RCSJ President, Fred Keating, celebrating students at Commencement in May 2024.
After 15 years of service, Fred Keating will step down as president of Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ), effective June 30, 2025.
As the longest serving president in the 59-year history of the College, Keating will transition to a new leadership position at Rowan University beginning July 2025.
During his tenure at RCSJ, with support from the Board of Trustees, and with talented individuals by his side, Keating guided the college through a global pandemic, stabilized a premier partnership and name change with Rowan University, earned recognition as a nationally ranked community college from The Aspen Institute, and supported a nationally recognized athletic program achieving the Learfield Cup twice.
Just one of these accomplishments could define a career. The culmination of these milestones, plus so many more, is what makes Keating, RCSJ, and its people unique.
Keating’s primary focus has been and always will be a student-centered focus. Under Keating’s leadership, RCSJ has designed programs for First-Generation students, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Societies, while achieving national recognition as a gold level Military Friendly college. With county, community, and education partners, RCSJ established the Academy for Neurodiversity as well as expanded the Collegiate High School program inviting parochial schools to join.
Once again, as Keating has done throughout his tenure, he acknowledges 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. We continue to honor traditions of the past while positioning ourselves for a bright future,” says Keating.
During this time of transition, RCSJ will remain steadfast that education is the great equalizer. RCSJ’s continued transformation will redefine its place in higher education to present a new model that works for every student - creating a pathway to success.
In this ever-changing world, higher education institutions need to create critical thinkers but also provide experiential learning to train a workforce in response to industry demand. RCSJ is meeting that challenge by redefining community college. Keating has led this charge and leaves RCSJ better than he found it.
“As I reflect on my times at RCSJ and look to the future, I’m pleased to report that I will leave the college financially sound and academically relevant, while solidifying a student-first culture,” Keating shares. “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.”
RCSJ Board of Trustees Chair, Gene J. Concordia, reflects on Keating’s contributions to RCSJ and the communities they serve. “Some people have a vision but can’t execute. . . Fred Keating had both . . .he led the transformation of the College into something larger than we all imagined,” shared Concordia. “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, and I’ve been proud to serve RCSJ students and the Gloucester and Cumberland County communities,” says Keating.
