Creating impact across South Jersey, the Institute’s community-facing research strives to improve quality of life for all.
The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) at Rutgers University–Camden is a longstanding and trusted regional community partner. The Institute is celebrating 25 years of commitment to South Jersey’s residents, communities, schools, and economic growth.
WRI honors the legacy and dedication of Senator Walter Rand, who represented New Jersey’s 5th legislative district from 1982 to 1995. Senator Rand was a proud resident of Camden, New Jersey. He was deeply involved in civic activities, looking to better the lives of Camden City, Camden County, and the South Jersey region’s residents. His legacy Institute produces community-focused research and data evaluation, leading to sound public policy and applied solutions in the region that make fundamental differences for its citizens.
“Our community is fortunate to have WRI as a staunch advocate for evidence-based, equitable solutions to South Jersey’s challenges,” said Rutgers University-Camden Chancellor Antonio. D. Tillis. “The Institute’s researchers prove that academic inquiry need not and should not be confined to the Ivory Tower of academia; WRI research has conferred a direct and visible benefit to our community and the surrounding areas.”
WRI reinforces and amplifies Rutgers–Camden’s research, teaching, and service goals by connecting the multidisciplinary expertise of faculty to regional problems, developing research and professional skills in students, and linking the resources of higher education to communities in and around the university.
Residents seeking more affordable and accessible health care, drivers and commuters seeking better transportation options, families enjoying increased financial stability, and children receiving social-emotional learning (SEL) support in schools are among the thousands of people living and working in the region who have benefited directly from WRI’s impact.
Simply put, WRI is a champion for South Jersey residents and has built its reputation on making data and research actionable.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating 25 years,” said Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong, director of WRI. “Throughout this time, the Walter Rand Institute has been a cornerstone of community engagement at Rutgers–Camden, transforming data into solutions that uplift the City of Camden and South Jersey.”
WRI’s community-forward agenda partners with Rutgers–Camden faculty, community-based organizations, foundations, government, and state agencies, among others, to assess needs and evaluate programs and services. This data is then used to problem solve, implement policy, and improve outcomes when it comes to social service delivery. WRI is focused on bringing community members and leaders together by making robust connections across research, policy, and practice in the region.
Since its inception, WRI’s mission has been multifaceted. For Rutgers–Camden students, WRI serves as a learning laboratory and training ground for honing research skills. In doing so, the Institute builds a pipeline of future practitioners in various fields who understand the value of community-focused research and know how to interpret and write about it for public audiences so that the Institute’s goals, mission, and deeds are clearly understood.
This year, WRI expanded its student offerings by launching the Walter Rand Institute Public Engagement Writing Seminar, a semester-long course designed to introduce students to publicly engaged writing and scholarship. Clear language helps meaningfully disseminate WRI research to various stakeholder groups, such as legislators and community partners.
Reflecting on the last 25 years and looking into the future, the Institute recently released its strategic plan for the next five years detailing a path to continued research excellence and regional impact. The plan outlines key priorities that enhance WRI’s research initiatives, expand its reach across South Jersey, and establish exciting new opportunities for students and faculty to engage in real-world projects that support the region.
“My experience working with the WRI has reinforced my belief in the power of research-driven public service,” said Vice Chancellor of Research at Rutgers–Camden Thomas Risch. “WRI plays a vital role in helping the university achieve its strategic goals by transforming academic expertise into practical solutions that address the most pressing challenges facing Camden City and Southern New Jersey.”
Learn more about the WRI and its 25 years of impact.
