 2023 after earning his doctorate in business administration and management from Iowa State University. His research focuses on strategic leadership, the impact of generative AI, meta-analytical methods, and big data applications in management. He was recently named one of Front Runner New Jersey’s 2025 “30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey.”

Beltran traces his academic drive back to his grandmother, Antonia, whose steadfast belief in education shaped his life. Though she never had the opportunity to attend school, her conviction that learning was the key to a better life left a lasting mark.

“Her life was a testament to sacrifice—endless days as a cook, maid, seamstress, and field worker, toiling to give her family the stability she never knew,” Beltran said. “I wanted to make her proud.”

After earning two undergraduate degrees and an MBA from New Mexico State University, Beltran came across a flyer for a conference hosted by The PhD Project, a nonprofit that supports underrepresented individuals pursuing business doctoral degrees. Although he had never considered academia as a career path, attending that conference sparked something profound within him: For the first time, he considered a possible career in higher education.

“Life, of course, has a way of testing your dreams,” Beltran said. “My abuelita was diagnosed with a debilitating illness, and I set aside my ambitions to help care for her during her final years. During that time, I held several professional roles that sharpened my skills and broadened my perspective—but also made clear what wasn’t for me.”

After his grandmother’s passing, Beltran returned to The PhD Project conference in Chicago, carrying her spirit with him. “Standing there again, amid the buzz of ideas and connections, I recommitted to the path she helped me discover,” he said. “Higher education isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling. It’s how I honor the woman who taught me that knowledge isn’t a luxury, but a lifeline.”

That enduring sense of purpose continues to guide Beltran as he empowers students to believe in themselves, pursue their goals, and connect with mentors who can help them succeed.

In addition to his work at RSBC, Beltran is deeply involved in initiatives that expand access to and representation in higher education. He remains involved with The PhD Project and serves on the board of La Familia Management Scholars, which fosters a strong network of nationally recognized Latino business faculty to mentor Latino business students. He has also spoken at the Escaleras Summit hosted by student groups MujeRes and HombRes at Rutgers–Camden.

“Creating pathways and offering support for underrepresented minorities in higher education is vital, as my own journey illustrates,” said Beltran. “The PhD Project played a pivotal role at every stage of my path to earning a Ph.D.—providing the guidance and encouragement I needed to succeed. My experience underscores how structured programs can bridge gaps by offering mentorship and connections that transform aspirations into achievements.”

Having benefited from strong mentorship himself, Beltran now urges others to seek the same kind of guidance.

“We often hesitate to reach out, not wanting to bother others, but that hesitation can mean missing opportunities,” Beltran said. “Be proactive—embrace initiative. You don’t know what you don’t know, so seek out mentors who can open doors and help you build the skills you need to thrive.”