Fred Keating is the longest-serving president in the 59-year history of the college. He will transition to a new leadership position at Rowan University beginning in July.
Dr. Fred Keating will step down as president of Rowan College of South Jersey on June 30 after 15 years of service.
The longest-serving president in the 59-year history of the college, Keating will transition to a new leadership position at Rowan University in July.
With support from the board of trustees and other individuals, Keating guided the college through COVID, stabilized a premier partnership and name change with Rowan University, helped the school earn a national ranking from The Aspen Institute and bolstered its athletic program, according to the school.
Keating’s primary focus has been student centered. Under his leadership, Rowan College designed programs for first-generation students and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies while achieving national recognition as a gold-level military friendly college. With county, community, and education partners, Rowan established the Academy for Neurodiversity and expanded its Collegiate High School program by inviting parochial schools to join.
Keating has acknowledged the college community’s outstanding efforts.
“I want to thank the administration, faculty and staff for their achievements in successfully merging the Gloucester and Cumberland County Colleges into Rowan College of South Jersey,” he said. “We continue to honor traditions of the past while positioning ourselves for a bright future.
“As I reflect on my times at Rowan College of South Jersey and look to the future,” Keating added, “I’m pleased to report that I will leave the college financially sound and academically relevant, while solidifying a student-first culture. My fondness for this institution will continue as I transition to president emeritus status.
“I thank the board of trustees for granting me the honor to serve as president of such a fine institution.”
The board’s chair, Gene J. Concordia, reflected on Keating’s contributions to Rowan and the communities it serves.
“Some people have a vision but can’t execute,” Concordia noted. ” … Fred Keating had both. He led the transformation of the college into something larger than we all imagined. The board of trustees also realizes how instrumental Fred will be in the transitioning of the interim president, who will be announced in late May.
“We are forever thankful for Fred’s guidance and leadership.”
“Education is servant leadership,” Keating observed, “and I’ve been proud to serve Rowan College of South Jersey students and the Gloucester and Cumberland County communities.”
