Campus Compact announced that Rutgers University-Camden has been awarded Campus Compact’s Richard Guarasci Award for Institutional Transformation. The award recognizes four-year or graduate institutions that have successfully implemented institution-wide efforts to address issues of public concern by aligning teaching, research, practice, and values in service of the common good.
Rutgers University-Camden is recognized as a leading model of holistically embedding civic engagement across every facet of the institution. The University has a rich history with deep engagement with Camden through student success programs, anchor initiatives, and civic engagement, including the Rutgers-Camden Bonner Civic Scholars Program. Led by Chancellor Antonio Tillis, Senior Vice Chancellor Nyeema Watson, and, in particular, its Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, Rutgers University-Camden has doubled down on the institution's history in ensuring that civic and community engagement work is resourced and prioritized.
“This team seamlessly and actively challenges bias and discrimination toward the pursuit of excellence by embracing the expertise of the community and helping the campus community understand the importance and relevance of community engagement and the public purpose of higher education with an unwavering spirit,” said Rutgers University Camden Dean and Professor Donna M. Nickitas in a letter describing the contributions of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement to institutional engagement efforts. “The advances we have made on campus in our community engagement and diversity, equity and inclusion are because of their commitment and leadership in this work.”
“For many years the Rutgers Camden team has been a leader in civic engagement, inclusion, and democratic education,” said Richard Guarasci, president emeritus of Wagner College and former chair of the Campus Compact Board of Directors. “Their leadership has provided an excellent model for all universities to emulate. I am so pleased to see their work recognized and saluted with this award in my name.”
The Richard Guarasci Award for Institutional Transformation is presented as part of Campus Compact's Impact Awards, which recognize the outstanding work of individuals and institutions in pursuit of the public purposes of higher education. Read more about the other awards and this year's recipients here.
The recipients of these awards will be recognized at Compact24, Campus Compact’s annual conference, which will be held in Denver, Colorado from April 8-10, 2024.