To the Campus Community:

During recent weeks, the ongoing public debate about the proposal within the final report of the UMDNJ Advisory Committee has yielded numerous promising signs that the leaders of our state and our region increasingly realize the need to preserve Rutgers' presence in Camden.

On Sunday, April 15, Senator Donald Norcross (D-5) issued one of the clearest examples of that growing support in his opinion article that appeared in the Gloucester County Times.  Titled “Give Rutgers–Camden, Rowan tools to thrive individually,” the piece highlights Sen. Norcross’ perspective that Rutgers–Camden and Rowan both require support, and that both institutions are necessary for the success of our region.

I encourage you to read the opinion article at http://www.nj.com/gloucester/voices/index.ssf/2012/04/give_rutgers-camden_rowan_tool.html.

Increasingly, regional and statewide leaders are expressing appropriate concerns about the costs, feasibility, and benefits of the proposal to merger Rutgers–Camden into Rowan.  While the status quo for higher education in southern New Jersey must change, the goals that we share with our political and community leaders can be achieved in a quicker and more cost-effective manner that does not deprive South Jersey families of the opportunity to earn a Rutgers degree without the added expense and disruption of relocating to another part of the state.   There are sound proposals that will advance both Rutgers–Camden and Rowan while better serving the citizens of New Jersey, and I will continue to press those alternatives.

The passion of our faculty, alumni, students, staff, families, and friends during the past months has fueled our efforts, and I thank you for your continuing diligence and focus.  Together, we will continue to work with our colleagues throughout the Rutgers system and southern New Jersey’s legislative and community leadership to develop a resolution that will advance our shared goal of increased resources while building upon the excellence and history of Rutgers–Camden.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of Rutgers–Camden and our region.

Wendell E. Pritchett, J.D., Ph.D

Chancellor