Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) is proud to announce that the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) has recognized four RCSJ students as members of the 2025 New Jersey All-State Academic Team. Pictured L-R: Jennifer Gasparino, advisor Phi Theta Kappa PCC, Briana E., honoree, Icelyn C., honoree, Shawn Rutter, co-advisor Phi Theta Kappa, and Alejandra Valencia, co-advisor Phi Theta Kappa. 

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Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) is proud to announce that the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) has recognized four RCSJ students as members of the 2025 New Jersey All-State Academic Team. RCSJ recipients were honored from both the Gloucester and Cumberland campuses and are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the national honor society for community college students. They are among 35 students in PTK from the state’s 18 community colleges that received this honor. 
 
To receive this distinction, college leaders nominated students based on their academic performance, leadership, and contributions to their community. This year’s RCSJ honorees include: 
Icelyn C. – Associate of Arts Psychology (Gloucester) 
Shelby D. – Associate of Applied Science Computer Graphic Arts (Cumberland) 
Briana E. – Associate of Arts Psychology (Gloucester) 
Megan P. – Associate of Arts Psychology (Cumberland) 
 
Students selected to the 2025 All-State Academic Team represent a broad range of academic disciplines and backgrounds. Some recipients plan to transfer to four-year institutions while others plan to enter the workforce after graduation. 
 
“NJ Community Colleges have impacted my life by providing me with a quality education at more affordable rates,” shared honoree, Icelyn C. “It also impacted my life since there is a wonderful community involved in making community colleges feel open and accepting.” 
 
By fostering collaboration and developing solutions that expand college access, NJCCC promotes equity and student success. RCSJ’s dual campuses further that commitment through accessible education that provides many career pathways across South Jersey. 
 
Honoree, Megan P., expressed how beneficial the community college experience has been for her: “New Jersey Community Colleges have allowed me to meet new people in similar situations. I was able to receive a professional education while enjoying the local activities I grew up doing. Getting an education from a community college has allowed me to impact my community directly.” 
 
RCSJ’s PTK chapters, Alpha Psi Pi (Gloucester Campus) and Rho Gamma (Cumberland Campus), encourage members to take part in outreach programs, thereby increasing student involvement within their communities. PTK also recognizes college students’ academic achievements and offers opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. 
 
“Becoming a Phi Theta Kappa member and attending community college changed my life,” explained honoree, Briana E. “At 18, I moved to New Jersey alone in search of a future I could believe in. Coming from a background marked by hardship, I juggled two jobs while excelling as an honors student. That experience didn’t just shape my academic journey – it ignited my passion for mental health, education, and equitable access to resources.” 
 
Briana added, “With every leadership opportunity I’ve embraced, I’ve become more determined to use my story to empower others, break generational cycles, and drive lasting change in communities that need it the most.” 
 
To learn how PTK can benefit you, visit RCSJ.edu/PTK or contact [email protected] or [email protected]. For more information about NJCCC, visit njcommunitycolleges.org​.​