On Wed., Feb. 21, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) and Lincoln University, P.A. – the nation's first degree granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) – met in the Acenda Behavioral Science Center to sign an exciting new transfer partnership agreement and award the first of many scholarships to come.

“Our pathway to this event started with a conversation about RCSJ's Foundational Excellence Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic action plan," recounted Almarie Jones, RCSJ vice president and chief diversity officer. “The intent of the partnership is to make sure that no student ever feels that they don't have anywhere to go when they leave RCSJ."

At RCSJ, the partnership has been led by Jones and Kenyatta Collins, dean of the College's Academy of Student Enrichment (ASE), which was founded to promote student engagement and foster inclusive success. Intentional relationships with HBCUs are one piece of this strategic action plan, and RCSJ is honored to present its student body with the opportunity to continue their educational journey at an institution that empowers its student's to “Learn, Liberate, and Lead."

“Lincoln University is the oldest, degree granting HBCU in the nation. Our institution was founded literally a decade before the emancipation of the race," remarked Dr. Brenda A. Allen, Lincoln University's president. “We are a liberal arts institution that's really focused on developing the whole student. It is our goal to make sure our students, no matter what they major in, graduate with the kind of essential skills that will allow them to tool and retool as the marketplace warrants."

Located in Chester Country, P.A., the award-winning Lincoln University boasts a diverse student body, intimate class settings, and a dedicated and passionate faculty. Its graduates have made their mark on an international, national, and local level, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, first President of Nigeria; Thurgood Marshall, first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice; and New Jersey's own Sheila Oliver, the first African American woman and the first woman of color elected to N.J. statewide office, who served as lieutenant governor from 2018 until her death in 2023.

“I've been with Lincoln University a long time, and what I tell people when I meet them about the institution is it never gets old," said Dr. Patricia A. Joseph, provost, dean, and professor of Psychology and Human Services at Lincoln University. “It never gets tiring experiencing the significance of an institution which is like a museum . . . just being in this sacred space of an institution."

Through this new partnership agreement, RCSJ students who graduate with their associate degree are conditionally accepted into a related bachelor's degree program at Lincoln University, P.A. Students must have an overall G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher, along with a minimum grade of “C" in each course to receive transfer credit. With 35 undergraduate programs and four graduate programs, Lincoln University, P.A. provides many avenues for RCSJ graduates to become a part of the University's proud tradition of excellence.

“It was an incredibly easy decision for us to chase down relationships with historic HBCUs, like Lincoln University, and HSIs (Hispanic-Serving Institutions)," stated Dr. Frederick Keating, RCSJ president. “Because we believe that they are the missing pieces of this higher education house that we build for all to be a part of and for all to benefit from. Our marketing tagline here at RCSJ is “Find Your Fit," and that's what today is all about."

To offset the differential cost for out-of-state students, Lincoln University, P.A., will provide ten $3,000 transfer scholarships annually. At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, Simran Sharma and Jaeden McMurty, became the first two RCSJ students to receive scholarships from Lincoln University, P.A., where they will both transfer after completing their associate degrees.

“These past two years [at RCSJ] have been nothing short of transformative for me. I am truly grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me into the person that I am today," reflected Sharma, RCSJ Accounting major and vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). “My journey will continue at Lincoln University in the spring of 2025. This transition marks a new chapter in my life, and I am filled with enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead."

Sharma and McMurty received a warm welcome from Lincoln University's executive director of admissions, Dr. Hamilton Raymond, who knew them both from their visits to campus. They were presented with official Certificates of Acceptance to Lincoln University, a welcome box, and a logo bag from President Allen, along with their scholarships.

“I want to express my gratitude for all of the amazing people at RCSJ and for the incredible opportunity I've been given to transfer to Lincoln University," shared McMurty, RCSJ Psychology major and SGA president. “The support and guidance I have received from faculty, staff, and my fellow students has been nothing but astronomical. I'm so thankful for the knowledge and skills I have gained during my time here."

To learn more about how RCSJ graduates can “Find Their Fit" at Lincoln University, P.A., visit RCSJ.edu/UniversityPartners/HBCU.​

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