It would be logical to sum up the 15 years of service Fred Keating gave to Rowan College of South Jersey this way: He help spur the creation of the school and its partnership with Rowan University, serving as the president of RCSJ when the community colleges in Gloucester and Cumberland merged.
Keating, however, means so much more to higher education in South Jersey. His dedication to the students in the region always will be his calling card.
Under his leadership, RCSJ designed programs for first-generation students, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Societies, while achieving national recognition as a gold level Military Friendly college.
In partnership 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.
All of this led to a school that has earned recognition as a nationally ranked community college from The Aspen Institute
His impact truly has been far-reaching.
Keating will step down as president on June 30, assuming an emeritus title at Rowan University.
As he looked back at his time at RSCJ – one that obviously included leading the institution through the pandemic – Keating moved to credit others. He’s always been a team-first leader.
“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,” he said. “We continue to honor traditions of the past while positioning ourselves for a bright future.”
RCSJ Board Chair Gene Concordia was overflowing in his praise.
“Some people have a vision but can’t execute,” he said. “Fred Keating had both – he led the transformation of the College into something larger than we all imagined.
Concordia said Keating will be instrumental in the school’s effort to bring on an interim president, which it aims to do by the end of May.
During the transition, school officials said 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, school officials said.
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, school officials said.
Keating said he was honored to serve.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The role gave Keating the ultimate opportunity.
“Education is servant leadership, and I’ve been proud to serve RCSJ students and the Gloucester and Cumberland County communities,” he said.
