CHANCELLOR HADDON’S LEGACY
PHOTO BY JONATHAN KOLBE
A CHAMPION OF EXCELLENCE, ACCESS, AND ENGAGEMENT
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ome of the seeds that Phoebe A. Haddon planted when she arrived at Rutgers University–Camden were literal: the new chancellor led the campus in a flower-planting exercise that beautified the grounds and strengthened a sense of community on campus. Other seeds she planted blossomed during her six-year tenure: Rutgers–Camden’s national profile grew, enrollment reached record levels, and research and civic engagement efforts earned greater prominence. Haddon, who will return to faculty as a professor of law in July, led the university to new enrollment milestones, in part through the introduction of the 4
acclaimed Bridging the Gap tuition reduction program that focused on making college more affordable. As a result, the number of first-year undergraduate students choosing Rutgers–Camden has nearly doubled since fall 2014. “We have renewed Rutgers University–Camden’s pivotal role as a place of access for first-generation college students seeking the life-changing opportunities associated with a Rutgers degree,” Haddon said. “Our student body now reflects the rich diversity of our state, and Rutgers enjoys increased energy and engagement with our students as a result.” Also during Haddon’s tenure, Rutgers–Camden grew academically,
adding graduate programs, including New Jersey’s first master’s program in forensic science, along with graduate programs in nursing practice, business analytics, investments and private wealth management, and digital marketing. Undergraduate opportunities also expanded with the addition of programs in digital studies, health sciences, and global studies, as well as a certificate in Spanish for the health professions. Rutgers–Camden’s global stature was enhanced when it was elevated to a new Carnegie classification as an R2 national research university in 2019. “As an alumnus of Rutgers–Camden, I will be forever grateful to Chancellor Haddon and
