Brenden Rickards, Ph.D., was appointed Interim President of Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 6, 2025. He will officially assume the role on July 1, 2025, following 17 years of dedicated service to the College.       

Dr. Rickards began his RCSJ career in 2007 as a biology professor after earning his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University in 2006. He advanced through various academic leadership roles, including Dean of the STEM Division, Vice President of Academic Services, and most recently, Vice President and Provost of Academic Services       

Throughout his tenure, Rickards has been a driving force behind major institutional initiatives, including the merger of Cumberland County College and Rowan College at Gloucester County in 2019, the swift transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing development of new degree and certificate programs aligned with workforce demands. He has been instrumental in expanding and strengthening RCSJ's partnership with Rowan University, ensuring affordable, high-quality academic pathways for students.​
       

Recognized for his teaching and service, Rickards received the Clio Hall Award from Princeton University in 2022 and the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2012–2013.       

Rickards has also led key accreditation efforts, strategic planning initiatives, and collaborations with K–12 schools, industry partners, and statewide higher education organizations. His community-focused leadership and deep institutional knowledge position him as a strong steward for RCSJ's continued growth and mission.            

Education:            

• Princeton University, Molecular Biology, Ph.D.
• Princeton University, Molecular Biology, M.A.
• West Virginia University, Biology, B.S.​

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