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Dear RCSJ Community,
The administration and I are pleased to announce to the RCSJ community that the college has received its Statement of Accreditation Status from The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) where our status is "Accreditation Reaffirmed" with the next self-study evaluation set to take place in 2033-34.
The College will use the findings from the self-study and the recommendations of the visiting team to guide its next phase of strategic planning, implementing meaningful improvements that support continued institutional growth and excellence.
Summer at RCSJ means multiple sessions to help students prepare, get ahead, or stay on track to completion, but it is also our season of preparation. Much of the success that transpires in our classrooms and beyond, happens due to the careful planning and innovative thinking of our faculty and staff.
If you haven't had a chance to do so already, please visit our new website, RCSJ.edu, launched June 8, to see the more modern, user-friendly design and enhanced digital experience for our students and community.
As you will read below, we have many students and staff to celebrate as well as upcoming fall events to look forward to. I thank them for their continued dedication to our students. As always, we are eager to start the new academic year on Sept. 1 and welcome our new and returning students to campus.
I hope you are able to join us for some events this fall and we thank you for your continued support of RCSJ.
With appreciation,
Brenden Rickards, Ph.D.
President & CAO
Rowan College of South Jersey
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RCSJ-Cumberland Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Student Success
On Thursday, May 14, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) celebrated its students during RCSJ–Cumberland’s Seventh Annual Commencement Ceremony.
Approximately 400 students, representing the Class of 2026, were present and awarded their degrees and certificates. The students’ educational achievements were celebrated by their family members, friends, and fellow graduates.
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RCSJ-Gloucester Students Shine at 7th Annual Commencement Ceremony
On Friday, May 15, over 400 students from RCSJ’s Class of 2026 celebrated their hard work and accomplishments at RCSJ’s Gloucester Campus during the 7th annual commencement ceremony.
Friends, family, and fellow graduates came together to share in the excitement as approximately 1,450 diplomas & certificates were awarded this year.
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RCSJ Recognizes Teaching Excellence
2026 Teaching Excellence Award - Cumberland
Congratulations to Dr. Bruce Myers for being presented with the 2026 Teaching Excellence Award. Throughout his career, Dr. Myers has exemplified excellence in teaching, mentorship, and student advocacy. He creates a dynamic learning environment by integrating current scientific knowledge, modern instructional technology, and hands-on laboratory experiences that make complex concepts accessible and engaging. His commitment to student achievement extends beyond the classroom, as he continually challenges students to reach higher and pursue goals they may not have initially thought possible. Dr. Myers was presented with this recognition during the President's Awards Ceremony.
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Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award - Gloucester
Dr. Christina Nase was recognized as the recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award this year. This award is presented to a full-time faculty member to recognize sustained excellence in teaching that encourages students’ intellectual curiosity and serves as a model for colleagues. The faculty make up a critical aspect of the quality of RCSJ’s educational opportunities and experiences. The award is meant to recognize outstanding faculty performance, and to encourage continuation of excellence. Congratulations Christina!
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RCSJ Recognizes 2026 Academic Advisors of the Year
Brittany Cresci - Cumberland
Since joining Rowan College of South Jersey in 2012 as a developmental math instructor, Brittany has built a career centered on student success. After discovering her passion for working directly with students, she transitioned to Academic Advising in 2019 through the STEM Pathways Grant. Known for going above and beyond, Brittany ensures students receive the support they need by guiding them through processes, connecting them with resources, and accommodating busy schedules. A multiple-time Academic Advisor of the Year awardee, College Assembly executive team member, and trusted technology resource, Brittany's leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication continue to shape the future of advising at RCSJ.
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Nickolas Raddi - Gloucester
Nickolas' dedication to student success has shaped every step of his higher education career. An NJ STARS graduate of Salem Community College, he continued to Stockton University, where he earned the institution's first undergraduate internship in the Office of Academic Advising. Inspired by that experience, he completed a graduate degree in Counseling in Educational Settings at Rowan University and was named Outstanding Intern of the Year. Since joining Rowan College of South Jersey in 2021, Nickolas has guided students across multiple academic programs while also serving as assistant coach for the men's and women's tennis teams, helping both earn back-to-back regional championships.
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RCSJ Military Alumna Proves Different Perspectives Forge Unique Paths
Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) military alumna, Johanna Magner, takes life head on. Through her 10 years in the military with multiple deployments, to her transition to civilian life pivoting different career paths, she's gained a broader life experience than the average student.
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RCSJ Recognizes Scholar Athletes of the Year
CUMBERLAND
Skylynn Oyola, the 2025-26 Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, exemplifies everything it means to be a Duke. Skylynn was a critical member of the Dukes Women's Basketball and Softball teams serving as team captain on both teams. Additionally, the Radio, TV & Film major was an integral part of the Dukes Student-Athlete Advisory Council spearheading multiple community service events as well as on-campus events such as the student-staff basketball game. Skylynn managed all of this while maintaining a 3.2 GPA and interning at TowneSquare Media in Northfield. Lastly, Skylynn represented RCSJ-Cumberland at the Region XIX Women in Sports Day as the Dukes Woman of the Year.
Tyler Schoppe, the 2025-26 Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, is the prototype for an all-around student-athlete. The Delsea graduate was dynamic on the baseball field as he was a critical leader for Dukes Baseball that reached as high as 6th in the NJCAA National Polls. Serving as one of the team captains, Schoppe's leadership on and off the field equaled his signature light tower home runs. Inbetween excelling in the classroom and leading the Dukes on the field, Tyler was a mainstay at many community events such as volunteering at the NJ Veterans Home or being a consistent visitor at Dane Barse Elementary School for 'Fist Bump Friday'. Tyler recently committed to Moravian University where he will continue his academic and Baseball career.
GLOUCESTER
Softball standout Angelina Lindner and Track star Rae-Jaun Gayle, both sophomores, were named Male and Female Athletes of the Year!
Angelina Lindner, a star shortstop who played at Pitman High School, earned All-American First Team honors. She led the Runners to the Region 19 championship title over Brookdale in May with her clutch hitting while helping the squad earn a berth in the NJCAA Division III World Series tournament. Angelina was also chosen to the NJCAA Region 19 All-Star Team!
Rae-Jaun Gayle, a former Willingboro High sprinter, became the first National Champion for the Roadrunners in the men's track 100m and the 200m events in school history. He earned All-American First Team honors in both of these events with his two national titles! He was also selected as USTFCCA East Region Track Athlete of the Year.
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NEW Career & Technical Education Program Guide Coming Soon!
Keep an eye on your mailbox! By the end of July, households throughout South Jersey will receive the latest RCSJ Career & Technical Education Program Guide highlighting our Fall/Winter 2026 programs. Interested in copies for your office or student population? Email Shannon O’Brien to coordinate.
Career & Technical Education Open Houses - August 4 & 11
Discover where hands on learning meets career success at RCSJ Career & Technical Education (CTE)!
Prospective students, parents and career changers are invited to explore our career-focused programs, meet instructors, discover grant opportunities and learn more about student support services. With training opportunities in Allied Health, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Veterinary & Animal Care, Professional Development and MORE, attendees will see how RCSJ CTE prepares students for in-demand careers.
RSVP TODAY!
August 4- 5-7 p.m.- Cumberland Campus Guaracini Center
| August 11- 5- 7 p.m.- Gloucester Campus Inspira Health Sciences Center | |
| OFFICE OF GRANT DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT | |
Grant Development & Management Team Stewards $33.2M in Active Awards
The Office of Grant Development & Management turns institutional priorities into funded reality. It identifies opportunities, develops competitive federal, state, and private proposals, and manages every award through compliance, reporting, and
close-out.
In the current year, the office stewards $33.2 million in active
awards - resources that would otherwise fall outside the College's operating budget and that directly underwrite student success, workforce training, and campus capacity.
MISSION AREAS FUNDED
- Educational Opportunity & Access
- Adult Education & ESL
- Student Basic Needs & Wellness
- Community Seniors & Culture
- Workforce & Career Training
- Career & Technical Training
- STEM & Undergraduate Research
- Campus Infrastructure
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ACE-celerate! STEM 2026 Summer Camp Inspires Future Innovators
This August, Atlantic City Electric (ACE), The NEED Project, and Rowan College of South Jersey's Cumberland Campus will welcome local high school students for the ACE-celerate! STEM Summer Camp.
During the free, two-week program from August 10-21, 2026, selected Cumberland County students entering grades 9–12 will explore energy and climate science through hands-on experiments, interactive challenges, and real-world STEM projects.
The camp brings together 50 students for an engaging learning experience focused on collaboration, problem-solving, and discovering how STEM shapes the world around us.
RCSJ is also excited to announce that ACE has committed to funding the STEM camp for another year!
RCSJ Annual President's Golf Classic Slated for October 19
Please join the RCSJ President Dr. Brenden Rickards and the RCSJ Foundation for the Annual President’s Golf Classic on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Pitman Golf Course. We appreciate your continued support and hope that you’ll join us. Please call 856-681-6242 or email cmille27@rcsj.edu if you have any questions. You can sponsor the event and register a foursome here.
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RCSJ Launches New Website Enhancing Digital Experience for Students & Community
RCSJ is excited to announce the official launch of its new website at RCSJ.edu, delivering a more modern, user-friendly, and engaging online experience for students, employees, prospective students, and the community.
The new website reflects RCSJ’s continued commitment to innovation, accessibility, and providing a seamless digital experience that connects users with the College’s programs, resources, events, and opportunities. The redesigned site highlights the many ways RCSJ supports student success while making it easier than ever to explore academic pathways and campus offerings.
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Events
Aug. 4 - CC CTE Open House
Aug. 11 - GC CTE Open House
Aug. 11-15 & Aug. 17-22 – ACE-celerate!
Sept. 29 – President's Inauguration
Oct. 8 - Open House - Gloucester
Oct. 15 - Open House - Cumberland
Oct. 19 – President’s Golf Classic
Nov. 5 – President’s Scholarship Reception
» Click here for other upcoming college events
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Academics
Sept 1 – First Day of Classes 15, 7A, 5A
Oct. 5 – Fall 5B and 10B start
Oct. 14 - Professional Development Day
Oct. 26 – Fall 7B starts
Nov. 9 – Fall 5C starts
Nov. 26-28 - Thanksgiving College Holiday
Dec. 11 – Semester Ends
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Rowan College of South Jersey
Student-Centered for Career Success
1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell NJ
3322 College Drive, Vineland NJ
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