Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) board of trustees announced that it has appointed Brenden Rickards, Ph.D., as the second president of RCSJ, following an exemplary tenure as interim president and chief academic officer. The official announcement took place at the RCSJ board of trustees meeting on Jan. 20 at the RCSJ Gloucester campus.
Rickards has led the college with vision and integrity since he was appointed interim president on July 1, 2025, after RCSJ’s founding president, Fred Keating, Ed.D., stepped down. The inauguration will take place on Sept. 29.
“I have had the honor of serving on the board of trustees for 24 years and watched Brenden grow into his various roles for 18 of those years,” said Gene J. Concordia, chair of the RCSJ board of trustees. “At every event and with every interaction, Brenden has been consistent in his demeanor, which was even-keeled, approachable and humble yet intelligent. He will both lead and represent this college well.”
Rickards’ relationship with RCSJ spans nearly two decades. He began his career with the college in 2007 as an assistant professor of biology, having earned his Ph.D. in molecular biology from Princeton University and previously completed his undergraduate studies in biology.
Over the years, he has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, including:
- Dean of the STEM Division, where he championed growth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programming.
- Vice president and provost of academic services, overseeing more than 100 degree and certificate programs across RCSJ’s campuses.
- Interim president and chief academic officer, guiding the institution through strategic initiatives, accreditation efforts and community engagement.
“It is an incredible honor to be named the second president of Rowan College of South Jersey,” said Rickards. “RCSJ’s student-centered culture reflects the heart of our institution — student success, engagement and community — and I am excited to build on that foundation.
“My goal is to strengthen access, innovation and partnerships that support our students at every stage of their journey, and I look forward to leading this college into its next chapter with energy, collaboration and purpose.”
Throughout his career, Rickards has distinguished himself not only as an academic leader but also as an innovative educator. He has received prestigious honors, including the Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Clio Hall Award from Princeton University for his contributions to graduate student professional development.
His leadership has emphasized workforce alignment, enhancement of transfer pathways to a bachelor’s degree and initiatives that ensure RCSJ remains a vital engine for economic and social mobility in South Jersey.
