Dr. Brenden Rickards, center, the second president of Rowan College of South Jersey, poses with former President Dr. Fred Keating, left, and RCSJ Board of Trustee Chair Gene Concordia, after Rickards received the Presidential Medallion during his inauguration ceremony. Photo courtesy of Tim Hawk
Dr. Brenden Rickards was formally inaugurated as Rowan College of South Jersey’s (RCSJ) second president during the official ceremony of investiture on September 29 in the Physical Education Center Gym, on the Gloucester campus.
Local politicians, area community leaders, college presidents, RCSJ faculty, staff, students, alumni, and administrators were in attendance. Several of Rickards’ family members and friends were also in the audience witnessing this consequential event.
Rickards, who is also the chief academic officer, began serving as RCSJ’s president in January 2026. Prior to his ascension to the presidency, Rickards served as a faculty member, dean, and provost at the college.
“I see so many familiar faces here from all walks of life,” Rickards marveled. “From neighborhood friends to those who have supported me as family, to those who supported me at RCSJ … to our employees, and to our students.
“It’s truly your support that has gotten me to this point … It’s the support and love of others. I want to sincerely thank you for coming.”
Rickards, 49, was born in Morgantown, WV. He graduated from Fairmount Senior High School, then went to West Virginia University (WVU) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
During the summer, while still attending WVU, Rickards, who is “intrigued by the why function” of biology, received a research grant from Pfizer. While doing research with faculty members Kay Brummond and Stephen Graber, Rickards realized he was interested in molecular biology.
He was just like many students stepping into the brave new world of higher educational studies. “When I was an undergrad, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Rickards recalled.
“I actually started as an engineering major with a thought on going to medical school. I got into chemical engineering and realized that I could not stand it in any way, shape, or form,” the Burlington County resident added, with a laugh.
Graber and Brummond gently encouraged him to apply to many schools, including the Ivy Leagues and he eventually decided on Princeton University.
“The reason that I ultimately chose to go to Princeton was that Princeton requires you to teach and I was truly interested in the teaching aspect,” Rickards said. “Because I felt that when you teach, number one, you truly get an understanding of the subject. The second reason is when I was a kid, I always enjoyed explaining things and breaking things down so that people could understand.”
Rickards graduated from Princeton with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology.
Gloucester County Board of Commissioner Frank DiMarco congratulated Rickards on behalf of the board.
“His exemplary record tenure as interim president and chief academic officer demonstrated not only his knowledge and experience, but also his commitment to the students,” DiMarco said about the new president. “He has also been a driving force in the development of new degree and certificate programs that respond to the changing needs of our workforce, while helping to expand and strengthen RCSJ’s partnership with Rowan University.”
“With the support and guidance of the Board of Trustees and the entire RCSJ community, I’m certain you will continue this institutional legacy of innovation and service for our students and community,” said Dr. Ali Houshmand, Rowan University president. Rowan University is a flagship partner of RCSJ.
Reshaping RCSJ’s future: Rickards, a Princeton University GradFutures Clio Hall award winner, is astutely aware that a thriving college begins with meaningful connections. The president is committed to engaging with students, employees, alumni, industry partners, and community members through open dialogue, shared experiences, and collaborative opportunities.
The president’s vision focuses on hands-on opportunities, transformative innovation, and servant leadership. RCSJ Serves is at the forefront of his servant leadership initiatives.
“The idea behind RCSJ serves is to encourage all of our employees and students to volunteer in things they are passionate about,” Rickards said. “I think volunteerism and serving others is a huge, fulfilling part of my life, and I’d like to extend that fulfillment to others on campus.
“I think at the core of a community college, we have to be here to serve the community—whether that’s providing education, training, enrichment, or holding events that people in the community can come to learn and enjoy. It’s a long-term commitment to integrate RCSJ more into the community.”
For information about Rowan College of South Jersey programs, visit RCSJ.edu
