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