(left to right) Joshua Coren, D.O., vice dean for clinical affairs at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine; Frederick Keating, Ed.D., outgoing president of Rowan College of South Jersey; and Richard Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR, dean of the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, as Keating accepts the Rowan-Virtual SOM Medal of Excellence at the medical school's commencement ceremony on May 15, 2025.
Rowan College of South Jersey's (RCSJ) longest-serving president, Frederick Keating, Ed.D., has handed out many awards and accolades at commencement ceremonies over the past 15 years. As he prepares to step down from his role at RCSJ on June 30, Keating's own accomplishments are taking a moment centerstage.
On May 15, he was welcomed as an esteemed guest at the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine's (SOM) 2025 commencement ceremony where he was awarded the Medal of Excellence – the institution's highest honor. The award was presented in recognition of the unique partnership Keating worked to establish between RCSJ, Rowan University, and Gloucester County; and his instrumental leadership in expanding Rowan-Virtua SOM to its Sewell campus.
The 2022 opening of the Rowan Medicine building – which houses instructional and clinical space for Rowan-Virtua SOM in addition to primary and specialty care patient services for surrounding community members – marks the first placement of a medical school on a community college campus. Two years later, when Rowan Medicine opened its first clinical facility located in Cumberland County on RCSJ's Vineland campus in 2024, access to health services was further expanded along with educational opportunities for students.
“Dr. Fred Keating's legacy is one of vision, compassion, and tireless advocacy for students and communities alike. As a first-generation college student himself, he not only understands the barriers to higher education—he has spent his entire career breaking them down," said Richard Jermyn, D.O., FAAPMR, dean of the Rowan-Virtua School of Ostepathic Medicine
“His leadership has transformed access to both education and health care in South Jersey, directly aligning with Rowan-Virtua SOM's mission to serve, heal, and educate. Our shared commitment to community advancement has made the partnership with Rowan-Virtua SOM especially impactful—reshaping the future of medical education in our region. It was an honor to present Dr. Keating with the 2025 Medal of Excellence at SOM's commencement ceremony in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to our shared mission."
The following day, Keating was presented with two awards in connection to his work at RCSJ – one from Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society for two-year colleges, and the other from RCSJ's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program, which provides state-funded financial assistance and support to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
On May 16, Keating received Phi Theta Kappa's (PTK) Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering commitment to student success; the creation of educational pathways for completion, transfer, and employment; and to nurturing high-achieving students and developing student leaders.
“Dr. Keating has been a tireless advocate for students; expanded support for PTK members; strengthened our athletic programs; and helped the College earn a gold-level, Military Friendly designation," outlined Judy Atkinson, vice president of Student Services. “His commitment to innovation is evident in his collaboration with local government, community, and business partners; and in the expansion of our Collegiate High Schools to include Rowan Prep."
Keating was also named RCSJ's 2025 “EOF Champion" for his unfailing support of the program and his work to help open doors to personal and academic success for its students.
“Each year, the EOF program honors a member of our College community who has shown outstanding support for our scholars," said Joan Pardo, director of the EOF program at RCSJ. “This year, we are proud to recognize Dr. Frederick Keating with the EOF Champion award in appreciation of his exceptional dedication and support."
As Keating prepares to step down from his role at RCSJ to join the leadership team at Rowan University, these recognitions provide a satisfying conclusion to this chapter of his career.
“As educators, we are always striving to assess the ever-shifting needs of our students to ensure that each individual has every tool they require to really thrive," remarked Keating. “These awards serve as meaningful feedback, affirming that I've dedicated my very best efforts to the students at RCSJ.
It has been my privilege to serve them, and I look forward to continuing my work as I transition to president emeritus status and assume my new role at Rowan University as vice president of strategic alignment in academic partnerships."
