​​During the past four decades, Gloucester County College has grown to become a valuable asset to the community providing quality academic programs, cultural enrichment, and professional development.

The 1960s

• The Board of Chosen Freeholders establishes a citizens’ committee to determine the need for a community college in Gloucester County
• The county electorate approves a community college by an overwhelming vote
• The New Jersey State Department of Education gives the county permission to proceed with the college
• The first Board of Trustees appointed
• Dr. William L. Apetz hired as Gloucester County College’s first president • GCC is declared officially “open for business”
• Board of Trustees purchases 270 acres at Tanyard and Salina Roads in Deptford Township for $4,650
• In June, the first classes are held at the Monogahela Jr. High School for 150 pre-college freshmen in Math and English
• Fall enrollment for GCC’s first freshman class is 371 full-time and 206 part-time students
• Groundbreaking Ceremonies held for first buildings on the new campus - College Center, Fine Arts Center, Physical Education Center and Instructional Center

The 1970s

• GCC receives its first official Middle States Accreditation
• Student enrollment hits an all-time high
• In May, GCC celebrates its first graduation class of 180 students
• Nursing program accredited by the National League of Nursing
• A daycare center is established on campus

The 1980s 

• Dr. Gary L. Reddig becomes second president
• The Board of Higher Education of the State of New Jersey authorizes Gloucester County College to award an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology
• GCC receives notice of five-year accreditation
• People in Transition, a displaced homemaker program, is offered at GCC
• The Business and Industry Training program at GCC opens
• Dr. Richard H. Jones inaugurated as third President
• Board of Trustees approves development of the Gloucester County Police Academy
• Library and Student Services buildings dedicated
• Gloucester County Police Academy holds first ceremony for Special Officer II Training School and honors the first Basic Police Officer Training graduates

The 1990s 

• GCC embarks on a new $5.2 million physical expansion project, including the Early Childhood Education Center, Health Sciences building and Technology Center
• Included in the expansion program is an addition to the Physical Education Center housing the Police Academy, Fitness Center, and Physical Education and Law Enforcement programs
• Phi Theta Kappa invites GCC to become the 1,096th chapter of the International Honor Society of two-year colleges
• Dedication ceremony for the Learning Resource Center and Barnes & Noble College Store
• Dr. Gail O. Mellow inaugurated as fourth President of GCC
• Gloucester County Volunteer Center comes to the GCC campus

The 2000s

• GCC celebrates 30 years of nursing excellence
• William F. Anderson appointed fifth president of the college
• GCC’s first learning community - Teachers 2000 - graduates its first class
• Scott Hall Science & Technology building dedicated
• Plaza is converted into a gently sloping green area, with walkways linking major campus buildings
• GCC enrolls 6,022 students in the fall semester, the largest number in College history
• The Business & Industry Training Center facility celebrates 50,000 contractors trained
• Gloucester County Fire Academy and fire-training facility become part of GCC
• The Permanent Art Collection reaches 300 plus pieces, the largest of any community college in New Jersey
• GCC celebrates 40 years of student success
• Dr. Russell A. Davis appointed sixth president of the college
• Dual enrollment relationships with four-year universities established providing seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree
• New STEM Division links programs of study with four-year universities and local K-12 districts to form a continuous partnership 
• Frederick Keating inaugurated as seventh president of the college
• University Center building opens accommodating both the college’s expanding student population and on-campus, advanced degree options with partnering universities
• Gloucester County College changes it name to Rowan College at Gloucester County on July 1, 2014 after forming a premier partnership with Rowan University