Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) Board of Trustees proudly announced Brenden Rickards, Ph.D., as the second president of RCSJ at the Board of Trustees meeting on January 20, 2026, held on the Gloucester campus. The inauguration is set for September 29, 2026. Gene Concordia, RCSJ Board of Trustees chair (pictured left), congratulates Dr. Rickards (pictured right).
Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) Board of Trustees proudly announced 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 January 20, 2026, at the RCSJ Gloucester campus.
Rickards has led the College with vision and integrity since his appointment as interim president, a role he assumed on July 1, 2025, after RCSJ's founding president, Fred Keating, Ed.D. stepped down. The inauguration is set for September 29, 2026.
“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. 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," said Gene J. Concordia, chair of the RCSJ Board of Trustees.
Rickards's elevation to president marks a milestone in the institution's continued growth and commitment to its mission of accessible, innovative education for the residents of Gloucester and Cumberland counties. Under his leadership, RCSJ has strengthened academic pathways, expanded community partnerships, and deepened collaborations with regional industry and higher education partners.
A Leader with Deep Roots at RCSJ
Rickards's relationship with the College spans nearly two decades. He began his RCSJ career 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:
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Dean of the STEM Division, where he championed growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programming.
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Vice President and Provost of Academic Services, overseeing more than 100 degree and certificate programs across RCSJ's campuses.
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Interim President and Chief Academic Officer, guiding the institution through strategic initiatives, accreditation efforts, and community engagement.
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.
Vision for the Future
As president, Rickards plans to build on RCSJ's fundamental strengths: academic excellence, community responsiveness, and expanded opportunities for student success. 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.
“It is an incredible honor to be named the second president of Rowan College of South Jersey. 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."
