February 2026

Vol. X Issue 5

Dean's Message

At the Rohrer College of Business, progress begins with connection. It takes shape when a global company like Campbell’s engages hundreds of our students, introducing them not only to products but to people, mentorship, and meaningful career pathways.

Connection is also present when students collaborate with nonprofit partners through project-based work, applying their knowledge in service to real community needs. It is reflected in faculty who share their expertise beyond campus, extending the College’s reach. And it endures through alumni who remain actively engaged, pairing professional achievement with a continued commitment to service.

In this issue, each story illustrates how connecting brings the Rohrer College of Business mission to life.

Warm regards,

Matt Sarkees, Ph.D.

Dean, Rohrer College of Business

The Prof and Cody Nichols, Early Career Talent Partner at Campbell’s, share a moment of fun during Campbell’s four-hour campus takeover, where food, brand culture, and career conversations came together inside Business Hall.

Campbell's "takeover" of Business Hall builds connections and career paths

Campbell’s brought its brand, its people, its culture and its food to Rowan University Feb. 10, turning Business Hall into a hub of products, conversation and career exploration. The four-hour “takeover” featured offerings of everything from Pace salsa and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish to V8 Energy drinks and the company’s iconic soups – an event that was, fittingly, “M'm! M'm! Good!”

But the showcase went far beyond sampling snacks. Some 40 or so representatives from Camden-based Campbell’s engaged with nearly 500 Rowan students, offering guidance on internships, full-time opportunities, and the diverse business functions behind one of the world’s most iconic food companies.

Chief Communications Officer Anthony Sanzio said, from a business standpoint, strengthening the company’s relationship with Rowan is a logical and valuable step forward.

“With Rowan, we have such a great university and resource right in our own backyard,” he said.



Rowan graduates already contribute across the organization – in supply chain, marketing, finance, engineering, communications, and more. As Campbell’s continues to grow, Sanzio said it is eager to draw even more Rowan talent to its 13,000-plus global workforce.

“Rowan offers so much of what we’re looking for,” he added.

Marketing & Business Administration alumna Cayleigh McCusker '18 named Thirty under 30 by NKBA

When RCB alumna Cayleigh McCusker ’18 returned to New Jersey in 2022 after living in Hawaii and attending graduate school remotely, she was still exploring what her next professional chapter might look like. A chance introduction led her to Euro Line Designe (ELD) founder Sandy Aromando, who took a chance on Cayleigh despite her limited industry experience a decision that would quickly prove impactful.

In just three and a half years, Cayleigh has advanced from Design Assistant to Senior Designer, now managing her own clients and projects. She credits her success to a balance of technical expertise and relationship-building, noting that while she spends much of her time designing in CAD, her favorite part of the role is working directly with clients to help bring their stories to life through design.

While working full time, Cayleigh earned her master’s degree in Interior Architecture & Design in spring 2023 and also took on ELD’s social media and marketing efforts, supporting the launch of the company’s new website in summer 2025. Her leadership potential was further recognized when she was selected to attend the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Women 2 Women leadership conference and then received the honor of being named on of the Class of 2026 Thirty under 30.

An active member of the South Jersey design community, Cayleigh is involved with Partners in Design & Construction, which supports local organizations including The ARC of Atlantic County. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, renovating the 1950s cape-style home she shares with her fiancé, Kevin, and planning their June 2026 wedding.

Cayleigh’s journey, from RCB graduate to senior designer and emerging industry leader, reflects the adaptability, initiative, and people-focused approach that define Rohrer College of Business alumni.

The Rohrer College of Business has been ranked #2 in New Jersey and Top 100 nationally for Online Business Bachelor’s programs—recognizing our commitment to flexible, high-quality business education.

-Based on national rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

Professor Watson (left to right), Tony Sadowski, Executive Director of Camp Cranium, and Michael Ranieri, Camp Cranium board member, display the winning student proposal to expand the organization’s volunteer pipeline.

Beyond the Classroom: RCB Students take on a real client with real stakes

At the Rohrer College of Business, the gap between the classroom and the boardroom is often bridged through hands-on, real-world experience. This semester, that bridge led students in the Management of Advertising & Promotion (MAP) course to Camp Cranium, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and young adults who have survived Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).

As part of a rigorous Project-Based Learning (PBL) challenge, students worked in cross-functional teams as consultants, developing practical business solutions to support Camp Cranium’s mission. Rather than relying on hypothetical case studies, teams analyzed the organization’s needs, identified growth opportunities, and presented actionable strategies, evaluated not only by faculty, but by Camp Cranium leaders Tony Sadowski and Mike Ranieri.

The central challenge focused on expanding Camp Cranium’s volunteer pipeline, a critical component of sustaining its programs. Students were tasked with moving beyond awareness to create scalable, professional recruitment strategies.

One team emerged as the winner with a comprehensive, multi-channel approach. The group, which included Sarah Caccese, Ryan Robertson, Miles Varner, Anna Muhihu, MacK Reilly, Nicholas Denzer, and William Thompson, developed a four-pillar strategy that combined social media consulting, high school outreach through Best Buddies programs, Customer Relations Management optimization using CampWise, and collegiate recruiting via Handshake. Together, these initiatives provided Camp Cranium with tools to expand, manage, and retain its volunteer base long term.

Selected for both creativity and feasibility, the winning proposal exemplified the MAP course’s emphasis on learning by doing. The collaboration highlights the Rohrer College of Business’s commitment to experiential education and showcases students’ ability to deliver professional-grade consulting that makes a meaningful impact on the community.

Dr. Fleming, a faculty member in the RCB, recently authored an article for AACSB highlighting an innovative classroom practice called “technology timeouts,” designed to help students build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and strengthen the leadership skills employers value most. The article explains how these scheduled tech-free sessions are integrated into the Business Policy capstone course, encouraging students to rely on their own knowledge, experience, and teamwork rather than immediately turning to AI tools.

Through individual reflection, small-group discussion, and classwide dialogue, students learn that they form more effective, cohesive teams when they engage with one another first. Dr. Fleming frames the technology timeouts as professional development opportunities focused on essential competencies such as communication, problem-solving, motivating others, and leading through change. His work reinforces a timely message: while AI can be a powerful support tool, true leadership and professional success begin with independent thinking, collaboration, and the confidence to “do the work” oneself.

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