To the Campus Community:
Recent media reports suggest that regional political and community leaders increasingly understand the need to preserve Rutgers–Camden as a critical resource for the citizens of southern New Jersey and, indeed, our entire state.
In a news article that appeared in the Courier-Post on Saturday, April 28, Cooper University Hospital Board Chair George E. Norcross III offered insight into a new concept for strengthening Rutgers–Camden and all of higher education in southern New Jersey.
I encourage you to view the video of the interview at http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20120428/NEWS01/304280033. The news article, which was carried by the Gannett New Jersey media group (of which the Courier-Post is a member), is available at http://www.app.com/article/20120428/NJNEWS10/304280017/Norcross-RU-merger-deal-due-by-July-1.
There is emerging consensus among regional leaders that Rutgers–Camden must remain in southern New Jersey. Moreover, the concepts put forward in the above links acknowledge, and address, the critical need for the resources that will allow Rutgers–Camden to grow as an academic and research institution that will help to power southern New Jersey’s economy.
The creative input of many of our stakeholders has contributed to this new vision of Rutgers–Camden as a campus with greater administrative autonomy while maintaining our vital connections to Rutgers University in such core areas as faculty hiring and promotion; standards for conferring a Rutgers degree upon our students; ongoing support for research; and much more.
This innovative rethinking of Rutgers–Camden’s role within both South Jersey and the entire University is evolving. We will continue to work with regional, state, and University leadership to refine ideas that will allow Rutgers–Camden to thrive. We also will identify and promote opportunities for Rutgers–Camden to partner with Rowan and other institutions in areas where our individual strengths are complementary and, when combined, poised to yield exceptional benefits.
It remains clear that the status quo for higher education in southern New Jersey must change. The voices of our faculty, alumni, students, staff, families, and friends have signaled that Rutgers–Camden must continue to be an important element of that evolution.
I look forward to working with you as we continue this positive momentum and constructive dialogue. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of Rutgers–Camden and our region.
Wendell E. Pritchett, J.D., Ph.D
Chancellor
