Onward and Upward: Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Reports on Recent Successes and Future Vision at Board of Governors Meeting  

The Rutgers University Board of Governors convened on the Rutgers University–Camden campus earlier today as Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis presented a report on the recent successes of the university. Prior to Chancellor Tillis’ address, Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway commended Rutgers–Camden for jumping 21 spots in U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 rankings of national universities.

Chancellor Tillis greeted faculty and staff, thanking the Board of Governors for the opportunity to share updates. “Rutgers–Camden is the face of Rutgers in South Jersey,” Chancellor Tillis said. “It Is abundantly clear that this campus is a powerhouse that elevates the Rutgers brand throughout the Delaware Valley and on a global scale.”

Chancellor Tillis remarked on new traditions, particularly the university’s Inaugural Fall Convocation. “It was an amazing day with inspiring students raising the roof with their performance and energy,” Chancellor Tillis said. “We launched Rites of Passage for minority students, and formally recognized staff for milestone years of service. New traditions will make our campus even stronger.”

Highlighting numerous reasons why faculty, staff, and students are drawn to Rutgers–Camden, Chancellor Tillis praised the strength of the university’s faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and civic engagement. He noted that Washington Monthly ranked the university #20 nationally in social mobility.

“Helping our students succeed is at the very heart of why we are here,” Chancellor Tillis said.

Summer Mayoral Internship Program participants received special recognition from Chancellor Tillis for their commitment to experiential learning. “I am proud to introduce as part of our ‘15 in 5’ Program, which I announced early in the spring,” Chancellor Tillis said. “Just a few weeks ago we had lunch with the students and learned how the internship strengthened their career prospects.”

Chancellor Tillis remarked that one of Rutgers–Camden greatest strengths is the opportunities it provides to students to work closely with world-class researchers and scholars.

“Rutgers–Camden faculty produce high-level research acknowledged nationally and internationally,” Chancellor Tillis said. “So far this fiscal year, we have received four highly competitive NSF grants totaling more than $2 million.”

He further stated how designated funds will allow the university to strengthen opportunities for students and the community.

“This fall we welcomed 18 exceptional scholars and educators to the Rutgers–Camden faculty,” Chancellor Tillis said. “We are enhancing our international profile and making stronger global connections. Scholars in Paraguay have already been engaging and have signed an agreement where students will come to study with us and our faculty will continue their research there.”  

Doctoral programs at Rutgers–Camden were praised by Chancellor Tillis for growing stronger every year, and Jude Misko of the Class of 2022 received a special mention for winning the NCAA Division III national title in hammer throw.

Chancellor Tillis outlined a few goals for 2023. “We are in the thick of a national search for a new provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs to lead our academic enterprise,” Chancellor Tillis said. “I am excited for the opportunity to attract an academic leader to Rutgers–Camden to help us advance our Carnegie R-2 research university status, attract more grant funding to Rutgers, and enhance our global reputation for innovation. Rutgers is also searching for a dean to lead Rutgers Law at both locations— here in Camden and in Newark. This fall, Rutgers–Camden is launching a formalized strategic planning process that will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of our campus in 2026. We are stronger together as we continue to develop and realize our common goals to achieve a shared vision of excellence. We’ve done a lot as we head into this academic year, and we’re going to achieve even more here at Rutgers–Camden. Onward and upward!”