The Rowan College Board of Trustees welcomed three new members at its July meeting as the college released a virtual tour of the Student Success Center, which will be the centerpiece of the transformed Mt. Laurel campus.
Former state Assemblyman Chris Brown and communications professional Linda Hughes were appointed by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders last month, while 2016 valedictorian Kevin Wright will serve as the non-voting alumni trustee. All three officially joined the board on Tuesday.
“The interest from the community and the caliber of potential trustees continue to grow along with the status of Rowan College at Burlington County,” said Freeholder Mary Anne O’Brien. “Trustees Brown, Hughes and Wright are impressive additions to the board who will bring valuable professional experience as the college implements its partnership with Rowan University, our innovative Workforce Development Institute and the Mount Laurel campus transformation.”
Brown, of Evesham Township, has served his community in a number of elected positions including Evesham Township councilman, freeholder and most recently assemblyman from 2012 through 2016. He is a businessman who is the founder and chief executive of Castle Realty Management, which employs more than 130 people in several offices throughout New Jersey. He holds a degree in political science from The College of New Jersey.
“When so many families struggle with high costs of college, Rowan College at Burlington County has brought affordability back to higher education, Brown said. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to begin a new chapter of public service that will have a real impact on students’ ability to afford high-quality education and develop workforce programs that will make a difference in Burlington County and the region.”
Hughes, of Evesham Township, is a senior communications associate with BAYADA Home Health Care and serves on a number of municipal and county boards including the Burlington County Board of Social Services, Evesham Township Zoning Board, Burlington County Republican Committee and the Center for the Arts of Southern New Jersey. She holds a degree in communications with a public relations specialization from Rowan University.
“I was thrilled to see the only college in Burlington County create such a ground-breaking initiative with my alma mater and I want to help make sure these benefits are available throughout Burlington County and the region,” Hughes said. “Rowan College at Burlington County is earning a reputation as national leader in high-quality and affordable education. I’m honored to join this team.”
Wright, originally from Britain, graduated with a 4.0 at RCBC in May and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in June. Three years ago, he did have a high school diploma as he struggled with dyslexia and now he is a registered nurse at Hampton Behavioral Hospital in Westampton. He is also pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.
“Rowan College at Burlington County really made a tremendous difference in my life and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with the college’s officials to help others transform their lives through education,” Wright said. “I’m honored to represent my fellow students and look forward to another rewarding educational experience at RCBC.”
Board Chair George Nyikita said Brown, Hughes and Wright will be excellent additions to the board that has been energized by the Rowan University partnership and campus transformation.
“The momentum of our accomplishment in making Rowan College at Burlington County the most affordable path to a college degree in the country is exciting and we will be further energized by new members who bring fresh and enhanced perspectives to our board,” Nyikita said.
RCBC President Paul Drayton welcomed the new members and noted how supportive the Board of Trustees has been to the college’s transformation.
“We all bring many different viewpoints, but share a singular vision of transforming lives through innovative, high-quality and affordable educational experiences,” Drayton said. “The board has supported our students every step of the way and I know that Trustees Brown, Hughes and Wright will exemplify that spirit.”
