It is with deep appreciation for a career that has transformed the lives of thousands that I report that Deborah Bowles, associate chancellor for college access, has indicated her intention to retire this spring.
Since December 1979, Debbie has been a steadfast advocate promoting the strength of our campus throughout southern New Jersey. During the intervening 31 years, she has played a true leadership role in attracting bright students to our undergraduate and graduate programs in ever-increasing numbers. Under her guidance, we met demand for a Rutgers education across a myriad of programs. As our portfolio of graduate programs grew, so also did our recruitment efforts.
During fall 2010, Rutgers–Camden posted a new record for student enrollment. These achievements, and our continued upward trajectory, are rooted solidly in the foundation built, in no small part, by Debbie and the admissions team. Through the years, she has assembled numerous classes of undergraduate and graduate students, and has done excellent work in building Rutgers–Camden’s reputation as a choice destination for top students.
Debbie is widely known to be a dedicated and thoughtful colleague who is committed to the proposition that every student should have access to a Rutgers education. She is known and trusted for her professionalism, her expertise, and her focus on the best interests of the student. Thanks to her efforts, thousands of graduates – as well as their employers, families, and communities – are strengthened by their Rutgers–Camden experience.
Across the nation and here in New Jersey, Debbie is respected by her peers. She has served as president of the New Jersey Association of College Admission Counseling, and as founder of that association’s Urban Institute, which provides training for guidance counselors in New Jersey. The Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School in Camden named her a Special Services Leader in 2000, and she received the Paul Robeson Award from Rutgers in 2001.
In 2003, Debbie was named as Rutgers–Camden’s first associate provost (later chancellor) for enrollment management. In that capacity, she added leadership of the registrar’s and financial aid offices to her ongoing work in the admissions office. Last year, Debbie accepted the position of associate chancellor for college access and senior advisor to the chancellor. In that new role, she developed programs that will prepare more students for college and, we hope, for enrollment at Rutgers–Camden. She launched a collaboration among Rutgers–Camden, Camden County College, Rowan, and other entities that is developing programs to promote college access more generally in the City of Camden.
We will continue to build upon Debbie’s work as we seek new opportunities to welcome more students, from diverse backgrounds, to our campus.
Please join me in thanking Debbie for her lifetime of service to Rutgers–Camden, and in expressing our deep appreciation for the legacy that she provides us. Both Rutgers and the citizens of our region owe her a profound debt of gratitude. I know that you join me in wishing her and her family the full enjoyment of the years to come.
Wendell E. Pritchett
Chancellor